At this important moment in its history, the United Way Bay Area is seeking to add a top tier development professional to lead its philanthropic outreach. Reporting to and partnering closely with the Chief Executive Officer Anne Wilson, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will work with the Board, Leadership Team, development team, donors and other key constituents to advance UWBA’s development efforts.
The CDO, working with the Board of Directors, CEO and Leadership Team, will be responsible for setting the large-scale strategy for development efforts and executing on that plan.
The CDO will actively manage a donor portfolio by personally participating in cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. S/he will oversee engagement initiatives, which strengthen constituent relationships, create awareness and build constituent support for UWBA. This will include developing strategies and innovations to further engage high-level constituents including corporate partners and new and existing individual and institutional donors at all levels to increase their understanding of the role that UWBA plays in the community and thus increase their inclination to provide philanthropic support.
Additionally, the CDO will lead, drive and catalyze innovations to both maintain and transform the organization’s revenue model in order to achieve the bold mission of cutting poverty in the Bay Area in half. S/he will guide the Board, staff and volunteers in developing and executing strategies for raising $40,000,000+ annually, including $18,000,000+ of funding for UWBA programs and operations.
The Chief Development Officer will be a bold thinker and a strategic, yet ‘hands-on’ executor who will lead a best-in-class development program. As a member of UWBA’s Leadership Team, s/he will bring a genuine passion for UWBA’s mission coupled with deep experience driving fundraising success. S/he will oversee and manage the team of 13 development professionals, including a Vice President and three Senior Directors. In addition, the CDO will oversee UWBA’s Marketing & Communication team, with the Vice President, Marketing & Communications being a direct report.
As a member of the Leadership Team, the CDO works closely and collaboratively with the CEO, EVP and Chief Operations Officer (EVP/COO), Chief Financial and Administrative Officer (CFAO) and the Senior Director of Corporate Governance. Together, the Leadership Team models and supports effective, on-going cross-departmental partnerships that address the intersections of fundraising, board governance, program and infrastructure.
Candidate Profile:
The Chief Development Officer will enhance UWBA’s overall approach to development – one that creates a true culture of philanthropy and collaboration throughout the organization, improves and develops sustained success in contributed revenue and ultimately fulfills UWBA’s mission and achieves its vision. S/he will accelerate and deepen the organization’s commitment to evolving a true CRM culture.
The ideal candidate will have the following personal and professional competencies and characteristics:
An Expert in Development
The Chief Development Officer will be an experienced leader in the field of development with a measurable track record of success. S/he will have demonstrated expertise with a wide range of fundraising channels, including individuals, corporations, foundations and government. S/he will have strong technological acumen with experience leading a data-driven approach to development and a proven ability to use metrics to drive development decisions and achieve strategic objectives. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of Salesforce, other donor management systems and tools. Working in close concert with the CFAO and the Vice President of Information Technology, s/he will develop appropriate system-wide policies and practices for the effective coordination of all fundraising activities.
Strategic Leadership and Management Acumen
The CDO will be a strategic and results-oriented leader who, along with other members of the Leadership Team, sets and articulates a vision for the organization’s next fundraising chapter, builds and executes a development plan and evaluates outcomes with a metrics based approach. S/he will assess, direct and enhance the development staff of 13 individuals. The CDO will be an approachable leader who supports a culture of collaboration between the development and marketing departments as well as with Finance and Gift Processing. S/he will be an innovative and energetic individual who functions well in a fast-paced, team environment, which includes cross-department coordination. A diplomatic and supportive professional, the CDO will be a key contributor to the organization’s culture of collaboration, accountability and effectiveness.
A Relationship Builder and Collaborator
The CDO will be skilled at building and sustaining excellent relationships at multiple levels with varied constituencies. Those constituencies include UWBA’s Board of Directors, donors, Leadership Team, corporate and community leaders, other UWBA departments and local United Ways across the country. The CDO will have an inspirational approach to building collaboration and buy-in and generating support from stakeholders, including corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. S/he will be a charismatic, high-energy leader who can talk with all constituents and successfully convey UWBA’s objectives. S/he will be open to looking at situations from multiple perspectives and will be comfortable challenging and debating issues of organizational importance. As a system wide enterprise leader, the CDO will build upon the team-oriented approach that will result in a stronger development function organization-wide. S/he will build bridges and engage colleagues interdepartmentally, recognizing the needs and supporting the priorities of each.
A Passion for the Mission
The Chief Development Officer will have a passion for the United Way mission and a commitment to the Bay Area’s diverse communities and the people they serve. S/he will embrace UWBA’s culture, while continually innovating to help expand its brand and reach. The CDO will be an empathic, charismatic leader who has strong faith in humanity and treats others with respect. S/he will be an individual of unquestioned integrity, ethics and values; someone who can be trusted without reservation.
Relocation expenses: Not paid
Annual Salary: More than $200,000 per year