Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Job Description

Title: Chief Development Officer

Reports To: CEO

Employment Status: Full-time

ABOUT THE LANDING: Founded in 2015, The Landing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to serving survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. We meet survivors where they are—through street outreach and intervention—and welcome them into our drop-in center located on Bissonnet, a nationally known trafficking hotspot. For youth survivors, we offer 24/7 crisis response and long-term advocacy across the Greater Houston area.

Our mission is rooted in sharing the love of Christ while walking alongside survivors on their path to safety, healing, and freedom.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a senior leadership role responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy that ensures the long-term sustainability of The Landing. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CDO oversees all aspects of the development program, including major gifts, grants, donor relations, communications, marketing, fundraising campaigns, and special events.

This role leads the development team and works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and broader leadership to drive philanthropic engagement, elevate brand awareness, and grow community support including individuals, community and private foundations, churches, and local businesses. The CDO will serve as a key ambassador for The Landing in the community and will play a central role in advancing the mission of the organization. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Major Gifts and Donor Engagement

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 20–30 major donors and partners, with a goal of expanding to 50 high-capacity supporters.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, faith-based groups, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Strategically support and advise the CEO in engaging top-tier donors.

Development Strategy & Planning

• Develop and lead the organization’s annual fundraising strategy in collaboration with the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Expand fundraising capacity by building out a robust major gifts program, planned giving, and non-cash giving initiatives.
• Provide regular fundraising performance reports to the CEO and Board.
• Ensure accurate donor data, gift tracking, and acknowledgment using Salesforce.

Development Planning and Oversight

• Develop and execute the annual fundraising strategy under the direction of the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Engage board, staff, and volunteers in achieving fundraising goals; attend board meetings and deliver detailed reports.
• Oversee donor acknowledgment processes and keep up-to-date records in Salesforce.
• Monitor and report on organizational revenue goals monthly.
• Reconcile fundraising revenue with the Chief Operations Officer and CEO.
• Maintain proactive communication with the CEO on critical issues.
• Foster a positive, unified, and non-judgmental team culture.
• Continue learning and staying current on best practices in fundraising and anti-trafficking work.
• Continuously improve development systems, workflows, and strategic planning.
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Development Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise the development team, including the Mobilization Manager, Development Coordinator, and Marketing Coordinator.
• Provide oversight of outreach efforts, community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and marketing/communications.
• Oversee grant proposal strategy and reporting for government, foundation, and corporate funding.

Community Engagement

• Represent The Landing at events, speaking engagements, and donor meetings.
• Cultivate relationships with churches, businesses, civic groups, and other partners.

Events Management

• Lead planning, and execution of The Landing’s signature annual fundraising event, including sponsorship strategy and procurement.
• Oversee all special events in coordination with the development team and Board committees.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy and culture.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across the organization by training and equipping board and staff in fundraising best practices.
• Model The Landing’s mission, vision, and values in all internal and external interactions.
• Continuously improve development operations through data analysis, systems optimization, and strategic innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must embrace the mission and vision of The Landing, agree with the Statement of Faith, and abide by the Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, event planning, public relations, marketing, development, and/or sales with measurable results.
• Proven track record of personally finding, cultivating, and asking for major individual and institutional donors.
• Skilled in working with and motivating staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in business or related field), or equivalent relevant experience.
• Valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
• High ability with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with donor database software, especially Salesforce.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends for fundraising and donor stewardship events.

SKILLS:

• Displays the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
• Aligns with The Landing’s core values:
• Organizational Values: Love, Integrity, Honor, Social Equity
• Team Values: Wisdom, Christlikeness, Heart for Justice, Excellence, Innovation, Influence, Humility, Unity
• Knowledgeable or willing to learn about human trafficking; passionate about survivor care and justice.
• A proactive “self-starter” with a strong work ethic and the ability to set and achieve ambitious goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, written, proofreading, and public speaking skills.
• Motivated to engage with donors, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Familiar with the Houston philanthropic landscape, including surrounding counties.
• Strong organizational skills, planning abilities, and time management are important.
• Demonstrates professionalism, presence, confidence, and active listening.
• Comfortable working with board members, funders, and community leaders.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills with the ability to manage ambiguity.
• Familiarity with project management tools and ability to juggle multiple deadlines.
• Open to feedback, consistently seeking growth, and willing to adapt.
• Grant writing experience is preferred.

COMPENSATION

• Salary: Annual salary range of $90-125K with flexibility that is commensurate with experience.
• Healthcare: 100% employer-paid health insurance premium for employees.
• Additional Benefits:
• HSA/FSA options
• Counseling stipend
• Generous paid time off
• Two annual spiritual care days