Chief Development Officer

Portland Japanese Garden and Japan Institute seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) who brings strategic fundraising expertise, strong management experience, and a genuine love of connecting with people. The ideal candidate is a charismatic and outgoing leader who brings experience, discernment, and presence to the role, and who understands that successful fundraising is built on authentic relationships.

As an executive in a growing, mid-sized organization, the Chief Development Officer must be equally comfortable working autonomously and collaboratively. This role requires someone who can inspire donors, staff, and volunteers; read situations and people with care; and connect the Garden’s evolving needs with the passions and interests of a diverse community of supporters.

Portland Japanese Garden offers many pathways for engagement. From art and gardens, to cultural and educational programming, to international exchange and peace-building work. Our ideal candidate will find that the Garden has a connected, caring community of supporters and a Board of Trustees eager to support fundraising success.

The Chief Development Officer serves on the Executive Management Team, consults closely with both Co-CEOs, and reports directly to one Co-CEO. The position oversees the Development department (7 employees) and the Membership department (3 employees), has two direct reports, and works from the Sylvan Office (1730 SW Skyline Blvd).

Primary Duties

PJG Development Department Oversight (~75%)

Contributed revenue represents approximately 15% of the organization’s operating revenue and is the primary revenue source for capital and special projects. The Development Department also encompasses the Garden’s Volunteer Program, which engages more than 200 caring and passionate volunteers who play a vital role in supporting the visitor experience and advancing the Garden’s mission. The Chief Development Officer provides strategic leadership for all contributed revenue streams and plays an active, visible role in donor engagement.

Responsibilities include:

• Working with the Co-CEOs and Director of Development to prospect, cultivate, and steward relationships with key and high-profile donors.
• Building and sustaining a strong external presence by engaging across the community, developing key relationships, and tracking trends within the arts and culture landscape.
• Providing strategic oversight for all fundraising programs, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and donor engagement initiatives such as the Golden Crane Society.
• Leading major gifts fundraising for the Garden, including managing a diversified portfolio, supporting select CEO-managed relationships, and stewarding 2–3 key corporate partnerships.
• Working with the Senior Donor Relations Manager to provide oversight of grants and foundation strategy.
• Growing corporate engagement and revenue via corporate sponsorship and membership programs, in partnership with the Corporate Relations Manager.
• Providing executive oversight of the Volunteer Program, in partnership with the Director of Development, recognizing volunteers as essential ambassadors and contributors to the Garden.
• Bringing discernment and creativity to donor strategy, identifying opportunities to align donor passions with organizational priorities.

Membership Department Oversight (~15%)

Membership revenue represents approximately 10% of the organization’s operating revenue. The Chief Development Officer supports the Director of Development and Sr. Manager of Membership department to guide strategic initiatives that strengthen engagement, grow revenue, and steward the Garden’s community of members.

A key priority within the Membership department is the continued growth of the Sakura Society, the Garden’s newly launched young patrons’ program. This initiative is an important investment in the future success of the Garden, cultivating the next generation of donors, advocates, and leaders.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic oversight and leadership to the Membership department.
• Partnering with the Sr. Manager of Membership to grow and steward the Sakura Society, ensuring meaningful engagement opportunities that connect younger patrons to the Garden’s mission.
• Ensuring close collaboration between Development and Membership teams while honoring the distinct goals and strategies of each.

Administrative (~10%)

• Serving as a member of the Garden’s Executive Leadership Team, contributing to high-level organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Supporting the Director of Development, and Senior Manager of Membership in departmental management, including staffing, budgeting, and financial oversight.

Other Responsibilities

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook.
• Spending time in the community and at Garden events to foster meaningful relationships, strengthen networks, and gain insight into the broader arts and culture environment.
• Providing regular, clear reporting to the Board of Trustees and Board committees on fundraising progress, including monthly updates on key metrics, trends, and priorities.
• Promoting Development and Membership activities to the Board of Trustees and staff with clarity and enthusiasm.
• Partnering with Trustees in donor cultivation and stewardship, helping Board members feel confident and effective in their fundraising roles.
• Engaging with the Garden’s Foundation Board to support the growth and stewardship of the organization’s endowment.
• Providing mentorship, leadership, and clear expectations to Development staff, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and care.
• Building strong relationships across the organization, earning trust, establishing credibility, and promoting two-way communication.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Maintaining a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance, and modeling leadership presence at all times.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• At least 10 years of experience with a successful track record in development; major gift experience preferred.
• At least 5 years of management experience with proven ability to manage staff effectively.
• Proven experience securing major gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE or equivalent professional certification preferred
• Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships and engage donors with warmth, confidence, and discernment.
• Comfortable reporting to Boards and Board committees, with the ability to present fundraising progress, challenges, and opportunities in a clear, concise, and engaging way.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and financial forecasting, as well as comfort with metrics, analytics, and data-informed decision-making.
• Experience with fundraising databases such as Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to read situations, ask thoughtful questions, and respond with care.

This posting is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications of this job.

Special Requirements

• Schedule flexibility is required with availability days, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Must be comfortable with occasional light to medium-weight lifting.
• Personal passion for Japanese culture and history, arts and culture, and/or learning about people.

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Additional solicitation(s)/writing sample(s) will be requested for candidates who move forward in the process.

All submitted applications will be held in confidence.

We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes).

Schedule and Benefits

• This is a full-time, salaried position working approximately 40-45 hours per week. Workdays are typically Monday-Friday but must be flexible to attend events on evenings and weekends.
• Benefits:
  • health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
  • 401k plan (eligible for employee elective deferral after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
  • flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)