Chief Development Officer

StepUp Wilmington (SUW), a leading workforce development organization in the Cape Fear region, is seeking a passionate, innovative, and data-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO), responsible for leading and implementing SUW’s fundraising strategy and deliverables to expand mission impact and organizational mastery and growth. The CDO is a key executive leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising and marketing strategy
• Lead, develop and execute a comprehensive data-driven and relationship-centered fundraising plan
• Create and serve as the primary relationship manager of a portfolio of donors and prospects
• Support the fundraising efforts of the CEO, other members of the StepUp Wilmington leadership team, Board Members, Young Professional Board, volunteers, and community partners
• Create an Annual Development plan that increases organizational sustainability and ensures year-round individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors
• Work with the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and provide fundraising training and best practices to motivate board members to meet fundraising goals
• Plan, oversee, and implement annual fundraising events
• Manage a robust grant program that will support current and future programs
• Utilize Salesforce as the primary database for recording, tracking, and reporting of all fundraising relationships and activities
• Manage, lead, and train fundraising staff
• Represent the organization, as needed, at community events, conferences, and other public forums to enhance the organization’s visibility and influence
• Participate in the development of messages, materials and content used in strategic donor communications and solicitations
• Implement a comprehensive and timely stewardship plan

Qualifications

• A demonstrated passion for SUW’s mission and fundraising, with a deep understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of the nonprofit sector
• Proven experience leading grant writing programs
• Eight years of experience in comprehensive, donor-centered fundraising
• Effective public speaker and ability to think on your feet
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines
• Strong communicator with an astute eye for written and visual communication
• Proficient in Microsoft and Google applications, Salesforce a plus
• Good sense of humor and ability to work well with a dynamic team
• Flexible schedule outside of typical working hours, with the ability and willingness to work occasional nights or weekends, as necessary