The Opportunity
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and external relations at CJR. This is a pivotal moment for the organization: a new CEO takes the helm on June 1, 2026, and the CDO will be a key partner in building the philanthropic foundation to support CJR's next chapter. The CDO oversees a comprehensive, relationship-driven development program with a focus on major gifts, donor stewardship, technology-enabled fundraising, and board engagement across a four-entity nonprofit structure.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Partner with the President and CEO and senior leadership to identify funding priorities and align development strategies with organizational goals
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy centered on donor engagement and relationship-building.
- Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with an emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationship development.
Donor Engagement & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain a portfolio of key donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies.
- Support and guide the President and CEO and Board in donor relationship development and solicitation efforts.
- Strengthen donor retention through thoughtful stewardship and ongoing engagement.
Fundraising & Revenue Development
- Oversee all fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving.
- Integrate traditional fundraising approaches with digital and technology-driven strategies.
Team Leadership & Compliance
- Lead, supervise, and develop Development Department staff; foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture.
- Seven or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or external relations, including demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising and securing major gifts.
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CFRE certification, or advanced degree preferred.
- Experience utilizing CRM systems (Raiser's Edge preferred) and digital fundraising tools.
- Experience working with senior leadership and Boards of Directors in donor engagement and solicitation.
- Familiarity with planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor segmentation strategies.
- Experience in a nonprofit, human services, or education environment strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and sustain meaningful donor relationships
Location:Litchfield, Connecticut
Hybrid: On-site three days per week
Travel:Local and statewide travel required.
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