Chief Development Officer

The Chief Development Officer’s responsibilities include:

Development Leadership and Management

• Prioritize donor cultivation, stewardship, and appreciation.
• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 50 current and prospective institutional, corporate, and government funders. The CDO also serves as a front-line fundraiser of high-level individual supporters by creating, managing, and securing gifts from a portfolio of 150+ current and prospective mid and major individual donors.
• Establishes development strategies, including an annual plan, and administers and oversees the implementation of all fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the SLT to optimize the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Work closely with community partners and businesses to increase the visibility of FFC.
• Provide detailed fundraising progress reports to the President and Board.
• Develop and maintain relationships on behalf of the organization, connecting others to the mission of FFC and educating the public to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with other organizations within FFC’s coalition of nonprofit partners to leverage resources that benefit the sports-based youth development sector as a whole.

Communications and Grant Management

• Oversee production of all direct mail letters/emails, case statements, grants, brochures, and sponsorship proposals to facilitate donor engagement.
• Oversee the grant process ensuring accountability to funding entities.
• Ensure all internal and external fundraising communications are focused on quality, accuracy, and effectiveness.

Event Fundraising and Special Events

• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of the organization’s signature fundraising events, including the annual gala, to raise substantial funds and increase visibility for the organization.
• Develop and manage the event fundraising strategy, including setting clear goals for sponsorships, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and other revenue-generating components.
• Cultivate relationships with event sponsors, ensuring they receive value and recognition for their support.
• Collaborate with the Board, host committees, and staff to ensure the success of the gala event, from pre-event planning to post-event follow-up and stewardship.
• Engage with major donors and prospective supporters at the event to build stronger relationships and secure future commitments.
• Track and report on event results, measure outcomes against goals and provide detailed analysis to the President and Board.
• Ensure the gala and other special events align with FFC’s overall fundraising strategy and mission.

Board Relations

• Participate in the orientation of new board members annually.
• Share the development plan with the Board including specifics on individual Board Members’ responsibilities and involvement.
• Work with and support the Board Fundraising Committee.

Community Engagement

• Actively seeks and maintains positive relationships with business partners, governmental entities, donors, and the community at large to increase knowledge of FFC and enhance partnerships.
• Supports new and ongoing community engagement events.

To apply for the position of Chief Development Officer, please send a cover letter and resume to ffc.email@fightforchildren.org with “Chief Development Officer” in the subject line. For best consideration, please submit your information by February 28, 2025. The position will remain open until it is filled.  We recognize the importance of confidentiality and that an expression of interest may be purely exploration.

 Ideal candidates will be based in the Washington, DC area; however, strong candidates who are able to travel to DC regularly will also be considered. While it’s not absolutely required for the position, it is a plus for candidates to have preexisting relationships with funders in the DC metropolitan area.

The salary range starts at $135,000 and is negotiable based on related credentials and work experience. Benefit offerings include paid health for employees, a 401K retirement plan with a discretionary match, flexible spending, educational stipend, and generous holiday and vacation allowance.