Chief Development Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising and donor stewardship strategy to help grow the Trailhead Community Health Foundation’s asset base to benefit non-profit organizations focused on health and wellness priorities within the Greater Akron region.  Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CDO will lead all aspects of philanthropic engagement, donor relations and stewardship, and capital campaigns, ensuring alignment with the foundation’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Philanthropic Leadership
  • Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to set and achieve bold and realistic fundraising goals.
  • Devise and execute innovative fundraising strategies in partnership with diverse stakeholders across regional, state, and national levels to maximize Trailhead’s community impact.
• Fundraising, Donor Engagement and Ongoing Stewardship
  • Create and lead plans to secure transformational gifts and endowments. 
  • Plan and implement a comprehensive stewardship plan which results in increased donor retention and satisfaction outcomes and increased contribution of dollars to the foundation. 
  • Leverage strategies related to digital campaigns, planned giving, and major gifts strategies to maximize fundraising goals.
  • Oversee donor recognition programs, ensuring meaningful engagement and retention.
• Communications Planning
  • Partner with communications leader to plan strategies to keep the community and donors aware, updated, and engaged with Trailhead Foundation philanthropy priorities, plans, and events.
• Team Leadership & Management
  • Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing development team.
  • Establish clear performance metrics and accountability systems.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
• Board and other Stakeholders Relations
  • Meaningfully engage  Board of Directors and key stakeholders with fundraising initiatives and donor outreach and follow-up.
  • Provide monthly updates on development progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Operational Excellence
  • Oversee development operations, including prospect research, gift processing, and donor database management.
  • Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
  • Manage the development budget and allocate resources effectively.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of securing major gifts ($1M+) and leading successful fundraising campaigns with individuals, corporates, foundations, and other entities. 
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or advancement leadership.
• Strong understanding of philanthropic trends and nonprofit financial management.  Experience working with others to address community health issues preferred.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with foundations, endowments, or organizations with significant assets.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, along with a competitive benefits package.