Chief Development Officer

Company: Association of Fundraising Professionals
Location: Cleveland
Posted on: March 31, 2025

Job Description:

Position SummaryThe Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for creating, implementing, and managing all of St. Andrew's School's fundraising and donor relationship activities. Reporting directly to the Head of School (HOS), this position will support the HOS and the Board of Directors by strategically cultivating and soliciting annual and major gifts. The CDO will lead a team of professionals responsible for fundraising, volunteer cultivation, communications, public relations, marketing and social media functions for the organization.About St. Andrew's SchoolSt. Andrew's School is a tuition-free independent school dedicated to educational equity and whole-child development. Serving students in grades K-5, the school provides an exceptional learning environment for children from vibrant yet historically marginalized communities, removing financial barriers to high-quality education.With a whole-child approach, St. Andrew's nurtures intellectual curiosity, social-emotional growth, creativity, and physical well-being. Students engage in a student-centered, hands-on curriculum that includes STEAM education, social-emotional learning, Spanish, visual and performing arts, violin instruction, and wellness initiatives. The school also offers an extended learning schedule to ensure enriched opportunities for exploration and skill-building.Beyond academics, St. Andrew's is deeply committed to community engagement and strong partnerships that enhance student success. Families are valued as active partners in education, and the Graduate Support Program helps students transition into middle school and beyond. The school's commitment to social justice and lifelong learning ensures that students are empowered to thrive in school and in life.As an employer, St. Andrew's School fosters a mission-driven, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture where professionals are supported with flexible work schedules, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth. Team members are part of a dedicated, passionate community working to remove barriers to education and create lasting impact.Essential FunctionsStrategy, Board and Leadership:

• As a member of the Leadership Team, partner closely with senior staff and the Development Board Committee to lead the creation, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive annual advancement plan that will enable sustainable short- and long-term philanthropic growth. This targeted advancement plan and calendar will provide concrete metrics and goals for fundraising, outlining regularly scheduled donor communication and opportunities for cultivation and stewardship.
• Attend board meetings and board committee meetings and report on development activities as needed, in coordination with the HOS.
• Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the organization and articulate the school's mission to external constituents.
• In partnership with the HOS, educate, energize, and train board members and senior staff in donor cultivation and professional fundraising techniques and best practices.
• Collaborate with the Financial Operations Manager to develop and produce regular reports that synthesize the financial progress, impact and trends of fundraising activities.
• Partner with HOS and Board members, as appropriate, on solicitation visits.Fundraising:
  • Oversee and effectively manage areas including (but not limited to) annual fund, capital fundraising, campaign fundraising, grant writing and reporting, volunteer management, gift processing, donor database management, special events, and marketing efforts tied to fundraising activities, as appropriate.
  • Lead the efforts to raise current budget of $1.4 million annually - with plans to increase revenue year-over-year through individuals, foundations, and corporate funding.
  • Identify and implement new revenue streams, with a focus on increasing sustainable unrestricted revenue.
  • Lead the creation and growth of a new framework for individual giving to include planned giving.Internal Management and Infrastructure:
    • Manage departmental resources (human and financial) in a way that efficiently produces optimal results, and achieves stated financial objectives for revenue and expense management.
    • Ensure that accurate and thorough records are maintained, including timely gift processing, donor records, mailing lists, contact and call reports, giving history, biographical data, etc.
    • Manage and mentor two advancement staff members (part-time development assistant and full-time communications and administrative coordinator).
    • Effectively manage the development department's day-to-day operations, budget and income forecasts.
    • Inform and provide oversight to all donor materials to ensure consistent messaging and branding of donor and external stakeholder communications.
    • Partner with the Financial Operations Manager to sustain efficient, effective and transparent financial tracking and reporting processes.
    • Develop clear processes and collaborate within the organization to create an understanding of and appreciation for the impact of the advancement function. Foster an environment of cohesiveness, transparency and collaboration.Qualifications:
      • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
      • Extensive experience (minimum 5 years) operating an annual giving program to include personally soliciting funds and motivating others to solicit funds.
      • Leadership experience representing an organization to external audiences and developing successful partnerships.
      • Experience partnering with staff and board management to guide engagement and development activities.
      • Demonstrated fundraising success from a variety of fundraising streams and experience implementing effective fundraising strategies.
      • Ability to communicate and present effectively both verbally and in writing.
      • Creative, independent, and strategic thinker.
      • Strong strategic planning and project and budget management skills.
      • Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and database management. Experience with Bloomerang is preferred.
      • Self-starter with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple tasks while achieving deadlines.
      • Passion for social justice and the values of St. Andrew's School.St. Andrew's School believes that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.One of St. Andrew's School's shared values is Mutual Respect. We embrace the importance of listening to, sharing, and learning from multiple perspectives that focus on and support our Mission and Purpose.St. Andrew's School welcomes candidates to apply, regardless of age, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, national or ethnic origin, and does not discriminate based on any category protected by law in the administration of any of its employment policies.To apply, please email resume and cover letter to headofschool@st-andrews-school.org. No phone calls please.
        #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Association of Fundraising Professionals, Cleveland , Chief Development Officer, Executive , Cleveland, Ohio