Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Reports to: CEO 
Status: Full-Time 
Location: Hybrid (Southfield, MI office) 

Mission 
Kids Kicking Cancer is an evidence based global program that uses martial arts as a therapy to empower children to become “victors” rather than “victims” of disease. Our mission is to ease the pain and trauma of children while empowering them to heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

Summary 
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the KKC leadership team, providing strategy and oversight of all resource development activities. Includes creating, planning and managing successful initiatives in areas including major gifts, planned giving, grants, social entrepreneurship, annual giving, special events, and donor stewardship. The CDO, with support from the KKC board and leadership team, is responsible for leading multi-million-dollar, multi-year resource development strategies and monitoring progress against goals. 

Key Objective 
Drive a strong revenue-oriented culture based on market-driven targets in order to strengthen and grow KKC’s donor base and the development program to meet an assigned financial target of $3-5M+ annually. Seek to diversify revenue streams to support long-term sustainability of the organization.  

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Provide leadership and direction to the CEO and KKC Board of Directors in the effective execution of all development activities. 
  • Provide leadership and guidance for campaign operational strategy, management, and processes, including timelines, objectives and metrics. 
  • Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects that requires a systematic approach of personal visits, outreach and solicitation. 
  • Work together with and oversee the grant department to develop, edit and/or review written proposals, letters and other communications for individuals, corporations, government, foundations, and grantors. 
  • Provide consistent follow-up after meetings, events and other activities to secure commitments or move relationships forward. 
  • Work with Chief Marketing Officer to plan and execute a low-mid level giving solicitation and donor stewardship strategy. 
  • Oversee data collection, maintenance and reporting for donors and prospects (Salesforce). 
  • Collaborate to institute a system of accountability and a constructive means of critical evaluation of the effectiveness and success of development activities and programs. 
  • Focus not only on meeting development goals but also maximizing the engagement of volunteers. 
  • Seek out partnerships with other organizations, corporate institutions, and groups to maximize collaboration, increase sponsorship revenue, and in-kind donations.  
  • Utilize qualitative and quantitative data obtained from evaluations of previous campaigns to identify trends in donor giving behavior, segment the target population, and properly allocate financial and human resources. 
  • Identify and implement innovative, collaborative fundraising and community advancement efforts serving KKC and its beneficiaries. 
  • Engage in community activities to increase awareness of KKC, cultivate donors and volunteers and identify strategic partnerships. 
  • Serve as a support member on internal event planning team to maximize donor engagement and fundraising objectives.  
  • Design and implement a planned giving and endowment program with focus on benefits to donors and prospects. 

Indicators of Success 

  • Achieves annual campaign, planned-giving and donor relationship management goals. 
  • Displays flexibility and adaptability as the development function of the role evolves. 
  • Builds successful relationships with staff and volunteers. 
  • Manages a robust pipeline that will create greater U.S. and global opportunities. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Strategizes opportunities for continual improvement and innovative outreach. 
  • Skilled in direct solicitation. 
  • Articulates KKC message effectively, both in writing and verbally. 
  • Understands and can work with Marketing to maximize use of technology in building relationships and soliciting gifts (e.g., digital philanthropy, social media and crowd funding, etc.). 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree is highly desirable. 
  • Minimum 10 years of fundraising leadership experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required. Experience with increasing philanthropic revenue from diverse constituencies, developing and implementing broad-based fundraising programs, and knowledge of “best practices” in development. A current valid driver’s license and good driving record is required. 
  • Minimum 5 years of management experience. 
  • High level strategic thinking and leadership abilities. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills needed to interact with a diverse body of donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders. 
  • MS Office preferred and fundraising database systems (e.g. Salesforce.com). Ability to work on a team within a collaborative environment and ensure the highest customer service orientation.

For more information, please email: HR@kidskickingcancer.org 

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Help more children find

Power. Peace. Purpose.

Despite the ongoing challenges of the global pandemic, we are committed to empowering one million children to reduce their pain and stress with the help of our evidence-based martial arts therapy.