Position Summary

As a member of the Girl Scouts Council Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for cultivating relationships with major donors and identifying opportunities for fundraising while furthering the overall mission of the organization.  They will collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team to develop short and long-range strategic fundraising goals.  The CDO will execute on goals, including managing a team that is responsible for the Council’s three-year capital gift campaign, alumni relations, major gifts, special events, annual appeals, corporation/foundation relations, grant writing and reporting, planned giving, as well as lead coordinated state and local advocacy initiatives. 

The CDO works closely with the CEO, other members of the Executive Team, and the Board to drive the strategic leadership and direction of the council. Executive oversight of fundraising strategy and lead the development of a strong culture of philanthropy within the organization. Collaborates closely to design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve an annual multi-million-dollar revenue goal from foundations and corporations, individuals through major gifts, direct mail, online appeals, Giving Day, and special events.

Major Accountabilities

• Work with the CEO and the Resource Development Committee of the Board of Directors to create broad-based, achievable short and long-range revenue generation strategies to support the strategic direction of the Council.  Work with the Board to encourage individual philanthropy and Board engagement in supporting fund development goals.
• Identify and cultivate individual, foundation and corporate prospects.  Create case statements and proposals for external funding opportunities, including for scheduled annual events and other new fundraising opportunities as needed.
• Effectively develop and maintain influential relationships in the State of Connecticut to maximize awareness and engagement with families and funders and in identifying and developing opportunities to partner with organizations from the business, non-profit, and public sectors to maximize broad-based support for the Council’s operations.
• Develops actionable strategies for meeting and exceeding goals through grants, sponsorships, gifts, donations and fundraising events.
• Raises awareness of the organization and its primary goals through outreach efforts, attendance at community events and media relations.
• Identifies new revenue streams to enhance the organization’s fundraising efforts.
• Monitors fundraising trends and uses information to inform future efforts.
• Participate on Board and/or Advisory committees which may include Fund Development and Advocacy.
• Assist in the identification and recruitment of potential board members and community members of board committees.  Attend board and committee meetings as appropriate.
• Monitors fundraising trends and uses information to inform future efforts.
• Oversees fundraising events to ensure goals are achieved and donor needs are satisfied
• Solicits donations from large corporate donors and major donors, keeping them informed of organizational progress made possible by their donations.    
• Spearheads GSOFCT advocacy and external communications initiatives in collaboration with Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors.
• Serve as liaison between council and GSUSA in ensuring the effective dissemination and messaging of critical organizational communications both internally to staff and externally to stakeholder groups, as needed and appropriate.
• Work with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer to support all internal departments through philanthropy marketing plans and strategies that ensure the achievement of their departmental goals.
• Oversee the collaboration and planning of annual grant funding needs with Member Experience, Community Outreach and other internal departments.
• Participate on Board and/or Advisory committees which may include Fund Development and Advocacy.
• Assist in the identification and recruitment of potential board members and community members of board committees.  Attend board and committee meetings as appropriate.
• Coach and develop staff while modeling the three values of GSOFCT:  shared accountability, integrity and excellence.
• Spearhead the activities associated with national initiatives through GSUSA and sister councils.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, leadership, along with management, strategic planning and implementation
• Proven ability to manage a team
• Experienced track record of cultivating and securing 6 figure major gifts
• Strong verbal and written communications skills to present to the Board of Directors
• Superb interpersonal skills
• Experience using fundraising database software.  Raisers Edge preferred
• Solid understanding and capable user of Microsoft outlook (email, calendar, tasks)
• Strong experience using Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Demonstrated success with individual giving and major gifts and a working knowledge of information systems and databases that support fundraising.
• A demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement comprehensive development programs, including envisioning and articulating future direction.
• Knowledge of Connecticut-statewide philanthropic community.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license, vehicle in working condition, proof of insurance, or the ability to fulfill travel requirements across state geography to meet with Donors.
• Able to pass a criminal background check
• Bachelors Degree; Masters Degree preferred; CFRE preferred

 Additional Organizational Requirements

• Subscribe to the principles of the Girl Scout Movement
• Possess a positive attitude with strong work ethic, integrity and honesty
• Must be flexible, adaptable and willing to thrive in an ever changing/fast-paced environment.
• Be a visible champion for inclusiveness
• Behave in ways that demonstrate respectful treatment of other employees, volunteers and girls