Overview
Chief Development Officer Jobs in Nelsonville, OH at Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Position Overview
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead the FAO team to significant mission growth through the successful development of a strategic portfolio of philanthropic capital and a robust pipeline of planned gifts. Reporting to the President and CEO, the CDO will supervise and coach a growing team, including development staff and volunteers, to achieve strategic goals that will transform communities across Appalachian Ohio.
CDO’s Objectives
1. Advance flourishing across Appalachian Ohio by developing a strategic portfolio of philanthropic capital.
Grow annual grantmaking capacity of each FAO affiliate foundation and develop permanent support for collective impact.
Grow annual grantmaking capacity of each of FAO’s regionwide Pillars of Prosperity grantmaking funds.
Grow impact of FAO’s Friend of FAO annual campaign and I’m a Child of Appalachia® Fund to meet urgent needs, seize new opportunities, and advance innovation regionwide.
Develop near-term investment to expand FAO’s Growing Home Fellowship.
2. Leverage Appalachian Ohio’s $154 billion intergenerational wealth transfer to secure additional planned gift commitments for the future of Appalachian Ohio’s people and communities.
Guide marketing, communications, and outreach strategies.
Collaborate with affiliate foundations and other partners to promote planned giving strategies.
Foster partnerships with advisors and regional leaders to increase legacy gifts for Appalachian communities.
Responsibilities
Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for all aspects of FAO fundraising, including coaching, cheerleading, and supporting a mission-oriented and deeply motivated development team; designating roles and responsibilities; and evaluating performance to advance FAO’s key objectives.
Manage a portfolio of major and principal donors leading to the successful cultivation and execution of philanthropic support to FAO’s strategic priorities. This leadership will set the example for all development staff on the team.
Oversee major giving, planned giving, corporate giving, and annual giving strategies, and ensure effective engagement with professional advisors.
Collaborate with FAO’s leadership team to ensure FAO’s overall organizational strategy integrates/accelerates FAO’s fundraising goals.
Guide FAO marketing and communications team to ensure the integration of development goals into organizational marketing, materials and strategies.
Develop and manage the operating budget for FAO’s development function, ensuring alignment with FAO’s long-term objectives.
Candidate Qualifications
Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising/sales, with a repeated proven record of securing large gifts.
Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and motivating teams of professionals and collaborating partners to achieve strategic fundraising goals.
Visionary, with a proven ability to translate complex organizational work into compelling value propositions for donors.
Trustworthy, with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Thorough knowledge of fundraising and donor stewardship processes, fundraising databases (Raiser’s Edge, Financial Edge, etc.), annual fundraising, events fundraising, and planned giving strategies.
Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising ethics and regulations and IRS charitable giving rules.
Significant knowledge of Appalachian Ohio communities, opportunities, and challenges.
Experience working with boards and executive level volunteers.
Advanced credentials such as CFRE or graduate degrees in relevant fields a plus.
Competencies & Attributes
Commitment to Appalachian Ohio. FAO is a place-based foundation, and candidates with a strong connection to the region and commitment to making the region their home will be given priority consideration.
Passion for FAO’s mission and ability to represent FAO with contagious enthusiasm and utmost professionalism.
Humility, combined with an undeterred professional will to achieve success.
Creative, energetic, entrepreneurial spirit, eager to build new programs, explore new opportunities, and continuously improve and enhance practices.
Results-oriented with strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, capable of balancing big-picture goals and day-to-day operations.
Collaborative mindset, excited about working with teams across and outside FAO to align and execute on FAO’s mission, demonstrating integrity and accountability in all interactions.
About the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) is a regional community foundation dedicated to partnering with donors and doers to create transformational opportunities in Appalachian Ohio.
Mission: to unleash the collective potential within Appalachian Ohio by encouraging and supporting philanthropy.
Vision: a flourishing Appalachian Ohio – flourishing people and flourishing communities, today and in perpetuity.
FAO advances impact across five areas of opportunity known as the Pillars of Prosperity: Arts & Culture, Community & Economic Development, Education, Environmental Stewardship, and Health & Human Services. FAO is home to 14 local affiliate foundations, the regionwide African American Community Fund, and more than 700 charitable funds benefitting Appalachian Ohio’s people and communities. In 2023, FAO’s annual grantmaking totaled $9.5 million, benefiting every county in Appalachian Ohio.
Compensation
This position offers a competitive salary based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Travel across Appalachian Ohio and nationally will be required.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to:
Maureen Sharkey, Chief of Staff
Email: [email protected]
See https://appalachianohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025.2.19-FAO-CDO-Position-Profile.pdf for the full job announcement.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
Have you submitted your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected]?
Ability to Commute:
Nelsonville, OH 45764 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Chief Development Officer
Company: Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
Location: Nelsonville, OH
