Chief Development Officer

The CDO will lead a strategic, diversified fundraising program encompassing major gifts, corporate giving, planned giving, foundation grants, and annual events. They will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, collaborate with the Board of Directors, and develop key community relationships to amplify the role of philanthropy in CPM’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with CPM’s mission and long-term goals.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the CEO, contributing to organizational strategy and revenue generation plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Board of Directors to advance CPM's philanthropic goals.

Fundraising and Revenue Growth

• Identify and implement strategies to diversify and increase revenue sources, including donor acquisition and retention.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors, securing high-value gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Lead innovative initiatives to enhance donor engagement and maximize philanthropic support.

Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, and inspire a high-performing development team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Set measurable goals for team members and provide ongoing feedback and recognition.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee budgeting and financial forecasting for the development function, ensuring transparency and alignment with CPM objectives.
• Utilize CRM systems to streamline gift processing, reporting, and donor relationship management.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate donor engagement with CPM’s events, communications, and content strategies.

Community Engagement

• Serve as an ambassador for CPM, cultivating relationships within the Chicago philanthropic landscape.
• Represent CPM in local and national public media networks to share best practices and foster partnerships.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven leadership in fundraising functions, with experience managing major gifts, corporate giving, and grant programs.
• Strong track record of building meaningful donor relationships, with knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic community preferred.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, demonstrated in previous roles and initiatives.
• Experience with budget management, strategic planning, and CRM systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Passion for public media and a commitment to its role in fostering informed democracy.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to align fundraising strategies with organizational goals.
• Experience building and managing high-performing teams.