Chief Development Officer

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting FIRE Foundation. In partnership with the ED, the CDO will have responsibility for leading FIRE Foundation’s strategic growth initiatives and securing resources through diverse fundraising initiatives, partnerships, and aligning development efforts with FIRE’s vision and objectives.  
The successful candidate will help forge new relationships to build FIRE Foundation’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. The CDO will expand and diversify FIRE Foundation’s donor base and work closely with other team members to secure restricted and unrestricted funding. In addition, the CDO will work closely with the board of directors and support board members as they take on a more active fundraising role.
FIRE Foundation is on a growth trajectory, and fundraising goals will increase annually as this new position systematically and effectively strengthens the organization’s overall fundraising capacity. 
Responsibilities

• Support and partner with the ED and board members on all major fundraising initiatives
• Collaborating with ED to successfully execute overall development plan, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. Utilize best practices in fundraising, moves management, and donor database (CRM) management.
• Collaborate with the ED to develop and implement FIRE Foundation’s financial strategy
• Actively work with the ED to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to include gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Have primary responsibility for development and execution of all funding proposals; write and archive all proposals with a long-term relationship management approach
• Develop and execute a planned giving program.
• Keep abreast of trends and best practices to help position FIRE Foundation ahead of major funding changes.
• Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to board and key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors
• Assess data, develop strategic engagement and solicitation strategies, and oversee moves management process for ED and CDO portfolios.
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program, maintaining accurate donation records, including gifts received and creation of acknowledgment correspondence via the donor management system (Bloomerang).

• 10-plus years of professional experience with increased responsibility with nonprofit organizations; demonstrated successful fundraising track record, managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources
• Demonstrated experience with individual giving, major gift solicitation, endowment giving, and planned giving required.
• Knowledge of and experience with various giving vehicles required
• High energy and passion for FIRE Foundation mission is essential; knowledge of the Kansas City/St. Joseph K-12 Catholic education system highly recommended.
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives
• Professional and resourceful style; ability to work independently and as a team player, to take initiative, and to simultaneously manage multiple projects 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
• Ability to construct, articulate, and implement the annual strategic development plan
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Supervisory experience required
• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred

• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Frequent bending, walking, squatting, lifting, standing, and/or sitting.
• Exposure to children’s illnesses and diseases.