Chief Development Officer

Chief  Development Officer  

Full-Time ∙ Exempt-Salaried ∙ Remote 

 

Are you ready to transform your career into a powerful catalyst for change? For almost 30  years, ZERO Prostate Cancer (ZERO) has been at the forefront of the battle against prostate cancer, providing essential support to patients and families touched by this disease. ZERO is the nation’s leading prostate cancer organization and the number one provider of prostate cancer resources, programs, and services. We are on a mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. 

 

Consistently recognized as one of the Best Nonprofits to Work for by the Nonprofit Times, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to our team and community. Our culture is founded on the principles of growth, inclusivity, and camaraderie, which we uphold with passion and purpose. Our vision is a world where prostate cancer detection is early, support is unwavering, and care is accessible to all. When you join ZERO, you become part of an extraordinary community with strong core values: Courage, Ambition, Inclusion, Empathy, and Integrity–  where each individual motivates and inspires one another, advancing your career while making a meaningful impact in the fight against prostate cancer. Seize this opportunity to be more than just an employee—become an essential part of a movement that truly matters!

 

Job Summary: 

ZERO is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join its Executive Leadership Team. Reporting to the CEO, the ideal candidate is an individual with deep development expertise, a proven track record of driving exponential growth, experience in diversifying revenue streams, and excellent relationship management skills. This successful individual would be excited to have the opportunity to evolve the development department and lead strategies involving partners, donors, team members, volunteers, and event participants. The CDO will play a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission by leading comprehensive development strategies, fostering partnerships, and ensuring financial sustainability. 

 

This position is based remotely and will require nationwide travel approximately 10%- 20% of the time.

 

Key Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Design, implement, and own the annual $16.5M revenue goal, providing the President & CEO and Board of Directors with accurate monthly forecasting and risk-mitigation strategies to ensure 100% attainment of funding targets
• Drive a year-over-year growth in new donor acquisition and corporate partnerships, specifically focusing on diversifying revenue streams to reduce reliance on [specific source, e.g., peer-to-peer events] and increasing high-net-worth individual giving
• Directly manage a personal portfolio of top-tier 'Impact' donors, modeling ZERO’s relationship-building philosophy where supporters feel 'cared for, loved, challenged, and valued' as essential partners in ending prostate cancer
• Leverages cutting-edge technology platforms and advanced sales management methodologies to inspire and lead a high-performing development team, driving consistent deal closure while delivering precise short- and long-term financial forecasts that inform strategic decision-making at the executive level
• Design and execute a mission-aligned, comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy across the organization
• Balance leadership and management responsibilities with hands-on fundraising, including carrying a personal portfolio of donors and corporate accounts 
• Establishes and tracks metrics and adjusts tactics as needed to achieve goals 
• Work with other departments to seek unique funding opportunities for mission-critical initiatives 
• Collaborate with peers and across departments to define priorities and role structures for staff 
• As a member of the executive team, report directly to the President & CEO, advising her on key issues, keeping her up to date on the organization’s development work, and bringing an innovative perspective on opportunities to advance the organization’s work and mission 
• Work directly with the CEO on Board development and recruitment, as well as serve as the staff liaison to the Board Development Committee 
• Effectively prepare, manage, forecast, and monitor the development departmental budget in alignment with the organization’s goals 
• Use budget management and decision-making skills to drive organizational decisions on the use of human capital and financial resources 
• Ensure the infrastructure of development operations follows best practices, complying with all relevant regulations, laws, and ethical principles and standards 
• Understand and actively engage a workforce dispersed throughout the country. 
• Celebrate successes, identify opportunities, overcome obstacles, and learn from setbacks
• Prioritizes the growth and progress of team members and colleagues through constructive feedback, positive leadership, and consistent training/development. 
• Other duties as assigned
   

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of nonprofit development and fundraising leadership
• 5 years of executive leadership experience is highly preferred 
• Demonstrated experience securing gifts and partnerships of $1 million plus 
• Experience leading teams to revenue goals of $15 million dollars or more 
• Demonstrated track record of leading a nationwide team to achieve ambitious revenue goals 
• Comfort in leading teams through transformative and growth periods
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) a plus 
• Demonstrated experience working with high-caliber volunteers and board members in understanding the mission, gaining their direct support, and enhancing their financial investment in the organization. 
• Proven track record of successfully implementing comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, event fundraising, and individual giving 
• Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical/biotech advocacy funding space 
• Experience in utilizing data-driven strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship 
• Knowledge of best practices in donor prospecting, cultivation, and engagement
• Familiarity with diverse fundraising channels, including digital fundraising and events. 
• Strong understanding of donor relations and the ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate the organization's mission and impact 
• Comprehensive understanding of revenue budget building and forecasting
• High comfort level and proficiency with Donor CRMs. Proficiency with Google and Microsoft suites, accounting, human resources, and video conferencing software
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience 

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Change agent and status quo challenger 
• Big, bold thinker and strategist with the skills and experience to then execute the plan 
• Possesses a high level of personal accountability for achieving ambitious results.
• Enthusiastic for building a culture of philanthropy and leads that culture across the team 
• Strong interpersonal skills, visionary leadership, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Creative thinker with a passion for building initiatives and teams 
• Courageous and determined with the ability to take charge in a complex environment 
• Continuous quality improvement mindset 
• Skilled in collaboration and consensus-building 
• Innovative with a commitment to a mission-driven environment and culture
• Ability to perform in a complex changing environment 
• Strong analytical skills, communication and interpersonal skills, problem identification and resolution skills, and decision-making ability. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and situations and build a cohesive consensus 
• Is a motivational and accountable leader who also enjoys being part of a team and overcoming obstacles as a team 

 

Physical Requirements:
 

• Constant use of a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as computer printer, calculator, and copier. 
• The position requires a professional, quiet working environment free from background noise and interruptions, conducive to providing high-quality phone support to participants, donors, and stakeholders.
• Prolonged periods of a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• The ability to recognize details at close range for extended periods of time.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

 

One of many reasons to join the ZERO team is because we offer great benefits!

• Flexible Time Off Policy (FTO)
• 403(b) retirement plan matching up to 4%
• 100% Employer-paid benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability insurance
• HRA/FSA

This role will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with our executive team to support ZERO’s mission to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, education, awareness, and support. 

This position is based remotely and candidates may live in any area within the United States. This position will require nationwide travel approximately 10% - 20% of the time. 

If you have gained the necessary experience to succeed in this role and have acquired this experience in other ways, we encourage you to apply and share all relevant information in your application. We value diverse perspectives and would love to hear from you!

ZERO Prostate Cancer is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. We encourage BIPOC, Veterans, individuals with Disabilities and those affected by prostate cancer to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at [email protected].