Chief Development Officer

Position:
Chief Development Officer

Position Summary:
SMYAL is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven leader to serve as Chief Development Officer (CDO). The CDO will lead the organization’s efforts to significantly expand philanthropic revenue over the next five years, with a focus on major gifts, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, and multi-year donor commitments that support SMYAL’s long-term growth and impact

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, the CDO will develop and lead SMYAL’s fundraising strategy, strengthen relationships with donors and institutional partners, and identify new opportunities to grow and diversify revenue.

The CDO will oversee major donor engagement, foundation partnerships, corporate sponsorships, annual fundraising initiatives, and events while partnering with staff and board members to build a strong culture of philanthropy that advances support for LGBTQ+ youth in the DC region.

Position Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth:

Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with SMYAL’s strategic plan.

Lead efforts to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, annual giving, and fundraising events.

Establish annual revenue goals and oversee forecasting, pipeline management, and performance tracking.

Identify new opportunities for funding and partnerships that support SMYAL’s long-term sustainability.

Major Donor and Institutional Partnerships:

Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects to secure 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts.

Strengthen relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and philanthropic institutions.

Develop strategies to expand multi-year and leadership-level giving.

Coach and prepare the CEO for high-net-worth donor cultivation and solicitation.

Annual Giving, Events, and Donor Engagement:

Provide strategic leadership for SMYAL’s annual fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives.

Oversee the continued growth and success of SMYAL’s fundraising events and supporter engagement activities.

Ensure events and campaigns effectively cultivate new donors and deepen relationships with existing supporters.

Board Engagement and Philanthropy Leadership:

Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising engagement and stewardship.

Support board members in cultivating and leveraging their networks to grow support for SMYAL.

Help foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Development Operations and Team Leadership:

Manage external development partners, including SMYAL’s grant writing consultant, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.

Oversee development systems, donor data, reporting, and fundraising analytics.

Ensure effective coordination between development, communications, and program teams to support fundraising goals.

External Partners and Community Engagement:

Represent SMYAL in philanthropic and community settings.

Cultivate relationships with community leaders, corporate partners, and key stakeholders.

Strengthen SMYAL’s presence within the philanthropic and civic communities.

All other relevant duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

8–10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience.

Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising and donor relationship management.

Proven ability in securing corporate partnerships and foundation funding.

Strong leadership and team management experience.

Demonstrates exceptional skill in building and sustaining meaningful relationships.

Experience working with nonprofit boards and volunteers.

Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising analytics.

Demonstrated cultural competency in working with individuals and groups from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Superb communication skills and the proven ability to empower a diverse set of key stakeholders within the SMYAL community, including program participants, partners, and funders.

This position requires some evening and weekend availability.

To Apply:
Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. No phone calls, please. Salary is $150,000 with excellent benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement, EAP, vacation and sick time. This position is based in Washington, DC (hybrid).

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

About SMYAL:
SMYAL supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth. We actively work to create a world where queer and trans youth thrive through affirming programs and services designed to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging.

SMYAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental handicap, or political affiliation. SMYAL is committed to accessibility and providing reasonable accommodations.