Chief Development Officer

Company: United Way Worldwide
Location: Boston
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW:The United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UWMB) seeks a proven, effective fundraising leader who will champion our organization's work building stronger, more equitable communities across the region. Reporting to and partnering with the CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead a robust effort to increase and diversify revenue and raise $50 million annually to meet the organization's operational goals and community investments. The ideal leader will bring extensive senior-level fundraising experience and a demonstrated track record of success in driving significant philanthropic outcomes. Equally important, this leader will be hands-on, ready to engage in the day-to-day work required to build and sustain a high-performing development function within an organization of this scale.The CDO builds robust relationships working closely with the board, volunteers, colleagues, and constituents to articulate and achieve ambitious goals. The CDO has exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to represent the United Way effectively to diverse audiences. They desire to explore new ideas and approaches to solving problems and creatively and strategically address how donors want to leverage their philanthropy. They will be a team player who will work across the entire enterprise to build support for fundraising efforts that need strengthening and strategies with long-term success.The CDO learns from key stakeholders to embrace the value of the United Way network. They can build collaboration among people and across organizational structures, while honoring the history of and respecting the culture and values of the UWMB. They must understand the role of philanthropic agencies, be comfortable addressing community needs and concerns, and be familiar with public policy issues. Along with the above, they will be a leader who shares the United Way's commitment to working with action and intention while listening to and respecting the voices of the most marginalized communities we serve.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:An accomplished fundraiser, the CDO will lead and manage a team of 15+ professionals responsible for raising at least $50 million annually. This will include strengthening current efforts to produce increased revenue and implementing new approaches to fundraising that are still in their earliest stages at the organization. The CDO, a member of the Senior Leadership Team, will have oversight of five key functions:

• Individual Giving & Major Gifts
• Corporate Partnerships and Workplace Campaigns
• Foundations & Grants
• Special Events
• Development OperationsThe CDO will expand and diversify fundraising by integrating corporate and workplace giving and strategically focusing on robust individual major gift initiatives. The CDO will also lead the refinement and implementation of an ambitious organizational fundraising strategy and annual plans for major gifts, foundation relations, corporate giving, special events, and planned giving.The CDO will accomplish this through the following:
  • Building off the existing structure to sharpen the overall strategy and implement a robust effort to increase and sustain revenue from all sources
  • Partnering closely with the CEO and other key leaders to strengthen current efforts and build an enhanced approach to reach revenue targets
  • Leveraging the CEO, the board, and other key stakeholders to create and maintain key external relationships
  • Creating initiatives to expand United Way's prospect pipeline by accessing new and leveraging existing networks
  • Providing strong direction and management for the development division, including effective systems, processes, and measurements to monitor, project, and guide fundraising results
  • Being a team player with senior colleagues and building a collaborative approach in advancing a robust fundraising agenda
  • Thriving in a fast-paced environment where commitment to the mission drives the workREQUIREMENTS:There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at each applicant's experience. We want to get to know you and learn about the unique strengths you will bring to the work. We will most likely be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate most of the qualifications and experiences listed below.
    • Progressive senior leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, preferably in health, human service, or other complex nonprofit organizations
    • Significant experience managing direct reports with strong leadership skills that include the ability to motivate, influence, and hold staff accountable to high standards and goals
    • A curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for the work of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay
    • Expertise in strategic and operational development planning for both short- and long-term impact, with experience in change management
    • Demonstrated success in building, managing, and leading a complex team
    • A track record of raising budgets of at least $15 million and executing a fundraising strategy that includes principal gifts of at least $1 million
    • Exceptional reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills, including an ability to translate ideas and concepts into clear, actionable initiatives
    • Excellent interpersonal skills with a passion for creating relationships and drawing out the best in colleagues, volunteers, and community leaders
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to persuade and influence others around ideas, decisions, and financial support
    • Ability to leverage and communicate effectively with multiple audiences, including executive leaders, Board members, donors, and staff
    • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • A bachelor's degree is required, with an advanced degree preferred for this level role.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSUnited Way of Massachusetts Bay offers a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $200,000-$225,000. Benefits include a BCBS PPO plan, dental coverage, a 401k retirement savings plan with company match and an employer base contribution, and a generous PTO policy including extended holiday and summer hours. We also offer staff a hybrid work schedule in our new office environment in Boston. Some travel within our service area is expected to effectively engage with community partners and donors.HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates are encouraged to promptly submit their application and a thoughtfully written cover letter to the attention of Positively Partners through our . For confidential inquiries or assistance in completing the application, please contact us via email at , and a member of our team will follow up.TIMELINE AND HIRING PROCESSWe will review and respond to all applications received. While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect two interviews with the search team, an interview with members of the Search Committee (representatives of the Board and staff), and for finalists, an interview day with Board members and staff, including a robust and holistic reference check process. The expected start date is early Fall 2025.
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Keywords: United Way Worldwide, Nantucket , Chief Development Officer, Executive , Boston, Massachusetts