Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Company: AbilityFirst
Location: Pasadena
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Job DetailsJob Location: Fair Oaks - Pasadena, CAPosition Type: Full TimeSalary Range: UndisclosedJob Shift: MorningChief Development Officer (CDO)JOB TITLE: Chief Development Officer (CDO)REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (8:00 am-4:30 pm)LOCATION: Fair Oaks - Pasadena, CA Hybrid (In-Office & Remote)STATUS: Full-Time, 40hrs/wk, Non-ExemptDRIVER POSITION: Yes [ If yes, see driving policy below]SALARY RANGE: $200,000 - $220,000 AnnuallyBENEFITS & PERKS: AbilityFirst offers a competitive benefit package through Kaiser, Dental and Vision Insurance, Generous Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays, Employee Discount Program, and reimbursement for Mileage and Cellphone (where applicable).ABOUT US:At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. We believe in looking beyond disabilities, focusing on capabilities, and expanding possibilities. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to provide programs that assist people with disabilities in achieving their personal best throughout their lives.ABOUT THE ROLE:The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for driving all aspects of AbilityFirst's fundraising and external engagement efforts. This includes individual donors, foundations, and corporations. The CDO is responsible for developing and maintaining cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO reports to the CEO and works closely with the Board of Directors and senior staff to develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy aligned with the organization's mission and growth objectives.The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser, strategic thinker, team player, effective communicator and superior writer, and skilled relationship-builder. They must be able to convey AbilityFirst's mission in compelling ways to prospects and key stakeholders. The CDO is a results-oriented self-starter with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, building and expanding donor relationships, developing and leading successful fundraising campaigns, and elevating brand presence.WHAT YOU'LL DO:Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and lead an annual fundraising campaign, defining revenue and activity goals along with metrics.
• Oversee individual gifts, planned giving, grants/foundations, special events, corporate sponsorships, and annual appeals.
• Design and implement new strategic fundraising campaigns and initiatives to diversify and grow fundraising revenues.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects (including individuals, foundations, and corporations).Board Engagement
  • Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Board on fundraising priorities and initiatives.
  • Partner with the CEO and Board members to cultivate and solicit high-level donors and prospects.
  • Support and build a culture of philanthropy across the organization and the Board.
  • Engage the Board in establishing special event/fundraising committees.Executive Leadership Team
    • Work collaboratively with the Executive Team on building and fostering a welcoming, positive, and responsive work culture.
    • Partner with the Executive Team on all aspects of business operations, serving as a respectful and dedicated thought partner to colleagues and helping the team move towards solutions.
    • Collaborate on all strategic initiatives, frameworks, and plans and actively engage in the implementation of the organization's goals.Donor Engagement & Stewardship
      • Lead strategies for donor cultivation and retention, maintaining and expanding donor relationships
      • Ensure high-quality stewardship and recognition practices are consistently applied
      • Collaborate with Communications/Marketing to craft compelling donor-facing materials and messaging.Team Development & Operations
        • Lead, mentor, and grow the Development team to ensure high performance and accountability.
        • Oversee Marketing/Communications for special events and fundraising campaign collateral, including annual impact report.
        • Create development budgets, revenue forecasting, and donor database/CRM (e.g., Salesforce).
        • Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising practices and financial reporting standards.External Relations & Brand Visibility
          • Increase visibility and community awareness of AbilityFirst through events, partnerships, and media
          • Represent the organization in public forums, sector events, and donor/community engagements
          • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.Qualifications
            RequirementsSKILLS YOU'LL NEED:
            • A Bachelor's Degree is required.
            • A CFRE certification is preferred but not required.
            • Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts and campaign planning, is required.
            • A proven track record of securing 6- and 7-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations is required.
            • Demonstrated success managing development teams and cross-functional collaboration is preferred.
            • Exceptional strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills is preferred.
            • Experience working directly with Boards and executive leadership is required.
            • Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
            • Deep commitment to AbilityFirst's mission and values
            • A valid California driver's license with a clean driving recordis required.WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
              • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
              • Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
              • Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.SPECIAL CONDITIONS:Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@abilityfirst.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.Driver Positions:Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include:
                • Suspended or revoked license
                • Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
                • Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
                • Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
                • At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 yearsThe motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below:For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. AbilityFirst reserves the right to extend an employee's introductory period. In no way does the expiration ofthis introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor's responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and AbilityFirst, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the AbilityFirst staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the "at-will" employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.EEO STATEMENT:All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. AbilityFirst does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.Please include references in your application
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Keywords: AbilityFirst, Simi Valley , Chief Development Officer (CDO), Executive , Pasadena, California