About the organization

Our client is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting farmed animals and reducing animal suffering. Its work combines advocacy, stronger welfare standards and public engagement to improve outcomes for animals.

The organization works with businesses, policymakers and the public to advance change in the food system and build support for animal protection.

They are sharpening their strategic priorities and strengthening their use of evidence and impact measurement to guide decisions and improve the effectiveness of their work.

For the incoming CDO, this is an opportunity to partner closely with an ambitious CEO, reshape philanthropy and unlock new sources of funding that could take the organization’s scale and impact to an entirely different level.

The opportunity

The Chief Development Officer will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy and philanthropic engagement, securing the resources needed to advance its mission. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership, the CDO will translate organizational priorities into a practical, ambitious fundraising plan and build a sustainable, diversified base of support.

This is a strategic and hands-on executive role for a leader who combines fundraising expertise, analytical judgment, pipeline management and strong relationship skills. 

Key responsibilities

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  Develop and implement an integrated fundraising plan that balances near term delivery with sustained growth. Identify the most promising donor audiences and channels, establish clear priorities and allocate resources according to their potential and return.

  
  


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  Partner with the CEO to identify, cultivate and steward major and principal donors, foundations and strategic funding partners. Personally manage an appropriate portfolio of high value relationships and shape compelling asks that connect donor interests with the organization’s priorities.

  
  


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  Create a disciplined approach to prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Expand access to new supporters while strengthening donor retention and long term engagement across major gifts, institutional funding, planned giving and broader individual giving.

  
  


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  Work closely with finance and senior leadership on budgets, revenue forecasts and scenario planning. Use pipeline quality, conversion assumptions and performance data to set credible plans, track progress and advise the CEO and board on opportunities and investment decisions.

  
  

Leadership and delivery

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  Set clear direction and expectations, coach and empower colleagues, and build the capabilities needed to deliver the strategy. 

  
  


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  Bring fresh, creative thinking to fundraising, developing innovative revenue streams and finding new ways to engage donors beyond the traditional nonprofit playbook.

  
  


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  Work with program, marketing, communications and public engagement colleagues to create persuasive donor propositions and integrated campaigns. 

  
  


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  Use Salesforce and other fundraising systems, reporting and analytics to support informed decisions and consistent execution. Guide the development of digital fundraising, annual giving, direct mail and donor engagement, and evaluate emerging tools and approaches where they add value.

  
  


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  Support board members in their fundraising roles and serve as a credible ambassador with donors, foundations and other partners. Ensure events and external engagement contribute meaningfully to fundraising and stewardship objectives.

  
  

Requirements:

We are seeking a deeply mission aligned leader with the expertise to turn a clear vision into sustainable fundraising results. Strong candidates will bring:

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  A record of developing and executing successful fundraising strategies, growing revenue and building lasting donor relationships, with substantial experience securing and stewarding significant major or principal gifts.

  
  


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  The ability to prioritize opportunities, build a qualified pipeline, use fundraising metrics and forecasts, and connect revenue planning with organizational budgets and capacity.

  
  


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  A strong understanding of the major fundraising channels and how they work together, including individual philanthropy, foundations and institutional giving, planned giving and digital fundraising. 

  
  


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  Experience leading and developing teams, setting clear expectations and guiding change with emotional intelligence. The ability to listen, seek input, delegate effectively and build trust while delivering results.

  
  


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  The ability to articulate a compelling case for support, inspire confidence among donors and work effectively with the CEO, board and colleagues across functions.

  
  


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  A strong, sustained commitment to protecting farmed animals, alongside humility, self awareness and openness to learning. Experience in animal protection is valuable; relevant leadership experience from other mission driven organizations is also welcome.