Chief development officer

Philabundance, in partnership with WittKieffer, seeks a strategic, visionary, and experienced fundraising executive to serve as its next Chief Development Officer (CDO).

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the executive team, this individual will join a mission-driven leadership team at a pivotal moment in the organization’s history, helping to build on 40 years of impact and guide Philabundance’s development program to new levels of growth, innovation, and sustainability. The next CDO will oversee a talented development staff and work closely with the senior staff, Board of Directors, corporate and foundation partners, and individual donors to expand philanthropic revenue. Building on recent successes, the CDO will strengthen major and planned giving, expand digital and community-based fundraising, and deepen donor engagement strategies to ensure sustainable growth.

For four decades, Philabundance has worked to end hunger by rescuing surplus food and distributing nearly 50 million pounds annually across nine counties in PA and NJ. Founded in 1984 by Pamela Rainey Lawler, the organization now pairs food access with workforce development and advocacy for systemic change in poverty, housing, and nutrition. In FY2024, Philabundance raised $100 million in revenue, including $30 million from over 37,000 donors. It holds top ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid for transparency and financial stewardship. Recognized as a trusted leader in the Philadelphia region, Philabundance inspires community pride through programs like the Good Food Policy, Healthy Pantry Initiative, Retail Rescue, and the Philabundance Community Kitchen. Its mission centers on health, dignity, and equity—delivering both immediate relief and long-term impact.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a development executive to join a respected, mission-driven team and help advance Philabundance’s vision of ending hunger for good. The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraising leader with the ability to inspire generosity, cultivate lasting relationships, and advance a comprehensive development program, while motivating, directing, and mentoring staff and consultants to drive accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Direct experience with food insecurity is not required, however a passion for serving communities and a demonstrated commitment to equity and impact are essential. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience with a minimum of 8 years direct executive leadership in Public Policy, Business Administration, Marketing or related field is required.

This is an on-site position based in Philadelphia. The anticipated salary range for this role is in the mid-to-high $100,000s, plus benefits, commensurate with experience.

Additional information about the position, including a leadership profile, can be found at

WittKieffer is assisting Philabundance with this search. Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidates should provide, as two separate documents, a résumé and a letter of interest. Applications should be submitted to WittKieffer's candidate portal by clicking here or via email to consultants Ashley Buderus and Roxana Woudstra at: [email protected].

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a member of the Executive Team and provides the
leadership, management and coordination for Philabundance’s individual and institutional
fundraising efforts. The CDO drives acquisition and retention for all contributed revenue through both innovative and traditional methods.

The CDO is responsible for the delivery of high touch, outward-facing programs and will interact regularly with board members, business leaders and major donors. The development of foundations, planned giving and major giving programs, and development services fall under the CDO’s umbrella.

The CDO will be a hands-on fundraiser and relationship builder who will work closely with the Development and Communications staff to achieve specific fundraising, branding and event targets through creative thinking, targeted action, and open communication.

Reporting Relationships:

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports directly to the CEO and leads a team of 10–15. The team includes Directors overseeing Corporate Relations, Development Services, Foundations & Grants, and Individual Giving, as well as an Executive Assistant.

Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Fundraising

• Develop and execute an annual departmental plan with goals and objectives to increase gift income and enhance the effectiveness of the Development Committee, Board members, key volunteers, and staff.
• Create a comprehensive fundraising plan including donor segmentation, short-, medium-, and long-term objectives and expanded individual and institutional fundraising efforts.
• Identify board and staff members actively involved in fundraising, with defined roles, targets, and goals.
• Establish institutional giving programs for corporate and foundation gifts, ensuring adherence to grant and restricted giving agreements.
• Set standards for institutional sponsorship, with emphasis on logos, branding, naming rights, and recognition opportunities.

Position Summary:

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Manage and personally participate in solicitation and stewardship activities in collaboration with leadership committees, staff, and the Board.
• Orchestrate special events that advance fundraising efforts, including corporate gatherings, donor celebrations, and milestone events for Philabundance and programs such as the Philabundance Community Kitchen.
• Identify potential board candidates who can support fundraising objectives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a diverse team of development professionals with clear work plans, objectives, and performance goals.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities to cultivate staff skills and professionalism.
• Offer leadership and direction to department directors to enhance individual and unit performance in a collaborative environment.
• Promote accountability through clear communication of the organization’s culture, vision, and goals.
• Align and guide the team effectively, ensuring progress is measured and adjustments are made quickly with minimal risk.

Administration & Oversight

• Oversee administration of division units, including fiscal management, personnel supervision and evaluation, organizational structure, and service quality.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and CFO on annual operating plans and budgets, incorporating fundraising projections into organizational budgets.
• Prepare and present written and verbal reports to the Board, funders, and the public.

Organizational Culture & Values

• Support and align with Philabundance’s cultural pillars—People, Professionalism, Partnerships, and Progress.
• Ensure all communications, actions, and interactions reflect these core values.

Education Achievement:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 8 years direct executive leadership in Public Policy, Business Administration, Marketing or related field.

Required Knowledge and Work Experience :
At least 10 years in a nonprofit or corporate leadership role.
Background: Strong background in Business Administration, Public Policy, Sales, or Marketing (preferred).

Leadership: Minimum of 5 years in executive-level roles with direct reports and decision-making authority.

Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams and serve as a liaison or key point of contact for executive leadership and departmental activities.

Analysis: Proven experience creating complex reports—including financials, investments, strategic goals, and organizational performance updates.

Performance: Track record of establishing metrics, ensuring on-time delivery, supporting partner satisfaction, and driving efficiencies within standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Leadership Skills and Competencies:
Fundraising Expertise
Extensive experience leading all facets of fundraising, including annual giving, major and principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, special events, and capital/endowment campaigns.
Proven track record of securing transformational gifts from individuals and institutions within complex, high-performing organizations.
Broad knowledge of development strategies, including digital fundraising, social media, direct mail, membership programs, grant and proposal development, sponsorships, and fundraising databases.

Candidate Qualifications:
Communication & Relationship Building

• Exceptional oral and written communicator; an engaging, relationship-driven leader energized by community interaction.
• Skilled at crafting compelling cases for support, aligning donor interests with mission, and inspiring enthusiasm across diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in designing stewardship and recognition programs that nurture long term donor loyalty.
• Adept at fostering trust and alignment among executives, boards, staff, and volunteers to

advance shared goals.

Leadership & Team Management

• Experienced in motivating, directing, and mentoring staff and consultants to drive accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Strong ability to coordinate and amplify fundraising efforts of the CEO, board members, and volunteer leaders.
• A strategic listener and consensus-builder who synthesizes diverse perspectives into clear, actionable plans.
• Inspires results across multi-tier organizations by leading with vision, integrity, and inclusivity.

Systems & Data-Driven Fundraising

• Deep expertise in leveraging modern fundraising systems, data, and analytics to shape strategy, segment donors, and measure ROI.
• Proficient in donor research, segmentation, and volunteer management platforms.
• Skilled in advancing digital fundraising and strengthening brand and communications in

alignment with mission.
Project & Change Management

• Strong project management skills, with experience planning, delegating, and delivering results in

complex, fast-paced environments.

• Proven ability to lead organizational change with clarity and vision, engaging teams in process improvements and data-driven decision-making