Chief Development Officer

The Rodale Institute’s Chief Development Officer is an important part of the Institute’s executive team and will oversee all external Development operations for the organization. The primary focus of the Chief Development Officer is to grow the annual revenue base for the Institute and expand the influence of Rodale Institute through all external-facing touch-points for the organization. By creating and executing a fundraising strategy, the “CDO” will exponentially grow our global audience and annual funding. The Institute is in the silent phase of a multi-year comprehensive capital campaign in an effort to raise $72.5 The Chief Development Officer will oversee this effort and work with the Development team to achieve the campaign goals which will fuel Rodale Institute’s growth, financial resources, and global impact over the next 3-5 years.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maximize annual revenue growth and achieve the annual and longer-term fundraising targets by leveraging our channels, a multi-prong donor acquisition strategy to create lifelong partners in mission, and direct cultivation and solicitation to a major donor base.
2. Create highly effective strategic plans for Development to achieve Rodale Institute’s annual and multi-year goals.
3. Evaluate Rodale Institute’s fundraising operations and develop clear goals, a succinct strategy, and staffing plan to exponentially grow our donor base and overall funding.
4. Build and cultivate a portfolio of major donors, foundations, and other philanthropic partners that contribute to Rodale Institute’s mission in a significant way.
5. Make Rodale Institute a household name by partnering with the Director of Marketing in conducting a brand audit and roll out an acquisition strategy that delivers a critical mass of engaged donors.
6. Partner with the Director of Marketing to ensure that outreach and communications are effective in reaching target audiences as evidenced by growth of individual and corporate donors, as well as increased consumer engagement in external communications (social media and digital communications).
7. Ensure the accomplishment of annual and long-term fundraising goals by developing and implementing fundraising programs and cultivating relationships with donors.
8. Develop and oversee implementation of the annual budget, maximizing resources to ensure Rodale Institute’s operational and long-term financial stability.
9. Hire, lead, and collaborate with an effective team.
10. Provide support and guidance for the team to promote their individual development and effective functioning within and between departments, including cross-departmental collaboration on fundable opportunities and partnerships.
11. Employ “servant leadership” practices to support staff performance and retention.
12. Maintain open and informative communications with staff for the purpose of staying connected to and aware of their interests, ideas, and concerns.

APPLICABLE TRAITS:

1. A palpable and contagious passion for the mission, vision, and core values of Rodale Institute and the advancement of the regenerative organic farming movement.
2. Enthusiasm, integrity, high energy, and a positive attitude; is mission-driven and self-directed.
3. Fueled by deep curiosity, compassion, and interest in people and culture, particularly Rodale Institute funders.
4. Collaborative, transparent, inclusive leadership style.
5. Forward thinking and innovative mindset.
6. Keen ability to drive business development, strategy, and marketing, branding, and audience growth.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, and/or EXPERIENCE:

1. Ten years or more of successful experience in leadership, revenue generation, for-profit/non-profit management, and P&L oversight within a mission-driven sector.
2. Prior experience in successful fundraising, including major gifts, and making direct solicitations for transformational multi-year commitments.
3. Effective decision-making experience that balances input and process with the need for timely decisions, and which incorporates the tactical details of day-to-day concerns into big-picture strategic considerations.
4. Highly developed interpersonal communication skills demonstrating inquiry, active listening, and empathy.
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Revenue-generation experience, including cultivation, appreciation, stewardship, solicitation, and/or a willingness to continue to learn.
7. Ability to coach staff, develop and manage teams, set and achieve strategic objectives.
8. Demonstrated management skills, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
9. Financial management experience at an executive level, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.
10. Past success working with a Board of Directors and the ability to cultivate Board member and potential new Board member relationships.
11. Candidate should have experience in organic community or strong interest/passion for our mission.
12. The Chief Development Officer is expected to work in the office at least two days/week to partner with their team and meet with funders on site as needed.
13. Ability to travel nationally as needed for events and funder meetings

OTHER RODALE INSTITUTE EXPECTATIONS:

To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors.
Be honest, professional, and take ownership of one’s work

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.