Chief Development Officer

Scion Executive Search has been retained to identify the incoming Chief Development Officer on behalf of our client, Hire Heroes USA. Hire Heroes USA is the nation's leading veteran employment nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. servicemembers and their spouses achieve success via a rewarding career path. This full-time, remote opportunity is available for immediate hire!

ABOUT HIRE HEROES USA:

Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Hire Heroes USA (Hire Heroes) has built a national reputation of excellence for empowering U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. As the nation's leading veteran employment organization, Hire Heroes offers personalized one-on-one coaching, professionally revised resumes, mentoring, workshops, a job board, career fairs, and more to tens of thousands of job-seeking veterans annually. Hire Heroes prioritizes transparency, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and the GuideStar Platinum Seal. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization funded exclusively through public donations and private grants, they provide their services at no cost to clients.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) drives the organization's strategic initiatives in revenue generation, marketing, and brand awareness, focusing on maximizing fundraising opportunities and diversifying funding sources. Spearheading three essential departments—Development, Corporate Partnerships, and Marketing and Communications—the CDO leads corporate partnerships, foundation and grant funding, individual contributions, major gift cultivation, and earned income revenue.

Collaborating closely with Hire Heroes leaders, staff, board members, and local advocates, the CDO guides their departments to secure crucial revenue streams by fostering relationships with donors, grantors, and partners while enhancing brand visibility. The CDO develops strategies in donor development, marketing, advertising, and public relations to advance the Hire Heroes mission and brand and ensures the successful implementation of those strategies organization-wide.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Generation

• Lead the organization through significant growth phases, focusing on strategic planning and expanding revenue streams. Collaborate with internal teams to identify and develop funding opportunities. Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders – clients, alums, supporters, volunteers, and prospects.
• Collaborating with the Director of Corporate Partnerships, drive the vision for and spearhead the growth of Hire Heroes' Corporate Philanthropy initiatives, securing large-scale corporate philanthropic contributions.
• Develop and expand Earned Revenue program offerings. This includes, but is not limited to, the Job Board, Employment Partner talent acquisition, and Corporate Training activities.
• Manage foundation and grant revenue, ensuring robust grant applications and compliance.
• Develop innovative fundraising strategies aligned with Hire Heroes' mission, exploring Planned Giving, Trusts & Estate Giving, and Cause Marketing opportunities.

Individual Donor Management

• Lead efforts to increase individual giving and oversee the transition of high-potential donors to the major gifts program.
• Partner across departments to develop meaningful engagement and recognition programs for individual donors (e.g., "Hire Heroes Member Circle").
• Oversee a seamless donor journey, ensuring a positive experience from initial engagement to ongoing support.

Major Gifts Management

• Partner with a dedicated team to cultivate and solicit major gifts (>$25,000) from a targeted prospect pool, including securing planned and legacy gifts. Prioritize face-to-face interactions when feasible.
• Develop individual giving plans for each prospect, considering their giving history and potential. Collaborate with program leaders to tailor proposals and project information (budgets) to maximize engagement.
• Work with department heads to craft communication and marketing plans for each major prospect, fostering strong relationships and securing donations.

Marketing & Communications Strategy

• Develop and present a comprehensive marketing strategy in collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Communications to position the Hire Heroes USA brand for sustainable growth. Oversee brand management by establishing KPIs and ensuring consistent messaging.
• Champion the enhancement of marketing capabilities (technology, digital expertise, and data analytics) to inform strategic decision-making and improve competitiveness.
• Track and report on departmental KPIs to leadership and the board, providing data-driven insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Craft compelling narratives (verbal and written) that resonate with potential donors, aligning their interests with Hire Heroes' critical programs and projects.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to promote a unified approach that aligns with Hire Heroes' vision and mission.
• Develop and manage the Marketing & Communications annual budget to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Management & Administration

• Lead and empower the directors of Development, Corporate Partnerships, and Marketing and Communications. Effectively manage team workflows to promote a culture of continuous learning and achievement.
• Ensure optimal utilization of Salesforce as a contact tracking tool for accurate data collection, storage, and prospect and donor information management.
• Develop regular reports for leadership and the board, reflecting caseload activity and team performance.
• Through professional organizations and development opportunities, champion continuous learning.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of efficient donor management systems encompassing research and cultivation, gift processing, recognition, and donor compliance.
• Demonstrate a willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the organization's mission.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a related field preferred or requisite role experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of successful experience in revenue development, fundraising, and brand management, including major gift experience, possibly in higher education or other nonprofit-related fields.
• Strong background in securing corporate partnerships and managing corporate philanthropy.
• Extensive experience in foundation and grant management, individual giving, major gifts, and earned revenue programs required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising plans.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data and market research to develop efficient marketing and development strategies.
• Proven track record of successfully soliciting and securing major personal gifts and managing a company brand.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact with high-level supporters while maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
• Experience with donor management/CRM (Salesforce preferred).
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of working with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• CFRE Certified Fund Raising Executive or similar certification highly desired.
• Willingness to travel 35-40% for fundraising events.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

In addition to a competitive base salary of $175,000 (DOE), Hire Heroes also provides exceptional medical, dental, and vision benefits. Their generous paid time off package includes paid vacation and sick leave, 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, and up to 12 weeks of medical leave and family care, as well as a 401(K) plan with a company match of 100% of contribution up to 4% of base pay, and more! This opportunity, position, and mission will inspire you daily!

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

Hire Heroes has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via https://www.scionstaffing.com/job/11479.

Hire Heroes USA is an equal-opportunity employer with a diverse workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, domestic violence victim status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected factor. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation, training, leaves of absence, and termination. Sexual harassment or harassment based on other protected group status, as defined by law, is also prohibited.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.

Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.