Chief Development Officer

Arkansas Food Bank - Little Rock, AR

Full-time - Senior

Little Rock, AR

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

Arkansas Foodbank is seeking a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that support our mission and long-term sustainability. The CDO is responsible for strategic planning and general oversight of all of the organization's fund development and marketing activities, leads a team of talented development professionals, and monitors adequacy of activities through coordination with staff, leadership, and governing body. This position manages and analyzes data; anticipates and researches innovative methods to secure funds and raises awareness for the organization, its programs and hunger relief; oversees implementation of all programs related to fundraising, marketing and communications and evaluates processes and results.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate activities and staff within the Development department to ensure all components of fundraising, volunteer and brand awareness goals are met as defined by the Strategic Plan.
• Ensure direct donor relationships to provide ongoing and growing sources of funding and brand awareness.
• Develop both revenue and expense budget, including ongoing review and analysis of activities, costs and operation and forecasting of data to determine department and organizational progress toward stated plans and objectives.
• Driving strategy and oversight of the marketing, branding, communications, and outreach efforts for Arkansas Foodbank.
• Proactively manage direct mail and digital program, including assessing and evaluating annual vendor-recommended plan and projections vs. results.
• Ensure technology is utilized and up-to-date to optimize efficiency, convenience and metrics for all portions of fundraising, volunteerism and marketing functions.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that include major gifts, individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special events.
• Continue and expand Planned Giving efforts.
• Work with the CEO and Director of External Affairs to ensure organizational messaging is specific, comprehensive, effective and communicated consistently to all internal and external audiences.
• Work with national (Feeding America) and statewide (Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance) entities to ensure active, comprehensive advocacy efforts.
• Ensure all grant resources are maximized, including national (Feeding America), statewide (in partnership with the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance), local and others to fund programs and initiatives.
• Lead and manage the development team, setting clear goals and performance expectations while fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment.
• Provide professional development opportunities for staff to enhance skills in fundraising, donor management, and communications.
• Ensure on-going public speaking engagements aligned with organizational goals and focused on increasing brand awareness and partnerships.
• Participate as a member of the management team in organizational planning, development and implementation, monitoring, evaluation and adjustment.
• Keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about Foodbank, Non-profit, Development and Marketing trends, policies, regulations and other matters impacting the Arkansas Foodbank. Distribute as appropriate.
• Represent the Arkansas Foodbank as needed in the community.
• Prepare and submit required reports to the Chief Executive Officer and outside entities on a timely basis.
• Attend required staff meetings, training, and conferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• At least 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, development or advancement with a proven track record of securing major gifts and driving revenue growth
• Strong experience in creating and executing fundraising strategies, including major donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, grant writing, and capital campaigns
• Ability to lead and mentor development teams, as well as collaborate with executive leadership to align fundraising goals with the organization's mission and objectives
• Proficient in computer operations, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Valid Arkansas driver's license and proof of insurance required
• Must pass a background check
• Must pass a preemployment drug screening