Healthy Gulf Chief Development Officer (ThinkingAhead Executive Search)

ThinkingAhead Executive Search on behalf of Healthy Gulf

THE OPPORTUNITY

If you are passionate about joining an organization that serves as a principal environmental nonprofit fighting for the health, safety, climate, and environmental justice of the most significantly impacted communities on the Gulf Coast, this opportunity should attract your attention.

Partnering with the Executive Director in this newly created Chief Development Officer position, you would have a significant opportunity to grow the financial resources that will take Healthy Gulf to its next level of success as it approaches its thirty years of service. As the CDO, you will also work with a dynamic, dedicated 14- member staff and a board who is excited to support and empower the organization in its entirety. Several important funding relationships are in place; the new Executive Director is already serving as a catalyst to attract new funders. The ED seeks a partner to work together to build a culture of philanthropy and expand all revenue streams, especially their major/principal giving programs.

The right candidate is motivated by the opportunity to shape the fundraising strategy and is excited to roll up their sleeves and actively implement it. The scope includes strategic elements and significant donor-facing components. The Chief Development Officer will recognize that their work is at the very heart of driving equitable environmental progress and will find meaning, purpose, and energy from this essential role.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• FUNDRAISING
• DONOR ENGAGEMENT
• BOARD DEVELOPMENT
• FINANCE AND OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Deep passion for the organization’s mission.
• 8-10 years minimum experience in direct nonprofit fundraising. Proven expertise with major gifts fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Proven track record of fundraising for nonprofit organizations with highly scientific, technical, and sometimes difficult to define outcomes.
• Proven ability to build a network of donors and members with purposeful strategies to reach high-net-worth individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to understand donors’ priorities and work with colleagues to frame program strategies in ways that inspire significant philanthropic support.
• Experience working effectively as a development leader with a non-profit Board of Directors and Board Committees.
• Experience working within a high-performing team. Be a creative, bold, strategic thinker.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills, including grant writing. Embody humility, collegiality, kindness, a sense of humor, and a deep spirit of collaboration.
• Bachelor’s degree OR relevant experience.

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED:

• Deep knowledge of climate and environmental justice philanthropists and other relevant constituencies
• Understanding  of/experience  with other sources of nonprofit fundraising (foundations, special events and governments).

PLEASE NOTE: Research shows that women and people of color are more hesitant to apply for a job because they may not meet all of the qualifications listed. The candidate Healthy Gulf ultimately hires may not precisely meet all of these qualifications but show the desire and capacity to grow into the role and fit within our small, close-knit team. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!