As the fundraising landscape continues to evolve, the role of Chief Development Officer (CDO) has become increasingly crucial for non-profit organizations. If you’re aiming to reach this pinnacle of fundraising leadership, here’s some targeted advice to help you on your journey.
Resume Tips for Chief Development Officers
- Quantify Your Achievements: Use specific numbers and percentages to demonstrate your fundraising success.
- Highlight Strategic Thinking: Showcase your ability to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies.
- Emphasize Leadership: Detail your experience in managing and mentoring development teams.
- Showcase Board Interaction: Highlight your experience working with boards of directors and high-level stakeholders.
- Demonstrate Diverse Fundraising Experience: Show proficiency across various funding streams (major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, etc.).
- Include Relevant Technologies: Mention your experience with CRM systems and data analysis tools.
- Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work with other departments, especially finance and programs.
Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing on Responsibilities Rather Than Achievements: Don’t just list what you were supposed to do; show what you actually accomplished.
- Neglecting to Showcase Leadership Skills: As a CDO, your ability to lead and inspire is crucial.
- Omitting Continuing Education or Professional Development: This field is always evolving, so show that you’re keeping up.
- Using Jargon Without Context: While industry terms are important, make sure your resume is understandable to non-fundraisers too.
Interview Preparation Advice
- Be Prepared to Discuss Your Fundraising Philosophy: Articulate your approach to development and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.
- Have a 30/60/90 Day Plan Ready: Show that you’ve thought about how you’d approach the role from day one.
- Research the Organization’s Funding Mix: Be prepared to discuss potential strategies for diversifying or strengthening their fundraising.
- Prepare Stories of Past Successes and Challenges: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
- Be Ready to Discuss Current Trends: Show your knowledge of the latest in fundraising technology, donor demographics, and giving patterns.
- Practice Explaining Complex Fundraising Concepts: You may need to articulate these to board members or non-development staff.
- Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers: This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
Career Development Recommendations
- Pursue CFRE Certification: This credential demonstrates your commitment to ethical and effective fundraising.
- Develop Your Financial Acumen: Take courses in non-profit finance and budgeting to strengthen this crucial skill set.
- Hone Your Public Speaking Skills: As a CDO, you’ll often be the face of your organization to donors and the public.
- Stay Informed on Philanthropic Trends: Regularly read publications like the Chronicle of Philanthropy and attend industry conferences.
- Seek Mentorship from Experienced CDOs: Their insights can be invaluable as you navigate your career path.
Networking Strategies
- Join Professional Associations: Organizations like AFP, AHP, or CASE offer great networking opportunities.
- Attend Industry Conferences: These events are excellent for learning and connecting with peers.
- Engage in Online Communities: Participate in LinkedIn groups or other online forums for development professionals.
- Volunteer for Non-Profit Boards: This can provide valuable experience and expand your professional network.
- Offer to Speak or Present: Sharing your expertise at events or webinars can boost your visibility in the field.
Job Search Tips
- Leverage Your Network: Many top development positions are filled through personal connections.
- Consider Interim CDO Roles: These can be a great way to gain experience at the highest level.
- Look Beyond Traditional Non-Profits: Consider opportunities in healthcare, higher education, or arts organizations.
- Tailor Your Application to Each Organization: Show that you understand their specific mission and fundraising challenges.
- Be Open to Relocation: The best opportunity might not be in your current city.
Chief Development Officers Resume Sample
SARAH J. DONOVAN
Chief Development Officer
📞 (555) 123-4567 | 📧 sarah.donovan@email.com | 📍 San Francisco, CA | 🔗 linkedin.com/in/sarahjdonovan00000123
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Chief Development Officer with 15+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, and leadership. Expert in donor relations, major gifts solicitation, and innovative fundraising strategies. Proven track record of securing multi-million dollar donations and implementing data-driven development initiatives to drive organizational growth and impact.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Fundraising
- Donor Relationship Management
- Major Gifts Solicitation
- Capital Campaign Management
- Board Development & Engagement
- Grant Writing & Management
- Corporate Partnerships
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Team Building & Mentorship
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Global Health Initiative | Chicago, IL | January 2018 – Present
- Spearheaded comprehensive fundraising strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in annual donations over three years
- Orchestrated a successful $50M capital campaign, exceeding the goal by 15% and completing 6 months ahead of schedule
- Cultivated and managed relationships with high-net-worth individuals, securing five $1M+ gifts in the past year
- Implemented data-driven approaches to donor segmentation and outreach, improving donor retention rates by 25%
- Led and mentored a team of 15 development professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
- Collaborated with the Board of Directors to enhance governance and expand the organization’s donor network
- Developed and executed innovative corporate partnership programs, resulting in $5M of new funding annually
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Midwest Children’s Hospital Foundation | Chicago, IL | March 2013 – December 2017
- Directed all aspects of the foundation’s fundraising efforts, consistently surpassing annual goals by 10-15%
- Led a team of 10 in executing a successful $100M comprehensive campaign for hospital expansion and research initiatives
- Established a planned giving program that generated $10M in new estate commitments within its first two years
- Revamped the annual giving program, resulting in a 40% increase in the number of donors and a 25% increase in average gift size
- Collaborated with hospital leadership to align fundraising priorities with strategic organizational objectives
- Implemented a moves management system to track and nurture major gift prospects, increasing closure rates by 30%
DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
University of Illinois Foundation | Urbana, IL | June 2009 – February 2013
- Managed a portfolio of 150 major gift prospects, securing over $20M in gifts and pledges over four years
- Developed and executed strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors giving $100K+
- Created compelling fundraising proposals and presentations for high-level donor meetings and events
- Collaborated with faculty and administrative leadership to identify and prioritize funding opportunities
- Organized and led donor recognition events, strengthening relationships and encouraging continued support
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University of Chicago Booth School of Business | Chicago, IL | 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | 2003
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Master Trainer
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education: Strategic Frameworks for Nonprofit Organizations (2019)
- Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute (2016)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Member
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Member
AWARDS AND HONORS
- AFP Chicago Chapter Fundraising Executive of the Year (2020)
- CASE Circle of Excellence Award for Fundraising Programs (2019)
VOLUNTEER WORK
- Board Member, Chicago Nonprofit Leadership Coalition (2018 – Present)
- Mentor, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (2015 – Present)
Unlock Your Potential as a Future Chief Development Officer
Remember, the path to becoming a Chief Development Officer is as much about developing your leadership and strategic thinking skills as it is about honing your fundraising expertise. Stay curious, be adaptable, and never stop learning. With persistence and the right approach, you can achieve your goal of leading a non-profit’s development efforts and making a significant impact in the sector. To further strengthen your journey, consider refining your professional profile with the best non-profit resume writing services. For inspiration and guidance, take a look at our non-profit resume examples to see how a well-crafted resume can pave the way to your desired role.
