SUMMARY
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) position is a key executive leadership position responsible for overseeing and implementing the organization’s strategic development initiatives. The CDO will work closely with the CEO and other senior leaders to drive growth, enhance partnerships, and identify new business opportunities. This role requires a
strong combination of strategic thinking, business acumen, relationship building, and fundraising expertise.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement the organization’s overall strategic development plan in alignment with the company’s mission, vision, and goals
• Business Development: Identify and pursue new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and collaborations that support the organization’s growth and expansion
• Fundraising and Revenue Generation: Lead and manage fundraising activities, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, capital campaigns, and planned giving programs
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, donors, partners, and government agencies
• Provide guidance and support to the executive team on business development strategies, market trends,and potential risks or opportunities
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and industry developments to identify emerging opportunities and make strategic recommendations
• Drive revenue generation through effective fundraising strategies, including major gifts, capital campaigns,and planned giving programs
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop compelling messaging and materials to support fundraising and partnership efforts
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, events, and networking opportunities to promote its mission and establish strategic relationships
• Prepare and present reports, updates, and analysis on development activities to the CEO, Board of Directors,and other stakeholders as required
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors,donors, partners, government agencies, and community organizations. Strengthen existing partnerships and establish new strategic alliances
• Team Management: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the development team. Foster a collaborative and high-performing culture, set goals, and monitor progress
• Financial Analysis and Planning: Oversee financial management related to development activities. Analyze revenue trends, evaluate financial feasibility of projects, and develop budgets and financial forecasts
• Board Engagement: Collaborate with the Board of Directors, provide regular reports on development activities, and leverage their expertise and networks to support fundraising efforts
• Market Research and Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify new revenue streams and potential risks
• Communication and Branding: Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop compelling messaging and materials for fundraising campaigns, events, and partnership initiatives. Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all development activities
• Reporting and Evaluation: Track and measure the effectiveness of development strategies and initiatives. Prepare and present reports to the CEO, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders on the progress, outcomes, and impact of development efforts.
Required Education & Experience:
• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, marketing, non-profit management or a related field
• 10+ years’ experience in a senior leadership role overseeing strategic development, business development,or fundraising functions
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and revenue generation
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage and influence stakeholders at various levels
• Solid knowledge of fundraising techniques and best practices, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Results-oriented mindset with a track record of achieving fundraising targets and driving organizational growth
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with cross-functional teams
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Additional Skills and Responsibilities:
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for a CDO. The ability to articulate the organization’s mission, goals, and impact to various audiences is crucial for building partnerships and securing funding
• Change Management: The ability to navigate and lead through organizational change is valuable. This includes effectively communicating change initiatives, managing resistance, and fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A CDO should possess a mindset of innovation and entrepreneurship to identify and capitalize on new opportunities, explore creative fundraising strategies, and adapt to evolving market trends
• Financial Acumen: While financial management was briefly mentioned earlier, having a strong understanding of financial principles, budgeting, and financial analysis is crucial for overseeing fundraising activities, evaluating investment opportunities, and making data-driven decisions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Purpose-Driven: Solid Africa’s work environment is characterized by a strong sense of purpose and mission. Employees are motivated by the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact on communities and promoting development
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented: Collaboration is essential at Solid Africa, as teams work together to plan and implement programs, share expertise, and address challenges. The work environment fosters a spirit of teamwork, encouraging open communication and cooperation among colleagues
• Multicultural and Diverse: Given Solid Africa’s focus on international development, the work environment is likely to be multicultural and diverse. Employees from various backgrounds and nationalities bring unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the organization, fostering a rich and inclusive work environment
• Field-Based and Travel: Depending on the nature of Solid Africa’s programs, employees may have opportunities to work in the field, visiting project sites, engaging with local communities, and overseeing program implementation. This may involve travel to remote or rural areas, both domestically and internationally
• Fast-Paced and Dynamic: The development sector often requires a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Solid Africa’s employees may need to adapt to changing circumstances, navigate complex challenges, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality and efficiency
• Learning and Growth: Solid Africa recognizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development. The work environment may provide opportunities for employees to enhance their skills, attend relevant workshops or training, and stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in the development field
• Impact-Focused: Solid Africa’s work environment places a strong emphasis on measuring and evaluating impact. Employees are encouraged to contribute to the organization’s impact assessment efforts and align their work with the desired outcomes and indicators of success
• Supportive Management: Solid Africa’s management aims to create a supportive and empowering work environment. They provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship to employees, fostering their professional growth and well-being
• Ethical and Transparent: Solid Africa upholds high ethical standards and promotes transparency in its operations. The work environment encourages open communication, accountability, and adherence to ethical guidelines and practices
• Work-Life Balance: While the nature of development work can be demanding, Solid Africa recognizes the importance of work-life balance. The organization strives to create an environment where employees can maintain a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal well-being
How to apply:
Send Resume/CV and Motivation letter to hr@solidafrica.org
Cc:info@solidafrica.org
Deadline: June 23rd, 2023. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Click here to visit announcement source
