Chief Development Officer
- Organization
- Root Capital
- Location
- Cambridge, MA
- Job Type
- Full-time
- Deadline for Applications
- 04/16/2018
- Contact Information
- nnelson@rootcapital.org
- Tags
- Full-time
Root Capital seeks an experienced, driven and innovative Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead Root Capital’s fundraising and communications strategy. A core member of Root Capital’s leadership team, the CDO oversees the people, partnerships, networks and systems needed to meet the organization’s capitalization and fundraising goals and to manage its overall brand and positioning. This individual is responsible for fostering a culture of philanthropy within the organization and assuring that Root Capital’s culture, systems and procedures support the organization’s growth goals. Leading the team towards the achievement of bold growth targets, including a four-year matching challenge grant underway, the CDO will oversee individual and institutional fundraising, including from foundations, corporations and public agencies. In addition, the CDO will work with the Creative Director to inspire and inform a diverse stakeholder community regarding Root Capital’s mission. A key aspect of this role will be personally cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of high-impact relationships with funders and helping to guide and support those relationships managed by the CEO, other members of the executive team, and the Board of Directors (Board).
Responsibilities
Oversee achievement of organizational fundraising goals (50%)
Manage a growing team of professionals to identify, cultivate and steward relationships that align with Root Capital’s philanthropic and investment goals to hit fundraising targets:
~$8 million from institutional donors, growing to ~$16 million by 2022
~$3 million from individual donors, growing to ~$6 million by 2022
~$100 million in investment under management
Ensure that team goals are clear, objectives are achievable, and that staff have resources and access to professional development opportunities necessary to do their jobs.
Ensure development and implementation of strategies to deploy senior leaders and Board members to support fundraising efforts.
Personally oversee a portfolio of key individual and institutional supporters.
Maintain accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
Represent Root Capital at major events and conferences, including representing the work of Root Capital’s Women in Agriculture Initiative.
Oversee multi-stakeholder communication strategy to support organizational goals (20%)
Oversee and work with Creative team to ensure that messaging and communication efforts reflect our brand positioning and drive improved results with donors, investors and clients, including through:
Root Capital website
Donor and investor collateral
Client collateral
Blogs and social media
Ensure effective internal communications strategy that enhances global connectivity among more than a dozen regional offices located in Latin America, Africa and Indonesia.
Act as editor-in-chief for internal and external communications.
Determine and drive Root Capital’s fundraising strategy to fund multi-year strategic and programmatic goals (15%)
Determine appropriate fundraising targets for philanthropy and debt, in accordance with the strategic plan set forth by senior leadership and adopted by the Board.
Engage the Development Committee of the Board in proposing fundraising targets, developing the plan for meeting fundraising and communications goals, and leveraging the time, talent and generosity of the full Board.
Work with fundraising team, growing from 10 to ~17 individuals, to identify potential funding sources, develop moves management plans, and cultivate and steward rewarding relationships.
Work with Creative team to develop messaging, collateral and communication materials needed to inspire financial and strategic support for mission and goals.
Adjust and adapt fundraising strategy and targets in accordance with complex geopolitical contexts and dynamic funder and investing landscapes.
Ensure health and direction of Root Capital as member of senior leadership team (15%)
Maintain oversight of departmental budget and contribute to organization’s fiscal health, strategy, culture, and morale.
Act as conduit of insights from key stakeholders to Board and senior leadership to inform organizational direction and priorities.
Participate in strategy sessions led by the COO and be accountable for ensuring that fundraising needs align with organizational goals and that organizational policies and practices support fundraising goals.
Engage Board on appropriate matters through Board and Committee meetings. Present fundraising results at Board meetings and calls as required.
Required Skills and Experience
10+ years in leadership role, with significant fundraising and managerial experience.
Advanced degree in relevant field preferred but not required (business, international development, public administration, nonprofit management, etc.).
Demonstrated track record of fundraising success with six-figure gifts from a variety of institutions and individuals.
Expertise in cultivation, stewardship, and product development with funders of different sizes and structures.
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
Effective decision-making and leadership.
Ability to manage and inspire teams.
Understanding of impact investing and international development landscapes.
Commitment to Root Capital’s mission.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.