Chief Development Officer

Scion Executive Search has been engaged to conduct a search for a Chief Development Officer for our client, a prominent nonprofit performing arts organization. This is an amazing opportunity for an accomplished fundraising leader to shape and scale high-impact philanthropic initiatives while deepening meaningful donor relationships within a nationally visible, creative institution. This full-time, hybrid role (Fridays remote) is based in New York, NY. THE OPPORTUNITY: Our client is a nationally recognized nonprofit performing arts organization with a distinguished legacy of artistic excellence, innovation, and the development of new work. With a strong public profile and a deeply engaged community of supporters, the organization is entering an important period of growth and evolution, creating a compelling opportunity for a senior advancement leader to help shape its future. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for designing and executing an integrated, long-term fundraising strategy that advances the organization's mission, artistic vision, and financial sustainability. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CDO partners closely with the Artistic Director, Board of Directors, and senior leadership across the organization, serving as a trusted strategic advisor on philanthropy and donor engagement. POSITION SUMMARY: The CDO provides leadership across all contributed revenue streams, with a strong emphasis on individual major and leadership gifts, while remaining personally engaged with the organization's most significant donors and prospects. The role oversees a development team of approximately 12 professionals spanning Individual Giving, Institutional Giving, Development Operations, and Special Events, and plays a central role in strengthening a high-performing, collaborative culture of philanthropy. With an FY26 operating budget of approximately $28 million, the organization's Development team is responsible for raising at least $9.3 million annually in philanthropic support, with goals expected to grow over time. Balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution, the CDO serves as a visible ambassador to donors and stakeholders, a coach and mentor to the development team, and a steward of strong judgment, discretion, and alignment between fundraising strategy and institutional priorities. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Strategic Direction Set and guide an integrated advancement strategy that directly supports the organization's artistic purpose, long-term goals, and evolving priorities. Act as a senior thought partner to the Executive Director on all matters related to philanthropy, donor engagement, and revenue growth. Foster strong, ongoing collaboration across departments, working closely with organizational leaders to align fundraising activity with shared institutional objectives. Ensure executive and artistic leadership are supported with well-developed prospect pipelines, partnering with the development team to coordinate outreach, stewardship, and next-stage engagement. Bring a fundraising and donor-centered lens to organizational planning efforts, including strategy discussions, consultant-led initiatives, and long-range visioning processes. Fundraising & Donor Engagement Personally oversee a portfolio of the organization's highest-capacity supporters, including trustees, while maintaining responsibility for a healthy and forward-moving major gift pipeline. Lead the solicitation and stewardship of significant gifts at the six-figure level and above, cultivating relationships that reflect deep alignment with the mission and work. Provide leadership for fundraising initiatives across operating support, capital priorities, endowment growth, and special projects-guiding efforts from early concept and internal alignment through execution, tracking, and close. Play an active role in prospect strategy, pipeline development, and regular portfolio review, ensuring disciplined and intentional relationship management across the team. Utilize strong knowledge of the regional philanthropic and business landscape to broaden and diversify the organization's donor community. Events & Special Fundraising Initiatives Participate regularly in performances and key organizational events as an essential component of donor cultivation, relationship-building, and stewardship. Direct the fundraising approach for the organization's two flagship annual events, shaping strategy to generate substantial table and sponsorship revenue and maximize giving before, during, and after each event. Collaborate on the overall vision for fundraising events, including the identification of honorees and the recruitment and support of event chairs, committees, and advisory groups. Partner closely in the design and delivery of high-level donor engagement opportunities, such as board-hosted gatherings, intimate artistic experiences, and other bespoke cultivation events. In collaboration with external advisors, lead the planning and execution of a high-value international donor experience designed to deepen engagement and generate meaningful revenue. Oversee the preparation of donor research, briefing materials, and talking points, ensuring organizational leadership is well-equipped for meetings and events. Board Partnership & Governance Lead fundraising engagement with trustees, including annual contributions and leadership-level support, while serving as a primary point of coordination for board-related events and ticketing needs. Create and facilitate thoughtful opportunities for trustee involvement that strengthen connection, stewardship, and philanthropic participation. Work closely with the Development Committee to increase board giving and activate trustee networks in support of prospect identification and relationship-building. Collaborate with governance leadership to support the identification, cultivation, and onboarding of new board members. Maintain consistent, proactive communication with individual trustees and committee leaders to ensure alignment, transparency, and momentum. Participate in board, committee, and task force meetings as needed, providing insight, materials, and follow-through before and after meetings. Team Leadership & Culture Provide leadership for a development team of approximately 12, setting clear expectations, priorities, and performance benchmarks. Support the growth and effectiveness of staff through coaching, feedback, and advocacy for the tools and resources needed to succeed. Establish a strong internal culture of fundraising excellence by promoting shared standards, effective systems, and ongoing professional development. Review and approve donor-facing communications and remain actively involved in major fundraising moments, including annual appeals and year-end efforts. Budgeting & Financial Oversight Contribute to the development and oversight of the department's revenue and expense plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Partner with Finance and development colleagues to monitor performance, manage expenditures, and steward resources responsibly. QUALIFICATIONS: 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience, including significant responsibility for major and leadership gifts within a complex nonprofit organization. Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure principal and major gifts, with a strong understanding of the full range of advancement and fundraising strategies. Proven experience managing and mentoring senior fundraising professionals and building high-performing development teams. Strong track record of partnering effectively with Boards of Directors and senior executives on fundraising strategy, governance, and donor engagement. Experience in the performing arts, cultural sector, or a similarly mission-driven organization strongly preferred. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and experience building and leading a diverse and inclusive team. Strategic, relationship-driven leader with exceptional interpersonal, communication, and executive presence skills. Highly organized and analytical, with the ability to translate data into strategy and action. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft and present a compelling and persuasive case for support. Proficiency with donor management systems and fundraising technology (experience with Tessitura is a plus). Sound judgement and discretion, with the ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality with donor and institutional information. Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for performances, events, and donor engagement. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS In addition to a competitive salary range of $230,000-$280,000 annually, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance, a 401(k) plan, a pension, and a flexible spending account. Paid time off includes vacation with 3 weeks provided (4 weeks after 2 years of service), 5 personal days per season, 6 sick days per season, and paid holidays according to organizational policy. HOW TO APPLY: For immediate consideration, please provide your resume and cover letter, sharing more about your experience and interest in this role via . ABOUT OUR SEARCH FIRM: Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation. We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online . Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent. For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.

Created: 2026-03-10