Chief Development Officer

Susie's Place is a 501c3 nonprofit that assists in the investigation of child abuse and neglect. Housed in Avon, Bloomington, and Terre Haute, Susie's Place has provided forensic interview services for over 18,000 reported child victims of abuse in 78 counties across the state. 300,000 Kindergarten through 12th grade students have received body safety education courses in school since 2017. The mission of Susie's Place is to promote the prevention, justice, and healing of child victims of abuse and violence while maintaining the comfort and safety of the child as the first priority.

Susie's Place is looking for an experienced Chief Development Officer to help us increase our donation revenue and decrease our reliance on government funding streams. The goal is to create a dynamic and strategic fundraising plan and execute it successfully and sustainably. If you are looking for a creative development environment where you can build a program from the ground up, and truly make Indiana safer for children, this position is for you.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a senior executive responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising, revenue growth, and philanthropic strategy. The CDO designs and executes comprehensive development programs, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relationships, and planned giving with the goal of long-term financial sustainability. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CDO works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior staff to advance the Susie’s Place mission.

This position may be based in Avon, Bloomington, or Terre Haute, but will be required to do frequent travel in the geographic area we serve.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and revenue strategy aligned with the Susie’s Place strategic plan and organizational goals.
  • Serve as an advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on development related matters.
• Revenue Generation
  • Lead all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving and other campaigns (as needed).
  • Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Donor and Prospect Engagement
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
  • Partner with CEO and Board members in their donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
  • Ensure best practices in donor stewardship, recognition, and relationship management.
• Collaboration
  • Support and train the Board members, CEO, and staff in fundraising and donor engagement.
  • Prepare development reports as requested.
  • Participate with applicable Board committees related to development.
• Operations
  • Oversee donor data systems (CRM), gift processing, and reporting.
  • Analyze fundraising performance and adjust strategies as needed.

A successful CDO must be strategic-minded and show strong initiative and self-motivation. This candidate must exhibit professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical fundraising standards. The CDO will demonstrate leadership skills in donor-centric relationship management and data-driven decision-making. This position must operate with a high level of integrity and ethics. Understanding of (or experience) working with child welfare and/or criminal justice systems preferred. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and attend required trainings/meetings, have a valid driver's license with proof of minimum state-required auto insurance, and successfully pass a criminal history check.

Commitment to the mission and values of the organization. Comfort with occasional evening/weekend events.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 8 years of nonprofit development experience required. Proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful fundraising initiatives. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling narratives. Experience with CRM/donor management systems.

Susie’s Place is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the recruitment, employment, promotion, or transfer of qualified personnel, or in the administration of personnel practices based upon age, sex, race, ethnicity, nationality, handicap, or religion.