Chief Development Officer

West End House seeks a dynamic, strategic fundraising leader who is passionate about youth development and eager to leverage their experience to expand and strengthen the organization’s donor base and revenue portfolio. Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Development Officer (“CDO”) will lead efforts to build and sustain a robust pipeline of philanthropic support while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The CDO will oversee all development functions, including major gifts, grants, communications, stewardship, events, campaign strategy, and donor data systems, ensuring these efforts operate as a coordinated and high-performing department. Success in this role requires the ability to lead a multifaceted development operation and bring clarity, coordination, and momentum to a team responsible for multiple fundraising strategies. While strong external engagement is essential, the role equally requires internal leadership — building effective systems, managing team performance, and ensuring the development function operates with clarity, accountability, and strong execution.

West End House is a youth-centered, community-based organization where leadership happens through strong, in-person relationships. The Chief Development Officer should bring experience working in a primarily in-person environment and a leadership style that values engagement in the life of the organization. A regular presence at West End House is essential to building relationships with staff and young people, staying connected to programs, and creating authentic opportunities for donors to experience the mission firsthand.

Fundraising and Development

• Partner with the CEO to establish fundraising goals, strategies, and tactics aligned with West End House’s strategic vision
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships to achieve annual fundraising objectives
• Maintain and strengthen a comprehensive donor database to support sustainable pipeline development
• Advance the organization’s emerging comprehensive campaign while expanding individual and major donor support
• Oversee marketing and communications efforts that highlight the impact of WEH programs and inspire philanthropic investment
• Supervise grant development and collaborate with the CPO to track and report on program outcomes for funders
• Develop pathways that convert volunteer engagement into philanthropic support
• Lead planning and execution of the organization’s annual fundraising event

Staff Management and Development

• Mentor and supervise all members of the development team
• Track and report performance metrics for the development department
• Manage the development department budget in alignment with organizational fundraising goals
• Foster ongoing professional development and build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization

Board and Senior Leadership Engagement

• Equip and support Board members in fulfilling their fundraising responsibilities
• Lead Board/Staff committees related to fundraising, including capital campaigns, annual campaigns, major gifts, and events
• Stay current on fundraising trends and best practices through engagement with national peers and professional networks

West End House recognizes that a range of lived and professional experiences can prepare candidates for success in this role. While no candidate will possess every qualification listed, ideal candidates will demonstrate many of the following qualities.

Passion for the Mission

The CDO will embody the values and mission of West End House, inspiring and motivating others through words and actions. The successful candidate will maintain a regular in-person presence and ensure donors experience the mission firsthand.

Executive Partnership & Professional Maturity

The CDO will serve as a trusted partner to the CEO, CPO and COO, demonstrating executive-level maturity, humility, and personal awareness. This leader will operate without ego and be comfortable with board visibility and consultant involvement.

Strategic Leadership & Management Acumen Through Change

The Chief Development Officer will be an…