Chief Development Officer; CDO​/Hybrid

Position: Chief Development Officer (CDO)/ Hybrid
Location: New York

Overview

To support City Harvest’s next phase of growth, the organization created the new executive position of Chief Development Officer (CDO). The CDO will report directly to the CEO and serve as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team and work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and lead an ambitious, forward-looking fundraising strategy. The CDO will be a key thought partner to the CEO and the central figure in ensuring that City Harvest’s development program meets the organization’s operational capacity and keeps pace with community needs going forward.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the revenue channels of major gifts, principal gifts, and institutional partnerships (foundations and government) as well as development communications and development operations.

• Lead a corresponding team of approximately 24, including the Vice President of Development.

• Collaborate closely with the Chief External Relations Officer to form a powerful advancement function and ensure coordination with teams responsible for direct response fundraising, business partnerships, and enterprise-wide marketing and communications, special events, and volunteer programs.

• Develop and execute a fundraising strategy focused on generating significant, sustainable revenue growth, particularly from high-net-worth individuals and major philanthropic institutions.

Qualifications

• Strong connection to City Harvest’s mission and broader efforts to address food insecurity.

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.

• Demonstrated success in securing major and principal gifts ($1M+) from high-net-worth individuals and institutions.

• Proven experience managing annual fundraising goals of $30 million or more.

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build trust with donors, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.

• Knowledge of the major players, strategies, and trends in giving within New York City’s philanthropic community as well as demonstrated fundraising success therein.

• Track record of managing, mentoring, and retaining high-performing fundraising teams.

• Excellent public speaking, writing, and communication skills.

• Experience working with boards and engaging them in fundraising strategy and initiatives.

• Strong familiarity with donor management systems and fundraising analytics.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary

• Generous time off

• Full benefits (medical, dental, vision) with employer contributions towards premiums

• Employer-provided life insurance

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer matching

• Professional development opportunities

• Free mental health services with Better Help

• Commuter benefits

• Discounted staff perks (e.g., movie tickets, gym memberships, cellular plans)


How to apply

City Harvest has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of DSG Global to assist in this search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link:

About City Harvest

City Harvest is New York’s first and largest food rescue organization, collecting perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste and delivering it, free of charge, to help feed the millions of New Yorkers who are struggling to put meals on their tables. In over 40 years of serving neighbors experiencing food insecurity, City Harvest has rescued and delivered more than 1 billion pounds of food for neighbors in need.

City Harvest is recognized as a leading equity-driven organization that works alongside its partners to rescue nutritious food and deliver it for free to our neighbors, offers free nutrition and culinary education programming, and advocates in order to strengthen the local food system. City Harvest is committed to being there to provide food to all New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity today and to those who may need assistance in years to come.

Additional information

City Harvest has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of DSG Global to assist in this search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link:

#JLjbffr