Chief Development Officer

DRG is pleased to partner with United Way of Greater Newark to conduct this search.

Since 1923, United Way of Greater Newark’s (UWGN) mission has been to disrupt the cycle of poverty by convening, collaborating, and investing in strategies to improve outcomes for children and families in Essex and Hudson Counties. UWGN empowers residents in 14 municipalities (Essex and Hudson counties) to live healthier lives with access to quality education and opportunities for economic advancement through our three pillars of educational equity, health equity, and financial stability.

Through its leadership and partnerships, UWGN serves as a conduit for government, funders, and corporations to make positive impact. The organization purposefully partners, gains support, and leverages its relationships to invest back into the community it serves.

UWGN envisions a future where every individual and family in our footprint can live with dignity, security, and opportunity, supported by a network of empowered leaders and organizations committed to building and sustaining thriving communities.

• $865,588 granted to partner organizations
• 310 community and corporate volunteers

UWGN is seeking a passionate, entrepreneurial individual to serve as the Chief Development Officer (CDO). The CDO will report to and partner with the President & CEO on fundraising efforts and lead a culture of philanthropy at the UWGN. The CDO will be responsible for creating, planning, and managing a comprehensive annual and multi-year development and fundraising strategy to deepen and sustain organizational growth.

The CDO will play a key role in supporting existing organizational relationships and cultivating new opportunities with a focus on individual donors, major gifts, and corporate partnerships. The CDO will manage, retain, and grow a portfolio of existing and new donors, overseeing stewardship and recognition and collaborating with organizational leadership on relationship management strategies. The CDO will also be instrumental in storytelling, conveying the mission of UWGN to a variety of stakeholders, and creating content for development initiatives (including proposals, donor collateral, campaigns, and reports).

Finally, the CDO will collaborate across the organization to organize and execute development initiatives. They will supervise a team of three, and oversee marketing and events, volunteer engagement, and database administration in addition to resource development.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy and program with a focus on increasing individual giving (family foundations, individuals, and major donors).
• In partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors, lead and manage key relationships and donor life cycles, including stewardship and recognition.
• Work in collaboration with the CEO on annual and long-term strategic financial planning to ensure organizational growth and sustainability.
• Develop a robust Corporate Partners program that enhances current and future corporate relationships through employee giving, volunteerism, and corporate support of UWGN initiatives.
• Outline concrete fundraising metrics and benchmarks, track ongoing goals to accurately measure growth and determine areas of opportunity. Report on progress on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Work closely with the CEO and Database Administrator on transitioning the organization to a new CRM, ensuring that the system is adopted and used by all team members.
• Leverage and integrate development strategies using UWGN’s media and digital platforms, including the website, newsletters, and social media.
• Ensure alignment between fundraising best practices and the organization's mission and values.

• Research, identify and cultivate individual giving and major gift opportunities. Conduct outreach and participate in meetings, follow-up, and track next steps.
• Partner with the CEO and board to solicit major gifts and develop tailored proposals in alignment with donors’ interests and organizational priorities.
• Dev…