Chief Development Officer

Position Type

Full-time employment. 40 hours per week. Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a vital member of Norfolk Botanical Garden’s executive leadership team, responsible for designing, leading, and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the Garden’s mission, financial sustainability, and long-term growth. The CDO oversees all fundraising activities - including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, giving societies, corporate and foundation relations, and campaign initiatives – and ensures strong donor engagement practices across the organization.

Reporting to the CEO, this role collaborates with the board of directors, executive leadership team, and direct reports to foster a strong culture of philanthropy. It requires a visionary leader with exceptional relationship-building skills to diversify revenue streams.

• Partner with the CEO, board of directors, and executive leadership team to define fundraising goals and priorities.
• Oversee comprehensive fundraising program, including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, membership patrons, giving societies, corporate and foundation relations, grants, and capital campaigns.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing development team.
• Develop and implement an annual development plan with strategies and tactics to achieve financial goals.
• Drive the strategy for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors ($25,000+) and maintain a portfolio of current and prospective major and planned gift donors.
• Drive strategy to secure remaining funds necessary to reach the Garden of Tomorrow campaign goal.
• Steward the Garden of Tomorrow public phase fundraising strategy and campaign celebration activities.
• Implement donor recognition and stewardship programs for campaign and annual donors that convey impact and enhance loyalty.
• Enhance board engagement in fundraising, serve as the staff liaison for the Development Committee, and individually solicit board members for annual and campaign gifts.
• Establish annual performance measures, monitor results, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Garden’s fundraising program.
• Prepare and manage departmental budget and revenue forecasts.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy, oversee development operations, and ensure that fundraising activities are executed in accordance with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Collaborate with the Marketing department to guide messaging, branding, and outreach to elevate the organization’s presence and impact.

• This position requires the ability to sit at a desk using a computer and phone for extended periods.
• Must be able to occasionally walk Garden grounds, attend events, and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in nonprofit management, business administration, communications or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience will be considered.
• Advanced degree (such as an MBA, MPA, or master’s in nonprofit management or a mission-aligned discipline) and/or professional certification (e.g., CFRE) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive senior-level experience in nonprofit development, with a demonstrated record of success in major and principal gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and revenue growth.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams in a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven environment.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to engage donors, board members, and community partners at the highest levels.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience developing, managing, and forecasting fundraising and departmental budgets.
• Thorough knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor engagement strategies, and nonprofit compliance and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated passion for public-serving institutions, environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement.
• Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual…