Chief Development Officer Salem, VA

Are you a visionary fundraising leader who is passionate about ending hunger and strengthening communities?

We are seeking a dynamic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and grow our fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and community relations efforts. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CDO will play a critical role in advancing our mission by developing and executing comprehensive strategies that secure the financial support needed to serve individuals and families facing food insecurity.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, relationship‑driven leader to make a lasting impact while helping shape the future of our organization and the communities we serve.

The Chief Development Officer supports the Vision, Mission, and Values of Feeding Southwest Virginia and is responsible for securing both individual and institutional funds. The CDO provides strategic direction, leadership, and management of all aspects of fundraising activities, reporting to the CEO, fostering a culture of philanthropy, serving as a key member of the leadership team, and designing and implementing communications, systems, and protocols to ensure aggressive annual revenue growth.

The CDO provides executive leadership and direct supervision of the Development, Grant Writing, Donor Services, Volunteer Services, and Marketing & Communications teams, fostering a collaborative and results‑driven culture that advances the organization’s strategic plan, expands philanthropic support, and achieves annual fundraising and revenue targets.

• Establish the revenue forecast and evaluate fundraising potential to implement a comprehensive and effective strategy with clear annual financial goals.
• Develop annual and strategic plans for the development department, including a departmental budget, benchmarks, and job performance goals.
• Direct and manage all fundraising activities, including identifying new funding opportunities and implementing targeted strategies.
• Secure major, planned, and organizational gifts with an assigned portfolio of high‑net‑worth prospects and current donors, engaging the CEO and Board members.
• Lead innovation efforts to develop new fundraising ideas and programs.
• Oversee a donor moves management and solicitation system to develop a donor pipeline.
• Oversee Volunteer Services operations in Salem and Abingdon, ensuring effective recruitment, onboarding, training, scheduling, recognition, and retention.
• Oversee the Annual Fund strategies including direct mail, online solicitations, monthly giving, and social media engagement.
• Oversee a mature and effective grant program to ensure continued growth of institutional funder revenue.
• Monitor staff in meeting grant requirements and timelines, preparing proposals, reporting, and documentation.
• Manage and promote the Legacy Society to steward, recognize, and secure planned gifts.
• Track and analyze major and planned giving performance and develop reports for the CEO and Board.

• Promote an organization‑wide culture of philanthropy and appreciation.
• Generate evaluation reports on cost effectiveness and productivity of fundraising strategies.
• Oversee marketing and communications plans, ensuring consistent branding.
• Oversee donor services and record management for accuracy of database information.
• Partner with finance to reconcile donations, budgeting, and revenue projections.
• Collaborate and lead cross‑departmental and branch initiatives.
• Hire, train, and motivate a competent Development staff; coach, evaluate, and develop staff.
• Oversee the Virginia State Department of Social Services Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credits processing.
• Ensure private revenue resources are reported to Feeding America on schedule.
• Maintain knowledge of Feeding Southwest Virginia programs and attend executive leadership meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.
• Maintain compliance with policies and procedures and develop relationships with national and member organizations.

• Partner with the CEO to establish and sustain strong…