Chief Development Officer

That’s where you come in.

As a member of the Executive Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will be foremost responsible for envisioning strategies to inspire and motivate others to partner with CCCI in our purpose. The implementation of the overall fundraising strategy designed by the CDO incorporates the services of the Development and Marketing and Communications team members, who collectively report to the CDO as the Development Team.

While this role requires strong visionary leadership, the CDO will also be deeply engaged in securing philanthropic gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, enthusiastically leading their team to proactively align donor interests with organizational initiatives and philosophies. As the CDO, you will play a vital role in ensuring the financial sustainability and strategic funding health of the organization by cultivating long-term donor partnerships and leading a high-performing development team.

Specific Responsibilities Will Include

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that encompasses all revenue streams, including cultivation, solicitation, and donor stewardship.
• Set annual fundraising targets, including grants, sponsorships, gifts, and donations, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team to integrate development strategy with overarching organizational initiatives.
• Actively contribute to the development of the overall organizational strategy and priorities as a key member of the Executive Team.
• Partner with the CEO and C-suite peers to align funding strategies with organizational growth, innovation, and mission advancement.
• Present fundraising strategy and annual business plan to the Executive Team and Board of Directors for approval.
• Lead all capital campaigns and provide strategic oversight for special donor events and telethons.
• Oversee Crossroads Cares, Crossroads’ missions department dedicated to global humanitarian relief and development.

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide executive leadership to the Development, Marketing and Communications, and Crossroads Cares teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Lead, coach, and support Directors of Development, Marketing and Communications, and Crossroads Cares in strategic planning and execution.
• Mentor Partner Relations Representatives/Major Gift Officers (MGOs) in goal setting, donor engagement, and performance development.
• Oversee and approve annual GPS and budgeting plans for Development, Marketing and Communications, and Crossroads Cares.
• Provide strategic insights and coaching when needed to help Directors plan out workflows and daily operations.

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Personally contribute to development revenue goals by achieving an individual fundraising target.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, corporations, foundations, and other stakeholders.
• Provide leadership for estate and gift planning, personal and planned giving, and donor segmentation strategies.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of short and long-term donor prospects through data-driven strategies and donor research.
• Foster strong donor relationships through public speaking, networking, donor events, and stewardship presentations.

Donor Strategy and Campaigns

• Provide vision and direction for Crossroads Cares, ensuring its strategic alignment with development goals.
• Provide strategic direction for monthly ministry offers.
• Develop strategic fundraising approaches to upgrade existing donors, promote loyal giving, and acquire new supporters.
• Coordinate call and support strategies for CEO-led fundraising initiatives.
• Engage senior leaders and board members in donor outreach and solicitations.

Operational Oversight and Financial Management

• Plan and oversee the development revenue budget, including financial forecasting and reporting.
• Analyze fundraising data to inform strategy, measure success, and report on outcomes to the Executive Team and Board.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and ethical standards and create policies to guide fundraising activities.

Training, Coaching, and Support

• Support Development Representatives in maintaining consistent donor communication schedules, including calls, visits, and correspondence.
• Coach Partner Relations Representatives through modeling donor cultivation and presentation techniques.
• Assign and support donor representatives in cultivating corporate prospects and high-potential new donors.
• Identify skill gaps within the Development Representatives and recommend opportunities for professional development.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in speaking engagements and media appearances to promote awareness of Crossroads’ purpose.
• Create and deliver compelling presentations, proposals, and gift agreements for major gifts.
• Other duties as assigned in alignment with the role and organizational needs.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or a related field; CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) designation required or in progress.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector, with a strong emphasis on major gifts, stewardship, and planned giving.
• 2–3 years of leadership experience in marketing and brand strategy, including campaign planning across traditional, digital, and social platforms.
• Proven track record of working with executive leadership on strategic development and fundraising initiatives.
• Knowledge of fundraising governance, donor ethics, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in standard fundraising techniques including in-person solicitation, proposal writing, donor events, telefunding, and direct mail.
• Experience with donor database management; familiarity with DonorPerfect is preferred.
• Strong understanding of philanthropic motivations, donor research, cultivation, gift processing, and stewardship reporting.
• Demonstrated ability in financial forecasting, business analysis, and evaluating development performance metrics.
• Strategic thinker with strong facilitation, analytical, and interpretive skills.
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Skilled in change management, stakeholder engagement, and financial acumen.
• Flexible with work hours, and open to occasional travel or public speaking engagements.
• Member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP); GTA Chapter membership preferred.

Working with Us

• This is a full-time, in-person, permanent leadership position. We offer a competitive total compensation package, including comprehensive group benefits, employee family assistance plan, group RSP, and paid sick and personal leave.
• At Crossroads, we value spiritual and professional growth. We are deeply committed to equipping our team members through continuous learning, leadership development, and meaningful engagement in transformative media and ministry initiatives. As a faith-based organization with a national reach, we offer the opportunity to make a lasting impact while expanding your influence and capabilities over time.
• Crossroads Christian Communications Incorporated is committed to building a team that reflects the beautiful diversity of God’s kingdom. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of diverse ethnic, cultural, and ability backgrounds, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. We seek team members who embrace our mission, values, and biblical foundation as they help us reveal the transforming story of Jesus to anyone, anywhere, anytime.