Chief Development Officer
Organization: United Way of the Midlands
Job Title: Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Department: Donor Engagement
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Omaha, NE (on-site)
About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bringing together the business, government and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – including JAG Nebraska, 211 and the Weatherization Assistance Program – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. At United Way, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
UWM’s Mission:
United Way of the Midlands UNITES our community’s CARING SPIRIT to build a STRONGER tomorrow.
Guiding Principles:
At United Way of the Midlands, we…
- Build TRUST in everything we do.
- Extend GRACE by thinking beyond ourselves.
- Show GRIT by bringing it everyday.
- Be OPEN to embracing others’ differences.
- Actively ENGAGE by listening and sharing.
- Live CURIOUSLY to learn constantly.
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports directly to the President/CEO and serves as an integral member of UWM’s executive leadership team.
The primary focus of the Chief Development Officer is to grow and diversity the funding base of support for UWM’s investments and direct service programs. The CDO will be responsible for leading and implementing the organization’s fundraising and marketing strategy, building and managing the development team, and driving advocacy and awareness of UWM’s mission. In partnership with the President/CEO, is a “lead ambassador” and spokesperson for UWM and will be expected to play a public role, particularly in cultivating and managing relationships with corporate, foundation, government, and leadership donors. The CDO leads the donor engagement, marketing services and volunteerism teams.
Responsibilities:
- Creates a comprehensive development strategy and annual fundraising goals to support UWM investments and direct services, gaining support from corporate, foundation, government and individual donors (leadership donors, smaller-level donors, online givers, etc.).
- Recruits and serves as the management liaison to the UWM Campaign Chairs and Campaign Cabinet.
- Serves as the management liaison with the Donor Engagement Board Committee and effectively communicates and presents critical donor engagement matters at select Board and Committee meetings.
- Supports current and attracts new organizations to participate in workplace campaigns.
- Develops and implements planned giving strategies.
- Communicates the organization’s philanthropic value proposition to attract and retain donors to support UWM’s investments and direct services.
- Leverages market trends and donor insights, to develop and implement marketing strategies to support UWM investments and direct service brands.
- Develops and oversees volunteer engagement strategies.
- Contributes to the development of United Way’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
- Establishes a strong network and possesses a comprehensive understanding of the Omaha/Council Bluffs community and culture.
- Possesses a thoughtful understanding of donor preferences, intentions, and sensitivities.
- Contributes to the development of United Way’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.
- Remains current on trends and practices in the non-profit industry through peer association, seminar attendance, study, and review of literature, as well as reviews and evaluates proposed legislation.
- Creates a positive image - is enthusiastic, optimistic, charismatic, and can generate the trust of donors and community leaders.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Builds, leads, and mentors a team of fundraising, volunteer, and marketing professionals, both internal and external.
- Interviews, hires, and trains staff in the department.
- Oversees the daily workflow of the department.
- Conducts timely and constructive performance evaluations.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Experience and ability to manage relationships with Board members and external advisors.
- Expert understanding of local and national trends in philanthropy and charitable giving.
- Established relationships with leaders in the corporate and philanthropic community in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.
- Mission-focused, strategic-minded, and relationship-oriented.
- Ability to communicate in a cross-functional way to identify non-typical partnership opportunities between business and non-profit entities.
- Ability to develop and motivate teams.
- Strategic thinking and long-term planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including crafting compelling messages and narratives.
- A team-oriented mindset with a commitment to being a caring, supportive, and respectful member of the team.
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree (required), Master’s degree (preferred), from a four-year accredited college or university.
- Minimum of 10-15 years, with a minimum of 5 years as a senior-level executive, in not-for-profit fundraising including major giving and corporate relations/giving.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Benefits:
- Shared health, dental and vision insurance
- Generous 401(k) Retirement plan
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Employer paid life and disability insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to resume@UWMidlands.org
United Way of the Midlands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Position Type: Full-time
