Chief Development Officer

Position Title: Chief Development Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Position: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Onsite, located in San Diego

Salary: $150,000-$175,000 + annual salary, depending on experience

About Workshops For Warriors

Workshops for Warriors® (WFW) is a fully audited, board-governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The mission of WFW is to provide quality training, accredited STEM educational programs, and opportunities to earn third-party nationally recognized credentials to enable veterans, transitioning service members, and other students to be successfully trained and placed in their chosen advanced manufacturing career field. 

WFW is an inflection point, poised for expansion throughout the nation. With strong investment from both corporate partners and individual philanthropy, we have been able to grow our programs significantly, while maintaining a 94% placement rate for our graduates. We have recently expanded our presence in San Diego and have plans to grow our footprint nationally. 

We are rebuilding American manufacturing, one veteran at a time. 

The Opportunity

WFW has seen tremendous growth in fundraising results recently, allowing us to expand our program offerings and assist more veterans in securing good-paying, stable, and dignified careers. We are seeking an executive leader with extensive fundraising experience to spearhead and diversify the organization's fundraising and development programs. This position will oversee all funnels of fundraising and expand our corporate partnerships, foundation grants, major gifts, and monthly donor programs. You will formalize a growth strategy and drive our expansion to $25M annual revenue and position the organization for future capital campaigns.

If you are passionate about helping veterans and excited about building from the ground up to achieve ambitious fundraising goals, this is the role for you.

The Role

The Chief Development Officer will develop comprehensive annual fundraising plans to achieve ambitious goals across multiple revenue streams. As a senior leader, this role involves working closely with the Senior Director of Development to maintain a strong pipeline of current and future donors through consistent stewardship of existing partners and timely identification and cultivation of new donors. 

The Chief Development Officer will be a strategic leader and deliberate implementer, serving as a thought partner to the Chief Executive Officer. This role combines a goal-oriented attitude with a long-term vision for success, playing a crucial part in establishing benchmark reporting and standard operating procedures to aid our transformation from a grassroots organization to a national changemaker.

Impact Areas

Strategic & Operational Planning (40%)

• Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive fund development strategy with both near-term and long-range goals.
• Create comprehensive annual fundraising plans that combine a variety of revenue sources.
• Build a culture of philanthropy within the development department and throughout the organization. 
• Inspire staff, volunteers, and external community members to deepen their connection and investments.
• Hire, retain and develop fundraising staff across all functions. 

Team Leadership (20%)

• Cultivate relationships and spearhead major gifts and planned giving efforts to secure financial backing from individuals, foundations, and corporations. 
• Establish precise fundraising goals, advancing innovative approaches to diversify funding sources
• Provide clear guidance to development team members on development strategy and execution. 

Executive Leadership (20%)

• Think critically about operational needs and the long-term needs of the organization.
• Ability to manage up effectively, advising the senior leadership team on critical decisions and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. 
• Balance day-to-day responsibilities with long-term strategic planning and execution, inspiring and engaging donors, supporters, and stakeholders who resonate with Workshop for Warriors' purpose and pursuit of positive change.

Donor & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Articulate a compelling vision for organizational advancement, inspiring the board and the wider community.
• Integrate fundraising strategy in day to day operations and represent the organization with external partners. 
• Recruit and engage senior level volunteers and board members. 
• Diversify funding streams and forge strategic partnerships, actively involving board members, volunteers, and key partners in fundraising endeavors. 
• Foster a philanthropic culture deeply rooted in Workshop for Warriors' mission and values.
• Uphold ethical principles and nurture robust connections crucial for transparent engagement with stakeholders.

Physical Job Requirements:

Must be able to sit in front of a computer for prolonged periods.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or five or more years of relevant fundraising experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of fundraising experience, with at least 5 years raising over $5M annually.
• Proven track record of growing comprehensive fundraising programs.
• Highly self-motivated and disciplined in setting and achieving goals.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication abilities, both oral and written, with a clear and concise style.
• Demonstrated ability to present to high-level decision-makers.
• Strong data and financial acumen.
• Proficient in using recent versions of computer software applications, including CRMs and presentation software.
• Organized and adept at independently managing projects and meeting deadlines.
• Creative in managing projects with limited resources.
• Ability to work under pressure and be flexible, creative, and enthusiastic.
• Collaborative and supportive team member with both staff and volunteers.
• Ability to engage with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Passion for veterans and their transition, with a commitment to the organization's mission.
• Experience in developing strong corporate partnerships for a nonprofit organization.
• Ability to explain the value proposition for corporate partnerships with nonprofit organizations.
• Must be able to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Workshops for Warriors has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Mariya Yurukova at mariya@charitysearchgroup.com or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com

Workshops for Warriors is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels of the organization. We recognize the importance of not viewing individuals based on a single identity, and we thrive on being equitable in our recruitment process as well as in our efforts to be inclusive of all employees.