Employment

Open Table, a community-based nonprofit organization committed to fighting hunger and building food security in our region, seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and expand our fundraising efforts. As a key member of the management team, the CDO will provide strategic direction and oversight for all development initiatives, ensuring Open Table has the resources we need to sustain and grow our mission. This is a highly visible position, and will involve regular in-person meetings and activities.

This is a new position designed to enhance Open Table’s fundraising capacity. The CDO will create and implement a strategic development plan for Open Table and serve as an ambassador for the organization. Our ideal candidate is a talented fundraising professional with a track record of building strong donor relationships. This position will require a hands-on approach to cultivate and steward donors so they are inspired to support our mission. The CDO will work directly with a portfolio of donors and funders to build and facilitate relationships. This is critical for Open Table to advance its mission.

The CDO will work closely with the Executive Director and other professional staff including our Marketing & Development Manager, Grants Manager, and a Marketing & Development Associate. The CDO will also lead the Development Committee of the Board and offer the support they need to establish meaningful relationships with donors and stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Goals and Strategy – The Chief Development Officer will provide leadership to the board and staff to ensure that annual fundraising goals are achieved.

The successful candidate will:

• develop an annual fundraising plan and strategy, and adjust the plan as needed to assure Open Table raises the funds it needs to successfully fulfill its mission. This includes strategies for general appeals, events, major gifts, grants and planned giving.
• oversee implementation of Open Table’s fundraising programs and events to carry out the organization’s mission
• expand awareness about Open Table by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations

Direct Fundraising- The Chief Development Officer will work closely with the Executive Director, board members and the professional staff to cultivate, solicit and steward donors. 

The successful candidate will:

• work with the Executive Director and others to assure a pipeline of major gift prospects is identified, updated as needed, and managed appropriately
• educate and engage donors in Open Table’s mission 
• manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors, with a focus on gifts of $5,000 and over
• assure that solicitation of donors is done respectfully at the right time and for the right purposes
• steward donors and their gifts to Open Table in accordance with the fundraising strategy
• assist with the planning and execution of small cultivation gatherings

Volunteer Management – The Chief Development Officer will staff the Development Committee of the board.

The successful candidate will:

•  create an annual committee workplan and oversee its implementation
• work with the Committee Chair to draft meeting agendas and meeting minutes
• coach and guide individual committee members in their fundraising goals and activities
• support the committee as they enlist the support of the entire board in fundraising activities

Communications and Marketing – The Chief Development Officer will ensure alignment of fundraising and communications materials.

The successful candidate will:

•  ensure the annual communications strategy is in alignment with the fundraising plan and Open Table’s key marketing objectives
• work with Open Table staff and outside vendors as appropriate implement the communications plan
• work with Open Table staff and outside vendors as appropriate to maintain and update the organization’s website

From time to time the Chief Development Officer may take on other duties as defined by the Executive Director.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:
None currently

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
• Five or more years successful senior nonprofit experience or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to develop, oversee and successfully implement comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Track record of success working with a portfolio of donors
• Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation
• Demonstrated ability to communicate Open Table’s fundraising plan to staff, board, volunteers and donors

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Ability to collaborate with and motivate board members and other volunteers
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse volunteer and donor groups
• Strong public speaking skills
•  Ability to work a flexible schedule with some evening and weekend work

Salary commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Benefits include paid time off, personal days, paid holidays and health insurance coverage. 

To Apply please forward resume and cover letter to:

Alexandra DePalo at [email protected]

Application review will begin on May 15, 2025.