POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides executive leadership for Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s comprehensive advancement, public engagement, and business development strategy. The CDO strengthens the organization’s capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for thousands of residents by building sustainable philanthropic support, elevating CAP OC’s brand and public narrative, and expanding high-impact partnerships.

ROLE SUMMARY

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer serves as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor, driving fundraising, marketing, public relations, executive visibility, and community development efforts while supporting CEO thought leadership, influence, and external engagement. This role works closely with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure alignment between Mission, message, and measurable results.

The CDO leads and inspires the philanthropic team in advancement efforts to secure major gifts, corporate donations, grant solicitation, planned giving, and in-kind resources through a robust sustainability strategy. The CDO increases CAP OC’s brand in existing markets and establish new dynamic stakeholder relationships. This position works closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure that cash flow reports are current and financial projections are inclusive of all fundraising efforts.

Essential Job Duties

Philanthropic Leadership and Revenue Growth:

• Leads and executes a comprehensive advancement strategy, encompassing corporate philanthropy, foundation and government grants, planned giving, sponsorships, in-kind support, and signature events.

• Builds diversified, sustainable revenue streams that align with CAP OC’s strategic priorities and annual operating budget.

• Proactively engages funding program support of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO.

• Upholds the highest ethics in philanthropic activities.

• Increases productivity through the successful evaluate all philanthropic activities and processes.

• Stays ahead of trends in the community or region and adapt philanthropic strategies as necessary.

• Develops and manages targeted fundraising timelines which include both private and government revenue support.

• Designs effective policies and procedures.

• Secures grant funding through the implementation of effective philanthropic acquisitions and renewals that include individual, corporate and local/state/federal funds.

• Prepares letters, reports, proposals, and grant applications in conjunction with other agency departments.

• Executes special strategic philanthropic events including the annual fundraising event.

• Secures relationships with corporate, community and individual prospects for the organization ' s philanthropic priorities.

• Maintains high levels of confidentiality and oversees the administration of a donor mailing list and database which respects the privacy and confidentiality of donor information.

• Fosters an understanding of philanthropy and transforms the culture within the organization.

• Holds quarterly or as-needed Grant Approval meetings with the Senior Leadership Team to obtain approval for new funding opportunities as well as updates on current fundraising milestones with grants and donors.

• Develops and gains approval for an annual income and expenditure budget for the philanthropic program.

• Prepares annual budget, regular reports on progress, receipts, and expenditures related to philanthropic and the management of the philanthropic activities; reports to both the President and CEO and the Board.

• Sits on the Board Fund Development Committee and assists the Committee Chair with agendas and reports.

• Monitors expenses and analyze budget reports on philanthropy and recommend changes as necessary.

Community Development:

• Directly supervises and provides strategic leadership to the Director of Community Development, ensuring alignment with CAP OC’s Mission, compliance standards, and long-term growth objectives.

• In partnership with the Director of Community Development, ensures the successful oversight and execution of all government grants, including CSBG, as well as communication with the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD), from grant application and approval, to grant monitoring and reporting.

• Provides strategic oversight of community housing initiatives and capital development projects, including transitional housing, expansion efforts, site acquisition and potential relocation initiatives, while advancing funding strategies and securing public and and private resources to increase CAP OC’s capacity to serve families in crisis.

• Ensures government-funded programs and housing initiatives are aligned with organizational financial sustainability, performance metrics, and long-term community impact goals.

Marketing and Communications:

• Provides strategic oversight of the CAP OC brand, ensuring consistent positioning, messaging, and visual identity across all programs, campaigns, and public platforms.

• Serves as the primary liaison to media outlets and external communications partners, managing press strategy, media inquiries, and executive visibility.

• Through partnership with the President and CEO, assists with executive communication and outreach coordination for stakeholders, public officials, donors and the Board of Directors; ensures consistent executive messaging at Board meetings with visual materials that highlight activities and success.

• Directly supervises and supports the Communications Manager, setting priorities, approving messaging strategy, and ensuring alignment with organization goals.

• Reviews and approves all agency collateral, marketing materials, digital content, and external communications prior to release.

• Develops and implements integrated marketing and communications strategies that support fundraising, public funding, community engagement, and organizational visibility goals.

• Oversees multi-channel communication efforts, including print, digital, social media, email marketing, direct mail, and event promotion.

• Ensures consistent corporate identity and brand standards across campaigns, initiatives, partnerships, and community events.

• Monitors marketing performance metrics and campaign outcomes; adjusts strategy to optimize engagement, visibility, and revenue results.

• Collaborates cross-functionally with program, finance and executive leadership teams to align messaging with funding priorities, program impact, and strategic initiatives.

• Manages marketing and communications budgets, ensuring expenditures align with strategic objectives and approved financial parameters.

• Cultivates and maintains relationships with community partner, corporate sponsors, and key stakeholders to elevate CAP OC’s public presence and philanthropic positioning.

• Prepares and presents marketing and communications updates to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Staff Development Activities:

Leads direct team in the successful implementation of philanthropic programs.

In consultation with the President and CEO, recruits, interviews, and selects well-qualified Fund Development staff.

Engages volunteers for special philanthropic projects using established volunteer management practices.