Chief Development Officer

Full-time: 100% FTE, Exempt 

Compensation Range: $145,000-170,000 annual salary

Benefits Overview: Medical, vision, dental and life insurance, vacation and sick time off, paid federal holidays, and retirement plan (See full job description for more details).

Organization Size: 50+ employees

Report to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: This role is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Travel to the Headquarters Office and/or one of our centers is required twice a week.  

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: 

Digital NEST provides welcoming, vibrant, technology and learning centers where youth explore their passions, their talents, and their futures. Our members build a foundation of the professional and technical skills and experiences every young person needs to thrive in today’s workforce and gain a network of peers and mentors that will guide them throughout their career. Our free, comprehensive programs create ripples of impact in Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto and Stockton that bring prosperity to youth, their families, and entire communities.

We are scaling rapidly and are looking for a visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to help us raise the resources that will power this bold movement. If you’re an innovative leader who views fundraising as a force for economic justice, we would like to meet you.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The CDO will be the organization’s chief fundraiser, relationship-builder, and revenue strategist. The CDO will work directly with the CEO and executive team to develop and lead an ambitious growth strategy to raise both annual and multi-year funding from major donors, corporations, foundations, and government partners. In addition to supervision of the development team, this role will also oversee the marketing and communications department, ensuring that all outward facing communications are aligned with our strategic goals. This is a unique opportunity to step into a mission-driven, entrepreneurial environment, where you’ll have a lasting impact on communities for generations to come.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and execute a multi-year, multi-million dollar development strategy aligned with Digital NEST’s growth goals.
• Develop and lead a high-performing development team.
• Mentor and coach development staff to foster a culture of fundraising excellence.
• Oversee proposal development, grant management, pipeline building, reporting, and data systems.
• Develop and implement a process and set of criteria for evaluating the pursuit of funding opportunities.

• Personally cultivate and steward relationships with major individual donors, corporate partners, and institutional funders.
• Partner with the CEO, development team, and Board to develop philanthropic networks, co-lead donor strategy, and expand giving at all levels.
• Partner with the CEO in coaching and guiding the Board of Directors; helping to set policies and practices for Board Members involved in fundraising, overseeing the involvement, identification, training, and support of Board Members in outreach and solicitation.
• Launch and grow new revenue channels, including planned giving, government contracts, and corporate investments.
   

• Supervise the Vice President (VP) of Marketing and Communications, ensuring alignment between all departments and brand strategies.
• Work closely with the VP of Marketing and Communications to execute integrated marketing campaigns in support of major fundraising appeals, especially Summer and End of Year Campaigns. 
• Oversee the development and execution of brand messaging, public relations, digital campaigns, and thought leadership content that amplifies Digital NEST’s impact.
• Ensure all external communications support fundraising goals and elevate the organization’s visibility across key audiences.
• Drive marketing and communications strategy for major fundraising events.

• Participate in strategic planning, priority-setting, and organizational decision-making as a core member of the Executive Team.
• Ensure fundraising strategy is aligned with community needs, mission outcomes, and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as a public voice for the NEST at key events, conferences, and funder meetings.
• Ensure Digital NEST's development work is inclusive and responsive to the needs of local communities and populations we seek to impact.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• At least 15 years of senior non-profit management experience with experience in development.
• At least 7 years of experience supervising managerial-level staff and helping them with their professional growth. 
• Experience with fundraising databases and technology systems.
• Availability to work and travel occasional nights and weekends.
• Experience directing and overseeing budgetary and financial responsibilities.
• Demonstrated history of success in cultivating and winning high-value donations and grants.
• Self-starter with a high degree of initiative, creativity, and proven ability to work independently.
• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively during times of uncertainty, ambiguity, and rapid change.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to use tact and diplomacy when interacting with donors, NEST staff, clients, and other stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for the mission of Digital NEST and belief in upholding the organization’s core values.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture/ethnicity/race, gender, sexual identity, class/SES, and immigration status. 
• Ability to be an ally to people of color, women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning, and intersex individuals and their allies (LGBTQIA). 
• Able to travel and work evenings or weekends occasionally, or as needed.

NOTE: The job offer will be contingent upon the successful completion and passing of a background check.

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS: We take a holistic approach to wellness, physical, emotional, and financial. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 100% Agency Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for the employee
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Benefit with up to 3% employer match
• 15 Paid Vacation Days for Full-time Employees (Director and Chief positions)
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually Plus Business closure/holiday the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day
• Paid Sick Time Off
• Annual Parking Permit
• Professional Development
• Flexible Work Schedule

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we’re looking for. We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Digital NEST, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital NEST is also committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.  

Please refer to our career page for more information on how to apply for reasonable accommodations.