Chief Development Officer (CDO)

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a new senior executive role that is responsible for shaping CBE's philanthropic vision and advancing the congregation's long-term financial sustainability. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO partners with the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, clergy, lay leadership, and the Board of Trustees to execute a comprehensive development strategy — spanning annual giving, major gifts, planned-giving, the Spring Fundraiser, and a transformational 8 figure capital campaign to renovate CBE's Garfield Place campus.

The capital campaign is the CDO's defining priority. Leading it end-to-end — from case-for-support development through public launch, solicitation, and stewardship. The success of this campaign will reshape CBE's physical home and create the infrastructure for the next generation of Reform Jewish life in Brooklyn. The CDO also inherits a strong philanthropic foundation: over 567 individual donors and a marquee Spring Fundraiser generating nearly $400,000 annually.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraiser with proven success leading capital campaigns, closing transformational gifts, and building high-performing teams. They are a strategic thinker, exceptional relationship-builder, and skilled communicator who engages donors, clergy, and lay leaders with warmth and professionalism.

SCOPE AT A GLANCE
Capital Campaign: Eight figure renovation of CBE's Garfield Place campus — the CDO's flagship priority
1,400+ member households
$800,000+ raised in FY 2025–26 annual support fundraising
Spring Fundraiser: ~$400,000 raised annually
Early Childhood Center: 239 students enrolled — largest in CBE's history
Yachad youth education: 555 students enrolled — record enrollment
CBE extends its reach well beyond Park Slope, helping members from all over the borough

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
Set the vision, strategy, and multi-year roadmap for all development efforts, aligned with CBE's mission, strategic plan, and financial goals.
Serve on the senior leadership team; partner with the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, and Board to align fundraising with institutional priorities.
Establish, monitor, and continuously improve short- and long-range development goals, policies, and operating procedures.
Provide fundraising guidance to clergy, staff, lay leaders, and volunteers across the CBE community.
Capital Campaign Leadership (Flagship Priority)
Lead CBE's 8-figure capital campaign as chief architect, lead solicitor, and public face — in close partnership with the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, Board, and campaign volunteer leadership.
Identify, cultivate, and personally solicit lead and principal gifts; build a robust pipeline across the membership and beyond.
Recruit, train, and support campaign cabinets and volunteer solicitors with tools, briefings, and stewardship strategies.
Oversee campaign communications, donor reporting, pledge management, and coordination with the broader renovation project.
Fundraising Programs
Oversee all development efforts: annual fund, major gifts, planned-giving, capital campaign, endowment, grants, and project-specific fundraising — including community initiatives such as the annual fundraising activities.
Partner with lay leadership to grow revenue and refresh the donor experience year over year.
Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects through the full cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle.
Build and grow CBE's planned-giving program, including Legacy Society stewardship and bequest cultivation.
Meet annual budget goals; monitor performance and adjust strategy as needed.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Oversee prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship — including donor events, trips, and personalized engagement plans — across annual, planned-giving, capital, and endowment programs.
Manage CBE's donor recognition program, including events, plaques, and naming opportunities.
Work closely with clergy to cultivate new prospects and deepen giving through personalized outreach.
Partner with the Directors of Membership and Engagement to develop a holistic view of member donors and identify future CBE leaders; develop profiles for the nominating committee.
Marketing & Communications
Design marketing and communications strategies for the Annual Appeal, planned-giving, and project-specific fundraising with the CBE marketing and communications team.
Collaborate with the marketing and communications team on print, email, web, and social media to advance development goals.
Write and oversee solicitation letters, campaign materials, and donor communications that reflect CBE's voice and values.
Team Leadership & Operations
Lead, manage and mentor the development team, including the Development Officer (annual fund and day-to-day operations) and Development Assistant (gift entry, acknowledgments, and administrative support); foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning.
Manage the Development Committee in close partnership with the Development Chair.
Oversee development operations: CRM/database management, gift processing, acknowledgment letters, and tax correspondence; partner with finance to ensure accuracy and integrity.
Maintain naming and gift acceptance policies; ensure compliance with procedures governing restricted funds.
Develop and manage the department's expense budget.
Use data and analytics to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, and report to the Board and Executive Director.
Perform other duties as assigned at the direction of the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree: required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
Minimum 15 years: of progressive development experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams and multi-channel programs.
Demonstrated track record: of personally closing six- and seven-figure gifts, including principal gifts of $1M+.
Proven success: in a senior role in a multi-million-dollar capital campaign (8 figure+ preferred).
Demonstrated success: growing planned giving programs and major gifts initiatives.
Experience: at a synagogue, Jewish nonprofit, or faith-based organization strongly preferred; familiarity with Reform Jewish values a plus.
Proficiency: in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and CRM/donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Shul Cloud); ability to learn new platforms quickly.