Network of Community Ministries (“Network”) was founded over 38 years ago to provide for those in need of immediate, fundamental support. Today, Network provides comprehensive wraparound services that include a client-choice food pantry and mobile food pantry, clothing closet, case management and stabilization coaching, mental health services, senior services, and programs for children and families. Network serves the 48-square mile, 14-zipcode service area of the Richardson Independent School District that spans Dallas, Richardson, and Garland. Last year, more than 26,000 unique neighbors received services from Network. It is supported by businesses, individuals, and a coalition of religious, civic, and social organizations. The Board, staff, and volunteers embrace the organization’s mission: to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life.                               

Job Summary

As a member of Network’s Senior Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for comprehensive planning, implementation, management, and oversight of all fundraising, communications and community relations activities while managing the development team (4.5 FTEs). The CDO will lead a collaborative effort charged with the management of day-to-day fundraising and communications and providing a dynamic integrated program. Specific responsibilities include direct fundraising; individual, foundation and corporate relations; oversight of grants; oversight of special events; major gifts; strategic planning and vision for development initiatives and growth; and oversight of communications and public relations. Additionally, this position serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors’ External Committee. The ideal candidate is a relationship-focused fundraiser with a successful track record of diverse fundraising experience with a management background.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans, implements, and manages the development/communications program designed to meet the goals and objectives as defined by the strategic plan.
• Serves as the key leader in the acquisition of new and renewed revenue for Network as well as delivery of the key metrics within the annual fundraising plan.
• Serves as the primary staff liaison with the board committees and volunteer fundraising committees and as a resource to the board of directors on all matters related to fundraising and communications.
• Establishes and implements an annual calendar of fundraising and communications activities.
• Directs the writing of funding proposals, direct mail letters, special event materials, and other fundraising support documentation.
• Oversees the stewardship, gift accounting, and reporting functions, ensuring that all donors receive personal and timely acknowledgment of their gifts. Oversees the management of donor database.
• Along with the CEO, assist in creating new frontiers to build sustainable development income including efforts to grow planned giving, earned income opportunities, and multi-year funding awards.
• Ensure a consistent awareness and understanding of Network’s mission, program impact and case for support throughout the community at large through oversight of ongoing marketing, communications, and special event efforts.
• Provide oversight for the volunteer management and recruitment process, with a goal of maintaining well-trained volunteer resources to meet the demands of Network’s continually growing programs.

Top candidates will have the following experience and characteristics:

• Minimum seven years’ work experience demonstrating competency in comprehensive development programs, community relations, and communications/marketing.
• Demonstrated fundraising skills within a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of at least $3 million.
• Bachelor’s degree with a preferred emphasis in fundraising, marketing, public relations, communication, or business.
• Knowledge of fundraising including development planning, annual giving, and major gift cultivation and solicitation.
• Knowledge of communications planning, social media, and public relations.
• Excellent interpersonal, management, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of budget development, administration, and staff management.
• Computer skills preferred include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and donor databases.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to basic needs services and wraparound care that move individuals from short-term assistance to long-term independence.
• Knowledge of Bloomerang CRM and QuickBooks Online.

Please submit a cover letter that outlines your relevant work experience and interest in joining Network of Community Ministries as well as your resume to ceo@thenetwork.org. Please put “Network CDO” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a target start date of April 2024.