Chief Development Officer (CDO)

The Company is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead its philanthropic strategy and fundraising operations. The role will develop and execute multi-year plans, oversee a broad portfolio of giving programs and grants, and personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors. The CDO will build and empower a high-performing team, strengthen donor engagement, and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization. Responsibilities also include leading campaigns and special fundraising initiatives, using data to measure results, overseeing budgets and operations, and representing the organization in community and stakeholder settings. Candidates should have a strong record of strategic leadership in nonprofit, multi-channel fundraising, along with experience developing teams and building effective cross-functional partnerships. The role requires the ability to create analytics-informed, multi-year fundraising strategies, lead change, and balance strategic planning with hands-on execution. Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, as are integrity, sound judgment, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical fundraising. Animal welfare experience is a plus.