Chief Development Officer

The US Naval Institute seeks a development leader of presence and confidence with an authentic passion for the Naval Institute’s mission. The Chief Development Officer will oversee a comprehensive development program, building strong relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation supporters to secure unrestricted, specific, endowment, and planned gifts that advance the organization’s mission. The Chief Development Officer will:

• Take responsibility for the planning, design, implementation, and management of a comprehensive development program that encompasses fostering relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation support across all philanthropic categories.
• Build off the success of USNI’s outstanding history of fundraising and bring an exceptional track record of fundraising success from organizations with similar goals, objectives, and impact as the USNI. This includes success in planning, preparing, and executing a comprehensive campaign.
• Manage development staff and work with the entire organization to develop a structural capacity and mindset that encourages donors to see the Naval Institute as an opportunity to advance their philanthropic goals.
• Develop and lead the implementation of the development plan, establishing clear short- and long-term fundraising goals aligned with the organization’s strategic plan 2030.
• Continuously expand the pipeline of future major donors and create tailored cultivation and stewardship strategies to deepen donor engagement and retention.
• Direct and support the CEO, board members, and other leadership volunteers in high-level fundraising efforts, including major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ensure data-driven decision-making by building and maintaining systems that generate accurate, timely reports on fundraising progress; coordinate closely with finance for integrated reporting and compliance.
• Lead a team of development professionals who are accountable for annual fundraising goals; work with them to develop philanthropic marketing materials and products.

 Ideal Candidate:

• Nonprofit fundraising experience preferred, with a deep understanding of strategic comprehensive development.
• Advanced skill, comfort, and passion working with and securing gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
• A relationship builder who is comfortable working with high-level individuals and making subsequent six and seven-figure asks.
• Substantial experience engaging senior leadership teams, managing staff, and developing and working with boards and volunteers; 10 + years of senior responsibility.
• Deep experience with military and national security funders and an authentic passion for the Naval Institute’s mission.
• Extensive experience in donor relations and management, ensuring strong and lasting relationships with supporters.
• Executive presence, charisma, and an authentic yet persuasive delivery that motivates and inspires stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience using and managing donor pipelines through CRMs.
• Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to provide a united, visible, and strong leadership presence across the organization.
• Exceptionally strong interpersonal and writing skills are required. Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to service multiple internal customers are critical.
• Experience working with volunteer boards to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
• Work directly with the Senior Staff to identify the funding opportunities and key collaborations that will sustain the Institute’s long-range plans and strategic goals.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ability to travel as much as 25 percent of the time.

 Location: Annapolis, MD (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office)

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the U.S. Naval Institute. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/cdo-usni/.