Position Title: Chief Development Officer

Location: Remote

Reports To: Desmond K. Blackburn, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports:

Director, Development Operations

Managing Director, Development

Senior Director, Institutional Partnerships

Position Summary

Facing History & Ourselves seeks an innovative Chief Development Officer (CDO) to provide leadership and strategic vision to maximize the philanthropic potential of the organization. The Chief Development Officer will report to Desmond Blackburn, Facing History’s CEO, who is charting an ambitious vision of growth that will significantly increase Facing History’s potential for impact.

The CDO will play a critical, strategic role in securing the necessary resources to increase organizational capacity and partner with the senior team on efforts to expand and grow Facing History’s programs into new geographies and schools. The CDO will serve as a key partner to senior leadership, including Facing History’s Regional Executive Directors and Advisory Boards and will lead a highly collaborative fundraising team of 21 staff members in Development, Development Operations, and Institutional Partnerships that currently raises ~$30M annually with plans to grow in the next few years.

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with the CEO, develop and refine an ambitious, growth-oriented fundraising strategic plan that includes ways to deepen and diversify the funding base and grow restricted and unrestricted funds from all constituencies.

• Serve as an ambassador for Facing History’s work, mission, and impact with all audiences. Work closely with the program team to understand and market the organization’s programs while raising the capital to support them.

• Serve as a close partner to the CEO, supporting him in key fundraising initiatives with major donors.

• Work closely with the development team and regional Executive Directors to align on strategic fundraising priorities and align fundraising strategies to support those priorities.

• Serve as a member of Facing History & Ourselves’ senior team as a close partner to the team and the CEO.

• Coach and develop a collaborative fundraising team of 21 to success with a focus on performance metrics, individual coaching, and team development.

• Lead with an inclusive leadership style that empowers the team through active communication and opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Assume primary responsibility for managing a portfolio of top donors and prospects.

Pivotal Experience and Expertise

Mission Orientation: A mission-driven leader with a passion for Facing History’s mission to use lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to racism, antisemitism, and other forms of bigotry and hate. A “true believer” who understands Facing History’s impact and who brings a passion for confronting complex problems at a systemic level.

Strategic Vision: Strategic, growth-oriented leadership that innovates fundraising processes, as well as envisions new revenue-generating opportunities. Experience and confidence in capacity-building at all levels of an organization.

Fundraising expertise: A proven fundraising track record of raising money from a variety of sources, including from individuals and foundations. A proven track record of achieving or surpassing goals and building capacity. Experience leading a comprehensive fundraising campaign is desirable.

Inclusive Team Leadership: Demonstrated strong, inclusive leadership and people management skills, including a previous track record of coaching, leading, and motivating a fundraising team to be successful. A focus on leading a team to excellent implementation across all levels.

Culture Impact

Ambassadorial Skill: Articulate communicator and ambassador for Facing History & Ourselves with all audiences; knowledgeable of Facing History’s areas of focus; brings the ability to compel action on these areas.

Collaboration & Trust: Builds relationships and teams by building and maintaining honesty, trust, and integrity. Has the ability to be an effective collaborator and serves as a champion for transparency and collaboration between and among internal teams and the board.

Clarity of Direction: Leads with purpose and can “connect the dots” between organizational priorities, daily tasks, and the overarching mission Clarity of Direction and vision of an organization.

If interested, please apply to FacingHistoryCDO@heidrick.com.

Compensation for this role will be determined based on experience and skill set, with an anticipated base salary range of $300,000-$350,000. This range does not include any incentive-based compensation. Facing History & Ourselves encourages any candidate who might have interest to reach out to Heidrick & Struggles for a preliminary conversation.

Facing History values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.