Chief Development Officer

Job Summary: Landesa is seeking a seasoned, results-focused Chief Development Officer to develop and drive strategic fundraising initiatives in support of Landesa’s mission. Reporting to the CEO, this critical position is part of the Executive Leadership team and manages a team of 15 staff.

About Landesa: Landesa is an international nonprofit dedicated to ending global poverty by securing land rights for rural communities around the globe. Founded in 1981, Landesa has worked in more than 65 countries throughout the world, with central office staff in the U.S. (Seattle, Washington and Washington, DC) and regional programming in China, India, Liberia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand. Landesa partners with governments, civil society, and companies to develop pro-poor and gender-sensitive laws, policies and programs that have helped strengthen land rights for more than 720 million people in the last 5 years. The organization is supported by NGOs, foundations, donor agencies (USAID, World Bank, etc.), world leaders, educational institutions, and individual supporters around the world. Landesa has been consistently ranked one of the top ten international NGOs in the world and has received numerous awards for its work. Landesa’s annual budget of approximately $20 million is supported by private foundations (e.g. Ford, Rockefeller, Skoll), public donors (e.g. USAID, World Bank), individuals (including MacKenzie Scott) and corporate contracts.

Reporting and relationships: The Chief Development Officer will report to the CEO.

Availability: The Chief Development Officer is expected to work a standard workweek of 40 hours, plus additional hours as necessary to complete work. The position may require international travel.

Essential Job Functions: In this role, you will

• Drive Landesa’s mission by developing, managing, and implementing a strategic fundraising plan
• Lead the development and execution of a 5-year comprehensive fundraising campaign
• Lead the communications team which manages program related comms support, organizational messaging, branding, public relations, social media content, and the Landesa website
• Work with the Executive Leadership Team to oversee and help ensure the effectiveness of Landesa’s work and the healthiness of its finances and internal functioning.
• Partner across the organization and with donors, potential donors, and Board members to leverage networks and resources and build the fundraising pipeline
• Identify and pursue prospects at a global level, partnering with in-country staff and headquarters to pursue opportunities through collaboration and a shared vision
• Engage influential people to share and support our mission
• Lead the fundraising team; hiring, developing, and directing top talent
• Manage fundraising budget in coordination with Finance and Programs teams
• Manage foundation and donor portfolios, including individuals, private foundations, public sector donors and corporations
• Provide leadership to the Board Resource Development Committee and other fundraising committees; offering guidance and strengthening skillsets
• Prepare and deliver reports on fundraising efforts and status
• Ensure that ambitious fundraising targets are met or exceeded
• Be a role model, support and mentor to leaders across the organization.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep commitment and passion for Landesa’s mission of a better, safer future for the world’s poorest people through secure access to land
• Demonstrated ability to consistently meet ambitious fundraising targets
• Proficiency with a suite of technical fundraising tools, including Salesforce and a number of integrated applications.
• High degree of business acumen, with an understanding of Landesa, it’s partner organizations, competitors, and those we serve
• Understanding of motivators, sensitivities, political pressures, corporate politics and other influencers, and the ability to productively maneuver through them
• Resourcefulness and cross-cultural sensitivity to get things done across varied and different international conditions
• Experience hiring, developing and managing others
• Bias for action and the ability to engage and motivate others
• Superior writing abilities; skilled in design and dissemination of information using multiple vehicles and venues
• Excellent prioritization, presentation and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel internationally and operate effectively in developing countries

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• a minimum of 10 years’ related experience, preferably in the international NGO community, or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience
• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification is preferred

Work Environment and Working Conditions for Travelers to Developing Countries: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to working conditions and hazards that prevail in the country of assignment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work is primarily performed indoors with some potential for exposure to safety and health hazards related to electronics work.The employee may be required to travel overseas and domestically. When traveling overseas in a developing country, the employee may be exposed to: physical hazards (illnesses, noise, extreme temperatures, wet or humid climates, etc.), road hazards (unfinished/dirt roads, potholes, traffic-related accidents, etc.), and atmospheric conditions (odors, dust, fumes, smog, etc.).

Additional Comments: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.