What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Development Officer position at CJR?
CJR has transformed the lives of Connecticut youth and families for more than 120 years. We serve 2,400 individuals across 10 locations through residential treatment, education, behavioral health, and community programs. CJR is the longest continuously COA-accredited organization in the United States with a $30 million operating budget, a $30 million sustaining fund, and $40 million in net assets. Cassandra Reyes, LCSW, an 18-year CJR veteran, becomes President and CEO in a few weeks, and she seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) as her closest strategic partner in philanthropy.
The CDO reports to the CEO and leads all fundraising activities including major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, planned giving, events, and board engagement. In FY2025, the development team raised $2.9 million. The CDO's charge is to build on that foundation: expanding the major gifts program, diversifying the revenue base, and creating the kind of donor relationships that sustain a mission like CJR's for generations.
We seek someone with at least seven years of nonprofit/social service/higher education fundraising experience with a track record closing individual major gifts and creating a culture of philanthropy. The successful candidate will be facile with moves management and all aspects of fundraising. The person must have relevant experience leveraging board members to increase fundraising and overseeing the architecture and implementation of a vibrant development function. CRM proficiency (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and a Bachelor’s degree are required, and a CFRE is preferred.
Location: Litchfield, CT, on-site | Salary: Competitive
CJR is an equal opportunity employer.