Vice President, Chief Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President, Chief Development Officer (VP, CDO), serves as the senior fundraising leader for Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, providing strategic vision, leadership, and execution for all revenue-generating activities. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP, CDO is responsible for building and sustaining a comprehensive development program that supports the organization’s mission to end hunger across South Louisiana.

Development

This role oversees major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, grants, special events, and donor stewardship, while fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization. The VP, CDO, works closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leaders to ensure fundraising strategies align with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.

Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the success of the company; that contribution should not be limited by the work identified, assigned tasks, and overall responsibilities. Each employee is expected to offer his/her talents, expertise, and services whenever necessary to ensure the achievement of company goals.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports organizational goals and annual revenue targets.
• Oversee the pursuit and management of federal, state, and local government funding that is not reimbursement-based, including but not limited to senior meals, children’s meals, and other nutrition or hunger-relief initiatives.
• Serve as a thought partner to the President & CEO and Executive Leadership Team on philanthropic strategy, donor engagement, and external relations.
• Lead efforts to diversify revenue streams and grow unrestricted and restricted funding.
• Monitor fundraising performance, analyze trends, and adjust strategies to meet or exceed goals.
• Ensure best-in-class donor stewardship practices that strengthen long-term relationships and donor retention.
• Provide strategic oversight for foundation relations and grant-seeking activities, ensuring alignment with programmatic priorities and compliance requirements.
• Lead and execute a comprehensive revenue generation strategy encompassing philanthropy, government funding, and other mission-aligned revenue sources.
• Provide executive oversight for signature fundraising events and campaigns.
• Represent Second Harvest at community, donor, and partner events, serving as a visible ambassador for the organization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Development team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Set clear goals, expectations, and performance metrics for team members.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across departments, engaging staff and leadership in fundraising efforts.
• Support and partner with the Board of Directors and relevant committees to advance fundraising efforts.
• Provide regular updates, reporting, and strategic guidance to the Board on development activities and outcomes.
• Ensure effective use of CRM systems and data to inform strategy, track performance, and support donor engagement.
• Oversee development budgets and ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards, donor intent, and all applicable regulations.
• Participates in meetings and committees as appropriate.
• Complies with all SHFB policies and procedures.
• Maintains a professional, positive, and courteous demeanor.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet company needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including leadership at the senior or executive level.

Skills and Capabilities

The ideal candidate will possess many of these professional and personal abilities and attributes:

• Demonstrated success in major gifts, campaign leadership, and building comprehensive development programs.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and boards on fundraising initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams.
• Passion for the mission of ending hunger and advancing food security.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to the mission of Second Harvest Food Bank.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines required.

Allowable Substitutions: A Combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge and skills for the position may be considered in lieu of education and/or experience at the company’s discretion.