Chief Development Officer

Description

About Interfaith Community Services:

As North County's largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services has been "helping people help themselves" since 1979. The organization provides a wide range of programs designed to empower hungry, homeless, and low-income community members to begin a pathway towards self-sufficiency. Each year, Interfaith Community Services impacts?more than?20,000 community members by providing basic needs and nutrition support, social services, shelters and housing, employment development, senior services, veterans programs and addiction recovery support.

Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 1,700 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 275, Interfaith provides a safe-haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 20,000 community members annually.

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission!

What You'll Do:

In the Chief of Development role, you are a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of Interfaith Community Services through strategic philanthropy, community engagement, and revenue development.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO leads the organization’s comprehensive development strategy and oversees the Development Department, including fundraising, marketing and external communications, volunteer services, and in-kind donations, faith center membership, and community partnerships.

The CDO works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders to expand philanthropic investment, strengthen donor relationships, and increase visibility of the organization’s impact. This role is responsible for building and leading a high-performing team that supports diversified revenue streams and fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and contribute to the organization’s strategic direction and growth.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and philanthropy strategy aligned with Interfaith’s strategic plan.
• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors to advance fundraising priorities and strengthen board engagement in philanthropy.
• Strengthen and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization, ensuring fundraising and donor stewardship are integrated into the agency’s mission and programs.
• Identify and successfully pursue revenue diversification in support of Interfaith programs and services

Fundraising & Philanthropy

• Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and special campaigns.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Partner with the CEO and Board members to secure transformational gifts and long-term
• philanthropic partnerships.
• Ensure effective donor engagement strategies and stewardship practices that strengthen donor loyalty and retention.

Grants & Institutional Funding

• Provide support for foundation and government grant strategies to support program sustainability and growth.
• Support the identification, development, and submission of competitive grant proposals.
• Collaborate with program and finance teams to ensure grant compliance, reporting, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Communications, Public Engagement, and Advocacy

• Oversee the organization’s communications and marketing strategy to elevate brand awareness and community engagement.
• Ensure alignment between fundraising initiatives and organizational messaging.
• Support storytelling efforts that highlight the strength and resilience of Interfaith’s clients and the communities we serve
• Work in partnership with CEO and Board of Directors on focused advocacy to educate the community on the strengths of marginalized communities, advocating for policies and actions that help both individually and systemically

Community Partnerships & External Relations

• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, faith communities, corporate partners, and civic leaders.
• Represent the organization at community events, public speaking engagements, and fundraising initiatives.
• Expand opportunities for community involvement through philanthropy, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships.

Volunteer Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership for volunteer engagement initiatives that support organizational programs and strengthen community connection.
• Ensure volunteer engagement aligns with the organization’s mission and broader development strategy.

Team Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing philanthropy team.
• Oversee departmental planning, goal setting, and budget management.
• Promote collaboration across departments to support fundraising success and mission impact.
• Ensure the effective use of donor data systems, performance metrics, and fundraising best practices. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain strong professional standards, confidentiality, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations, funding requirements, and organizational policies.
• Participate in leadership meetings, strategic initiatives, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of the organization.

Requirements

Who You Are:

You're passionate about making a lasting impact, whether supporting individuals directly or enhancing our organizational effectiveness. To thrive in this role, you'll:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, and Public Administration, required
• Master’s degree, preferred
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising or philanthropy, required
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing diversified fundraising strategies
• Experience leading development teams and overseeing multiple fundraising functions
• Experience working closely with nonprofit boards and executive leadership
• Familiarity with foundation and government funding environments
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and leading diverse teams

Location: Onsite/Escondido

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

Salary: $150,000-$190,000

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• Primarily office-based work environment
• Frequent use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment
• Regular interaction with staff, clients, and external partners in a professional setting
• Ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods, with periodic standing and walking
• Ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, including keyboarding, filing, and handling office materials
• Ability to occasionally move, lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 25–30 pounds
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and grasp as necessary to perform essential job functions
• Ability to communicate effectively and exchange information verbally and in writing
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays – 13 scheduled
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• AD&D / Group Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Medical and Dependent Care
• Matched 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Early Release Days!
• Work Anniversary Bonuses
• Tuition Reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Home Ownership Assistance Program
• Casual Work Environment
• Professional Growth and Career Development Opportunities

Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, nationality, sex, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Interfaith will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.