{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"08d02ae4f0fc5694bbbfb2de","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/08d02ae4f0fc5694bbbfb2de","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/08d02ae4f0fc5694bbbfb2de","title":"Chief Development Officer","description":"Location: Hybrid - On-site & Remote\nReports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)\nDirect Reports: Director of Development, Director of Special Projects, and Manager of Institutional and Individual Giving\nOrganizational Overview\nSave the Chimps operates the largest privately funded chimpanzee sanctuary in the world. Located on 150 acres in Fort Pierce, on the Treasure Coast of Florida, the Sanctuary provides high-quality lifetime medical and behavioral care and enrichment for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, entertainment, and the pet trade.\nSave the Chimps was established in 1997 and is home to over 200 chimpanzees. The work of the organization is accomplished by a nonprofit board of directors, approximately 85 full-time staff, and a number of community volunteers.\nJob Overview\nThe Chief Development Officer (CDO) will be responsible for designing and leading Save the Chimps’ comprehensive fundraising strategy to support its mission and long-term sustainability. The CDO will serve as a key member of the senior team, overseeing all aspects of development, donor relations, and communications.\nKey Responsibilities\nThe CDO will drive the growth of Save the Chimps’ fundraising program, which has a diverse pipeline of support, including foundation, corporation, membership and individual partners with an annual budget of $11M+. A key component of the job will be to develop new approaches to expanding Save the Chimps’ donor base through close collaboration with the development directors and the CEO.\nIn addition to overseeing all day-to-day management of the fundraising program, the CDO will provide leadership in the following areas:\nStrategic Leadership\nDevelop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals, with clear targets and milestones, analysis of potential audiences, budgets and staffing requirements.\nEnsure supporters and board members are engaged and giving at maximum capacity.\nFundraising & Donor Relations\nLead and ensure the growth of the portfolio of major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.\nDirectly manage institutional and individual donors' portfolios through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.\nIn collaboration with the CEO, lead the successful completion of Save the Chimps’ capital campaign.\nOversee proposal development, donor recognition, and grant reporting processes\nResearch, identify, and cultivate new supporters, including major individual, corporate, and foundation donors, as well as public grant or appropriation opportunities.\nBuild and grow meaningful relationships that result in support for Save the Chimps.\nEngage in networking, prospecting, solicitation, and donor stewardship, including traveling for visits and events.\nTeam Management\nSupervise the development team, including the Director of Development, who oversees all fundraising events, and the Director of Special Projects.\nManage, grow, and retain a team of high-performing and high-capacity development professionals.\nBuild and maintain strong cross-departmental collaboration with finance, programs (Veterinary Services and Chimpanzee Care & Behavior), facilities and human resources.\nLead the performance management process and set goals that will further challenge and build the capacity of each direct report.\nBoard & External Engagement\nEstablish strong working relationships and partner closely with each of the Board of Directors on fundraising projects.\nParticipate in Board of Directors meetings and prepare reports and updates as requested by the CEO and Board.\nRepresent the organization at events, donor meetings, and in the community.\nData & Systems\nIn collaboration with the Director of Development, oversee fundraising systems (CRM) to ensure accurate donor tracking, segmentation, and analysis.\nUse data driven insights to evaluate fundraising performance and adjust strategies.\nDevelop and manage the Development Department budget, detailing department revenue and expenses.\nQualifications\nBachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred).\nMinimum 10 years leading fundraising efforts in the non-profit sector.\nProgressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts and campaigns.\nProven success managing donor portfolios of $1M+ annually.\nStrong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.\nFamiliarity with fundraising software.\nCommitment to Save the Chimps’ mission and values.\nPreferred Attributes\nExperience with Florida philanthropic networks and corporate giving.\nAbility to work effectively in a remote/hybrid environment.\nEntrepreneurial spirit and strategic mindset.\nPersuasive and compelling communicator, an excellent listener, emotionally intelligent, fosters a positive work environment, possesses a curious, collaborative, and creative mindset.\nEnvironmental Requirements\nTasks are regularly performed with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, animals/wildlife.\nEmployees must not object to unpleasant chimpanzee behaviors including spitting of water or saliva, throwing of feces, food or other waste, and chimpanzee displays that may include banging, kicking of the fencing, and loud screams or hooting.\nHealth Requirements\nSTC follows and adheres to all local, state and federal regulations and public health mandates. STC currently requires employees (based on role) to be vaccinated for Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus (every 10 years), Influenza (annually) and test negative for TB (annually).\nEmployees working on-site must be comfortable and compliant with sanctuary protocols related to working in proximity to both humans and chimpanzees and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).\nSave the Chimps is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.\nJob Type: Full-time\nPay: From $180,000.00 per year\nBenefits:\n401(k)\n401(k) matching\nDental insurance\nEmployee discount\nFlexible spending account\nHealth insurance\nHealth savings account\nLife insurance\nPaid time off\nParental leave\nVision insurance\nWork Location: Hybrid remote in Fort Pierce, FL 34979","company":"Savethechimpsinc","rawCompany":"savethechimpsinc","city":"Fort Pierce","state":"FL","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-18T17:51:47.515Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-2033.00","title":"Fundraising Managers","slug":"fundraising-managers"},{"code":"13-1131.00","title":"Fundraisers","slug":"fundraisers"},{"code":"11-9151.00","title":"Social and Community Service Managers","slug":"social-and-community-service-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"813410","title":"Civic and Social Organizations","slug":"civic-and-social-organizations"},{"code":"813319","title":"Other Social Advocacy Organizations","slug":"other-social-advocacy-organizations"},{"code":"813211","title":"Grantmaking Foundations","slug":"grantmaking-foundations"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Chief Development Officer","description":"Location: Hybrid - On-site & Remote\nReports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)\nDirect Reports: Director of Development, Director of Special Projects, and Manager of Institutional and Individual Giving\nOrganizational Overview\nSave the Chimps operates the largest privately funded chimpanzee sanctuary in the world. Located on 150 acres in Fort Pierce, on the Treasure Coast of Florida, the Sanctuary provides high-quality lifetime medical and behavioral care and enrichment for chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, entertainment, and the pet trade.\nSave the Chimps was established in 1997 and is home to over 200 chimpanzees. The work of the organization is accomplished by a nonprofit board of directors, approximately 85 full-time staff, and a number of community volunteers.\nJob Overview\nThe Chief Development Officer (CDO) will be responsible for designing and leading Save the Chimps’ comprehensive fundraising strategy to support its mission and long-term sustainability. The CDO will serve as a key member of the senior team, overseeing all aspects of development, donor relations, and communications.\nKey Responsibilities\nThe CDO will drive the growth of Save the Chimps’ fundraising program, which has a diverse pipeline of support, including foundation, corporation, membership and individual partners with an annual budget of $11M+. A key component of the job will be to develop new approaches to expanding Save the Chimps’ donor base through close collaboration with the development directors and the CEO.\nIn addition to overseeing all day-to-day management of the fundraising program, the CDO will provide leadership in the following areas:\nStrategic Leadership\nDevelop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals, with clear targets and milestones, analysis of potential audiences, budgets and staffing requirements.\nEnsure supporters and board members are engaged and giving at maximum capacity.\nFundraising & Donor Relations\nLead and ensure the growth of the portfolio of major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.\nDirectly manage institutional and individual donors' portfolios through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.\nIn collaboration with the CEO, lead the successful completion of Save the Chimps’ capital campaign.\nOversee proposal development, donor recognition, and grant reporting processes\nResearch, identify, and cultivate new supporters, including major individual, corporate, and foundation donors, as well as public grant or appropriation opportunities.\nBuild and grow meaningful relationships that result in support for Save the Chimps.\nEngage in networking, prospecting, solicitation, and donor stewardship, including traveling for visits and events.\nTeam Management\nSupervise the development team, including the Director of Development, who oversees all fundraising events, and the Director of Special Projects.\nManage, grow, and retain a team of high-performing and high-capacity development professionals.\nBuild and maintain strong cross-departmental collaboration with finance, programs (Veterinary Services and Chimpanzee Care & Behavior), facilities and human resources.\nLead the performance management process and set goals that will further challenge and build the capacity of each direct report.\nBoard & External Engagement\nEstablish strong working relationships and partner closely with each of the Board of Directors on fundraising projects.\nParticipate in Board of Directors meetings and prepare reports and updates as requested by the CEO and Board.\nRepresent the organization at events, donor meetings, and in the community.\nData & Systems\nIn collaboration with the Director of Development, oversee fundraising systems (CRM) to ensure accurate donor tracking, segmentation, and analysis.\nUse data driven insights to evaluate fundraising performance and adjust strategies.\nDevelop and manage the Development Department budget, detailing department revenue and expenses.\nQualifications\nBachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred).\nMinimum 10 years leading fundraising efforts in the non-profit sector.\nProgressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts and campaigns.\nProven success managing donor portfolios of $1M+ annually.\nStrong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.\nFamiliarity with fundraising software.\nCommitment to Save the Chimps’ mission and values.\nPreferred Attributes\nExperience with Florida philanthropic networks and corporate giving.\nAbility to work effectively in a remote/hybrid environment.\nEntrepreneurial spirit and strategic mindset.\nPersuasive and compelling communicator, an excellent listener, emotionally intelligent, fosters a positive work environment, possesses a curious, collaborative, and creative mindset.\nEnvironmental Requirements\nTasks are regularly performed with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, animals/wildlife.\nEmployees must not object to unpleasant chimpanzee behaviors including spitting of water or saliva, throwing of feces, food or other waste, and chimpanzee displays that may include banging, kicking of the fencing, and loud screams or hooting.\nHealth Requirements\nSTC follows and adheres to all local, state and federal regulations and public health mandates. STC currently requires employees (based on role) to be vaccinated for Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Tetanus (every 10 years), Influenza (annually) and test negative for TB (annually).\nEmployees working on-site must be comfortable and compliant with sanctuary protocols related to working in proximity to both humans and chimpanzees and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).\nSave the Chimps is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.\nJob Type: Full-time\nPay: From $180,000.00 per year\nBenefits:\n401(k)\n401(k) matching\nDental insurance\nEmployee discount\nFlexible spending account\nHealth insurance\nHealth savings account\nLife insurance\nPaid time off\nParental leave\nVision insurance\nWork Location: Hybrid remote in Fort Pierce, FL 34979","datePosted":"2026-07-18T17:51:47.515Z","dateModified":"2026-07-18T17:51:47.515Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Savethechimpsinc","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Fort Pierce","addressRegion":"FL","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"08d02ae4f0fc5694bbbfb2de"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/08d02ae4f0fc5694bbbfb2de"}}