About this opportunity
HumanePro lists this Chief Development Officer opportunity in kansas city, Missouri. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Development
Job Description
Title: Chief Development Officer
Department: Development
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Category: Full time/Exempt; Salary
Supervises: Development Staff
Salary: $100,000 - $140,000
Schedule: 40+ hours per week, typically performed Monday through Friday. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
About Us: Kansas City Pet Project is a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a more compassionate community for pets & people. We are a nonprofit organization that operates the Kansas City, MO animal shelter, caring for more than 16,000 pets a year.
About You: We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our donor relations, fundraising initiatives and overall development strategy, thus ensuring the continued success of Kansas City Pet Project.
Position Summary: The CDO plays a key role in driving sustainability and growth for the organization by cultivating relationships with donors, community partners, foundations, and other stakeholders to secure critical funding, while also enhancing the organization’s public presence and engagement through effective marketing and communications strategies. The CDO will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the broader leadership team to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the organization’s mission, goals, and financial needs. The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal welfare, extensive experience in nonprofit development, and the ability to inspire and engage others in our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop the Development and MarComm teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and provide a collaborative work environment
Support the professional growth of team members through training and career development opportunities
Work collaboratively with other departments (programs, finance, and operations) to ensure alignment of messaging and strategy
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving
Lead the design and implementation of capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives
Set ambitious fundraising goals and oversee efforts to meet or exceed them annually
Establish and maintain strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
Build and maintain a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, prospects, and corporate partners
Oversee donor stewardship initiatives, ensuring a consistent and meaningful donor experience
Develop and implement strategies for donor engagement, retention, and growth
Organize and manage donor recognition programs, ensuring transparency and accountability
Grant Development & Management
Identify and apply for funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and corporations
Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring adherence to deadlines and required reporting
Manage and track the progress of grants, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
Board Engagement & Support
Partner with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising efforts, leveraging their networks and expertise to meet goals
Provide regular updates to the Board regarding development activities, marketing initiatives, and progress toward goals
Financial Management & Reporting
Work closely with the finance team to develop accurate revenue projections and manage the development and marketing budgets
Monitor and report on fundraising and marketing progress, expenses, and results to the Executive Director and Board
Ensure that donor funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the organization’s mission
Marketing Strategy
Oversee the organization’s marketing and communications strategy to raise public awareness and promote the organization’s mission, programs, and impact
Work closely with the marketing and communications team to design campaigns that support fundraising efforts and increase engagement with the community
Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels, aligning with the organization’s core values and brand
Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies to improve outreach and engagement and overall development efforts
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and relevant certifications in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or a related field preferred
Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in nonprofit development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role; ideally in the animal welfare or advocacy sector
Experience in doing or leading marketing and communications teams strongly preferred
Proven success in major gift fundraising, grant writing, and event planning within the nonprofit sector
Strong track record of building and managing donor relationships, as well as media and public relations
Skills
Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and project management skills
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple priorities
In-depth knowledge of fundraising best practices, tools, and trends
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of Donor Perfect and Classy databases a plus
Knowledge of the philanthropic community of Kansas City preferred
Attributes
Deep passion for animal welfare
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Strong leadership and teamwork skills
Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment
High level of integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence
Personal Attributes
Ability to work in office
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
Willingness to travel locally and occasionally to out-of-state conferences
Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
Comfortable working with animals of various species and sizes
Why Join Us?
Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to saving and improving animal lives
Work alongside a passionate team of advocates, caregivers, and rescuers
Make a tangible impact through compelling storytelling and advocacy
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Working Conditions
We ask you to assess your ability to effectively manage and navigate the emotional aspects of animal welfare before applying. Most functions will be performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to sit for up to eight hours, with breaks. Must be able to perform computer work and data entry for up to eight hours per day.
This is a full time job
Contact Information
Job Contact Details
Name Tammy McMillin
Title Talent Acquisition & Retention Coordinator
Telephone Number
Email Address
Website
Closing Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Posting Date: September 17, 2026
Closing Date: November 17, 2026
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Worksite address
kansas city, MO, 64101, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.