Job Opportunity: Chief Development Officer

Organization: CJR (Connecticut Junior Republic)

Location: Litchfield, Connecticut

Travel: Local and statewide travel required

To Apply: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/chief-development-officer-cjr/

About CJR:

Founded in 1904, CJR is dedicated to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive through comprehensive therapeutic, educational, and support services for children and families. With a rich history rooted in community service and a commitment to positive transformation, CJR operates across multiple locations in Connecticut, including a 150-acre campus in Litchfield featuring a working farm, vocational and academic facilities, and residential programs. The organization serves over 2,400 individuals annually through a broad continuum of services, including residential care, education, wellness, and community-based programs. CJR is proud of its longstanding accreditation by COA and NEASC, reflecting its commitment to quality and compliance. The organization is poised for growth and innovation, seeking a visionary leader to guide its strategic direction, expand programs, and deepen community impact.

Position Overview:

CJR is seeking a Chief Development Officer who 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning: Partner with the President and CEO and senior leadership to identify funding priorities and align development strategies with organizational goals. Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy centered on donor engagement and relationship-building. Establish measurable goals, benchmarks, and performance metrics for fundraising and donor retention. Utilize data and analytics to evaluate performance and inform strategy adjustments. Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership and the Board on fundraising progress and donor trends. Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with an emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationship development.
• Donor Engagement & Relationship Management: Build and maintain a portfolio of key donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies. Support and guide the President and CEO and Board in donor relationship development and solicitation efforts. Strengthen donor retention through thoughtful stewardship and ongoing engagement.
• Fundraising & Revenue Development: Oversee all fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving. Integrate traditional fundraising approaches with digital and technology-driven strategies.
• Board & External Relations: Ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective use of development systems across the team. Engage and support the Board of Directors in fundraising activities and relationship development. Develop and maintain partnerships with community stakeholders, government entities, and philanthropic organizations.
• Technology & Data-Driven Development: Develop and implement targeted campaigns using email, digital platforms, and donor management systems. Expand and diversify revenue streams through innovative fundraising approaches and outreach methods. Oversee the use and optimization of donor management systems (CRM) to track engagement, manage pipelines, and support strategic decision-making. Utilize data segmentation and analytics to tailor outreach and improve donor acquisition and retention. Leverage technology to enhance donor communication, including email campaigns, digital outreach, and online giving platforms.
• Team Leadership & Compliance: Lead, supervise, and develop Development Department staff; foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture. Ensure ethical fundraising practices and compliance with all applicable regulations and reporting requirements. Maintain strong stewardship practices to ensure donor trust, transparency, and long-term engagement.

The Ideal Candidate:

The next Chief Development Officer at CJR will be a relationship-driven, mission-aligned fundraising leader with a demonstrated track record of building major gift programs, cultivating donor portfolios, and leveraging technology to grow philanthropic revenue. This individual brings deep experience working with nonprofit boards and CEOs, and approaches development with both strategic vision and personal warmth. Above all, they will be energized by CJR’s mission and the transformative impact the organization has on young people and families across Connecticut.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Seven or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or external relations, including demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising and securing major gifts.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CFRE certification, or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and digital fundraising tools.
• Experience working with senior leadership and Boards of Directors in donor engagement and solicitation.
• Familiarity with planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor segmentation strategies.
• Experience in a nonprofit, human services, or education environment strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and sustain meaningful donor relationships.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting salary of $150,000-$170,000. The salary is based upon a variety of job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, certifications, scope, and performance, as well as market rates, internal equity, budget constraints, the role’s responsibilities, candidate’s unique qualifications. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement plan and match, and paid time off and holidays. Low-cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Plan Options Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over) Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time) Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and holiday time off) Annual Monetary Incentives Tuition Assistance 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program Employee Discounts (Cell Phone, Computer) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid 10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance.

Application Process:

This search is being conducted by Dri Waterstone Human Capital. Interested candidates or referrals are encouraged to contact: Andrew C. Wheeler: [email protected] Founder & President, Dri Waterstone Human Capital Phone: 703-294-6684 James Pierce: [email protected] Daniel Guerrero: [email protected] Applications are accepted until the position is filled. For best consideration, please submit your application by June 29, 20226, including a cover letter detailing your interest, qualifications, and alignment with CJR’s mission, along with your current résumé.

To Apply: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/chief-development-officer-cjr/

Start Date: Fall 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer:

CJR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry. We embrace the competitive advantage of diversity.