Chief Development Officer

Job Title: Chief Development Officer

Full-time: 100% FTE, Exempt 

Compensation range: $140,000 - $160,000 Annual Salary

Benefits: Medical, Dental Vision & Life Insurance, Vacation & Sick Time Off, Paid Federal Holidays, Retirement plan 

Organization Size: 50+ employees

Report to: Chief Executive Officer

Location(s): Northern or Central California (This position can work fully remotely, hybrid, or from Digital NEST's office in Watsonville, CA)

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: 

Digital NEST creates sustainable and scalable technology learning centers for Latinx youth – primarily from working-class, farmworker communities -- in order to foster economic equality. We achieve this by teaching technical and soft skills, providing mentors, and broadening networks in order to gain sustainable employment. Digital NEST has sparked a nationwide dialogue among educators, policy-makers and the media as a model for closing the digital divide in under-resourced communities throughout the U.S. 

Founded in 2014, Digital NEST has grown rapidly and plans to expand to a total of five communities in Northern and Central California by the end of 2026. With support from institutions like Google, Latino Community Foundation, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, and Bank of America, Digital NEST has a strong philanthropic base and limitless opportunities to engage new supporters. 

JOB OVERVIEW:

Digital NEST is seeking a highly strategic, entrepreneurial, and values-aligned Chief Development Officer (CDO) to fuel our ambitious plans for growth and scale. Reporting to the CEO, Jacob Martinez, the CDO will join the senior leadership team, build out the development function and team, leverage immediate funding opportunities, and ensure the financial support needed to bring our effective model to more communities in California and beyond

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design, implement, and lead fundraising strategies that drive growth and sustainability 

• In close partnership with the CEO, develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy to 1) increase annual goal from $5.5M in FY23 to $8.5M+ in FY26, 2) steward and increase support from existing corporate, foundation, and individual donors, and 3) bring on new supporters with the capacity to make multi-year, catalytic gifts. 
• Build and strengthen systems and processes for departmental operations and the full donor lifecycle, inclusive of best practices for donor information and moves management. Create the "playbook" for how Digital NEST fundraises. 
• Play a lead role in crafting and/or editing proposals and tightly managing a calendar of grant deliverables. Oversee the renewal processes with existing donors; lead the development of donor reports and ensure compliance with all donor requirements.
• Increase departmental capacity to pursue new funder prospects and advance pipeline opportunities. Engage CEO and board members in identifying connections, securing introductions, and forming relationships with new supporters. 
• Serve as a thought partner and support to the CEO to ensure his time is best leveraged in fundraising, primarily around donor cultivation and stewardship. 
• Partner with the CEO in coaching and guiding the Board of Directors, helping to set policies and practices for Board members involved in fundraising; overseeing the training and support of Board members in outreach and solicitation.
• Attend Digital NEST-organized donor cultivation events, as well as regional conferences, events, and meetings. 

Serve as an organizational leader, supportive manager, and champion for Digital NEST's mission and values

• As a member of the senior management team, contribute to guiding overall organizational strategic direction, decision-making, prioritization, and goals and ensure all development activities are operating in lock step with the rest of the organization. 

• Manage and support the performance and professional growth of a currently 3-member development team, providing a clear team vision, inspire and motivate team members to perform well, and recognize and celebrate successes.

• Operate from a place that centers Digital NEST's mission and values and that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the communities and populations we seek to impact.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• You are an enthusiastic advocate for Digital NEST's mission and values. You are inspired to scale a program that provides underserved Latinx youth with the skills, resources, and networks to build and launch successful careers. You thrive on a team that is deeply inclusive, supportive, multicultural, and centered around teaching, learning, and growth. 
• You are a highly capable development leader with expertise in major giving. You bring at least 15 years of work experience with a track record of securing 5-7 figure gifts from institutional and individual supporters. You are excited to build a strong development function and team. 
• You are a strategic thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You approach your work through an analytical lens, setting and managing to metrics and goals and creating work plans that are action-oriented and feasible. You are a proponent for strong systems and processes in order to drive strategic growth. 

• You are a compelling writer, storyteller, and communicator. You are skilled in breaking down and communicating ideas in ways that inspire others to action. You leverage data and stories to create narratives that articulate the “why” behind an organization’s mission and impact. Extensive grant writing experience is required. 
• You are an empathetic people leader who leverages individuals’ strengths and fosters collaboration. You have experience in managing and coaching managerial-level direct reports for high performance and accountability. You are successful in motivating and directing others towards a defined vision or goals during times of uncertainty, ambiguity, and rapid change.
• You are a well-organized and tech-savvy project manager. You are experienced in leading and prioritizing multiple projects and workstreams from start to finish. You take pride in your work product and operate with a high attention to detail. You are proficient in fundraising databases and other technology systems; Salesforce experience is preferred. 
• You are an energetic and nimble team member with a “get it done” attitude. You are excited to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment that demands and rewards innovation and creativity. You work effectively across teams, time zones, and with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. 
• You are an ally who operates in solidarity with marginalized individuals and groups. You possess an understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual identity, class/SES, and immigration status. You amplify the experience and voice of people of color, women, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning, and intersex individuals and their allies.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for the mission of Digital NEST and belief in upholding the organization’s core values.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture/ethnicity/race, gender, sexual identity, class/SES, and immigration status. 
• Ability to be an ally to people of color, women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning, and intersex individuals and their allies (LGBTQIA). 
• Candidates must have a valid CA driver's license, pass a background check, and be able to travel and work evenings or weekends occasionally, or as needed.

Digital NEST, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital NEST is also committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.  

Please refer to our career page for more information on how to apply for reasonable accommodations.