Greater St. Louis Area Scouting
Position Summary
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and drives the philanthropic vision, strategy development, oversight, and execution across all fundraising efforts. Reporting to the CEO, the CDO leads efforts to secure the resources necessary to expand programs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization’s mission. The CDO provides strategic leadership for advancement and serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board on philanthropy, revenue growth, and long-term financial sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop, lead, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year advancement strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability goals.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on fundraising strategy and philanthropic trends.
Mission-Driven Fundraising
- Partner with and lead the development team to develop and execute a comprehensive, growth-oriented fundraising plan that supports Scouting throughout the region.
Donor & Community Engagement
- Cultivate relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations who share a passion for developing leaders and Scouting values.
Major Gifts & Campaigns
- Lead operating and capital campaigns as well as major donor initiatives to fund program growth and infrastructure.
- Provide leadership for planned giving and endowment strategies that support long-term financial sustainability and legacy philanthropy.
Board & Volunteer Partnership
- Partner closely with the Board of Directors and key committees to advance fundraising priorities and engage volunteer leadership in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Prepare and present advancement updates, performance reports, and strategic recommendations to the Board and senior leadership.
Fundraising Performance & Accountability
- Establish and oversee annual and campaign fundraising goals; manage revenue forecasting, donor pipelines, and performance reporting to ensure accountability and results.
- Ensure ethical fundraising practices, compliance with donor intent, and strong stewardship across all fundraising efforts.
Analysis & Innovation
- Analyze current fundraising models and develop new methods to position Greater St. Louis Area Scouting as a best-in-class youth development organization.
- Leverage data, analytics, and technology to strengthen donor acquisition, retention, and engagement.
Advancement Infrastructure
- Provide oversight of advancement operations, including fundraising systems, data integrity, reporting, and policies that support effective and efficient fundraising.
- Collaborate across departments to align fundraising and engagement strategies for a cohesive donor experience.
Team Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing advancement team, supporting professional growth and long-term organizational capacity.
- Mentor and inspire the development team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
Storytelling & Advocacy
- Communicate the positive impact of Scouting and youth development through compelling narratives, events, and public speaking engagements.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector.
- Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing capital campaigns.
- Strong knowledge of the local philanthropic market.
- Successful staff leadership and supervisory experience.
- Proven understanding of donor cultivation, stewardship, and community engagement.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with boards and volunteer leaders in a complex, mission-driven nonprofit environment.
- Strong strategic and analytical skills, including experience with fundraising metrics, forecasting, and performance reporting.
- Passion for youth empowerment, outdoor education, and the values of Scouting.
Core Competencies
· Mission-focused leadership
· Relationship-building and networking excellence
· Strategic and creative fundraising vision
· Results oriented achievement in a team environment
· High integrity and commitment to Scouting
Benefits
Greater St. Louis Area Scouting is an equal-opportunity employer that offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including
· Insurance: medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, accidental death.
· 403b retirement thrift plan match
· Continuing education
· Reimbursement for approved business expenses including mileage and cell phone
· Generous PTO policy and holiday observances
Salary: $180,000-$200,000
About Greater St. Louis Area Scouting
The Greater St. Louis Area Council is one of the top 5 largest Councils in Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) among over 230 scout councils in the nation. A team of over 300 full and part-time staff partners with a Board of Directors and over 8,000 adult volunteers to serve over 30,000 youth members annually. The Council serves the St Louis Metropolitan Area, Southern & Central Illinois, and Southeast Missouri. It has Service Centers (offices) in St. Louis County and Cape Girardeau in Missouri and in Herrin and Decatur in Illinois. It operates six camp properties throughout the area.
How to apply
Submit resume and cover letter to Joe Sadewasser, CEO at Joe.Sadewasser@Scouting.org
