Position Summary:

The Chief Development Officer leads the strategy and execution of all fundraising efforts in support of Special Olympics Colorado’s mission, driving growth across major gifts, special events, individual and planned giving, corporate partnerships, and Law Enforcement engagement statewide. This role is responsible for strengthening fundraising infrastructure and expanding annual revenue.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader who builds high-performing teams and strong partnerships, with a track record of success in relationship-building, fundraising, revenue generation, and donor stewardship—consistently meeting or exceeding goals. An exceptional communicator and compelling spokesperson, they will cultivate new relationships, expand and diversify the donor base, and elevate the organization’s visibility, impact, and resources.

Reports to: President and CEO

Position Responsibilities:

Senior Leadership:

• Serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and is an active participant in making decisions affecting the organization, including strategic planning and implementation

• Responsible for fostering a culture of philanthropy organization-wide

• Accountable for developing metrics, goal setting and reporting on the activity of the Development Department

• Monitor funding trends and proactively position SOCO for long-term sustainability

• Support and partner with the CEO and board members on major fundraising initiatives

Revenue Growth & Fund Development:

• Lead the effort to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy

• Set short- and long-term revenue goals aligned with organizational priorities, with fundraising goals met annually

• Oversee development operations including an annual plan for all fundraising initiatives including major gifts, planned gifts, corporate sponsorship, fundraising events, and donor database management

• Manages a personal portfolio of major and planned gift donors with high levels of capacity and inclination

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors of all levels

• Develop innovative stewardship strategies that deepen donor engagement

• Responsible for creating and stewarding new partnerships with corporate sponsors

• Create compelling proposals focused on long-term partnership growth

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment between funding strategy and programmatic impact

• Regularly represent SOCO at external presentations, gatherings, events and other opportunities

Development Team Management:

• Lead Development Team to meet all goals while creating a fun and positive team culture built on trust and respect

• Conduct regular check-ins with all team members and work with each team member to ensure they have the tools to reach their professional development goals

• Prepares fundraising budgets and sets goals in collaboration with CEO, CFO, Development Team and Board

• Provides overall leadership, direction, and accountability for the Development Department

Law Enforcement Torch Run:

• Oversee the LETR program, including management of staff and the recruitment, retention, and engagement of law enforcement agency participation statewide to meet fundraising and programmatic goals
• Build and manage relationships with LETR Executive Council, Chiefs, Sheriffs, and other Law Enforcement professionals and agencies
• Build relationships with new law enforcement agencies through outreach and stewardship efforts

Board and Committee Engagement:

• Lead and support the Development Committee, which is comprised of Board Members and Community Leaders
• Present regular revenue analysis and forecasts to the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Committee, and the Board
• Attend Committee and Board Meetings and be prepared to answer questions that pertain to Development

Position Qualifications & Experience:

The ideal candidate is a results-driven team player and strategic thinker who believes in the power of inclusion.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of nonprofit leadership experience in fundraising and development
• 8+ years leading and managing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated success across all major fundraising channels including corporate sponsorships, grant, individual donor development and events
• Proven track record of growing revenue and expanding donor relationships
• Comprehensive working knowledge of organizational planning, organizational structure, budgeting, administrative operations, and fundraising
• Experience securing and stewarding six-figure gifts ($100,000+)
• Experience managing revenue goals of $7M+ annually
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Skills & Attributes:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong executive presence and public speaking ability
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong financial acumen
• High emotional intelligence and relationship-building capability
• Proven ability to lead an effective and productive team
• Organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable balancing strategy with execution
• High integrity and ability to handle confidential information
• You are professional, friendly, and enjoy networking, communicating, and engaging with internal and external constituencies
• Support other departments contributing to team spirit and sharing of responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT and OneCause preferred
• High energy and passion for SOCO’s mission and working with our athletes is essential
• Valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain within one month)
• You have the ability to work weekends and evenings as needed, travel independently throughout the state, operate a computer for extended periods, lift and carry 30 lbs.
• Most importantly, you bring energy, optimism, resilience, and a sense of humor to mission-driven work.
• All other duties as assigned

Additional Requirements:

Applicants will undergo a background check after conditional employment offer. Applicants must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license, (or willingness to obtain one within a month of employment) with a driving record that allows employees to be covered by agency auto insurance and drive agency vehicles (must be at least 21 years old) with at least 2 years of driving experience. Applicants must also have access to a personal vehicle to travel throughout the state. Mileage reimbursement is provided.

Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental and Vision Insurance; Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, a 401K plan with a 2% company match at the end of the year. SOCO has a “Flexible Time Off” policy, offers paid holidays, paid family leave, and employees are eligible for 5-week sabbatical every 5 years of service with the organization. Additionally, we offer flexible work hours as allowable per the job responsibilities and professional development opportunities annually. We are willing to consider candidates outside of Colorado but are unable to provide a relocation package for this position.

Compensation:

Application Process:

Interested applicants should email the following to HR@specialolympicsco.org by April 20, 2026

• Cover letter (1-page or less) that includes why you want to join the Special Olympics Colorado team and why you feel this position is a good fit for you.
• Resume

Our interview process takes approximately 3-4 weeks after the priority application deadline.

A complete application is required for consideration for this position.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Special Olympics Colorado is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Updated 4/2026

Application Process:

Please email both documents to HR@SpecialOlympicsCO.org.