Chief Development Officer

Sep 26

Anticipated Start Date: 12/1/25

Description

At LEADS, fundraising is a strategic priority. We’re looking for an entrepreneurial Chief Development Officer (CDO) who is equal parts strategist, builder, and storyteller—someone who can dream big and then make it happen. This is not a “maintain what exists” kind of job. We’re scaling fast, aiming to raise $10M over the next five years, and we need a leader who’s fired up by the challenge of fueling that growth. The CDO will have the full support of the leadership team and board, with the freedom to shape strategy, strengthen systems, and bring new partners to the table. If you’ve got the development experience, a love for building authentic relationships, the drive to create the systems and partnerships to drive growth -- you’ll thrive here.

This is your chance to join an entrepreneurial leadership team, help shape a growing organization, and play a defining role in a movement that’s unlocking opportunity across Massachusetts. Why LEADS? Because this is a place where you can do your best work—not just raising money, but shaping the future of civic leadership in Massachusetts. You’ll bring big ideas to life alongside a bold, supportive team and some of the most innovative leaders in the state, and you will see your efforts directly fuel leaders who are transforming their communities.

Responsibilities

As the Chief Development Officer, you’ll be the architect of LEADS’ fundraising and external affairs strategy, setting vision, shaping strategy, and ensuring execution. You’ll work hand-in-hand with the Executive Director, President, and an engaged board to build the systems and partnerships that fuel our growth.

You’ll add targeted capacity through a small but mighty team of staff or consultants, so the development function stays nimble, strategic, and built for impact. You’ll step into a strong foundation: a comprehensive fundraising plan, defined priorities, a compelling case for support, and a growing library of impact stories. From there, you’ll build the team and systems to take LEADS to the next level.

Fundraising & Development (~60%)

Lead the charge to grow our budget and position LEADS to raise $10M in the next five years.
Oversee all aspects of fundraising: major gifts, institutional giving, annual campaigns, foundations, and donor engagement.
Partner with the ED on high-level cultivation, solicitations, and grant strategy.
Strengthen our donor pipeline, CRM, and fundraising infrastructure.
Mobilize the board and regional champions as active fundraisers.

Communications & External Affairs (~25%)

Shape and amplify LEADS’ voice across audiences and platforms.
Oversee donor communications, impact reports, and campaign collateral.
Partner with program staff to showcase the stories of alumni and community transformation.
Align fundraising, public relations, and mission messaging to maximize visibility.

Strategic Leadership & Partnerships (~15%)

Be a key player on the leadership team, helping set organizational strategy and growth plans.
Cultivate high-impact relationships with funders, civic leaders, and public sector allies.
Represent LEADS at events and elevate our statewide presence.

Requirements

A mission-driven pro with 7-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising and/or external affairs.
A proven closer with a track record of securing major gifts and institutional support.
A compelling communicator, equally strong in writing and in person, who can inspire donors, partners, and colleagues.
A strategic thinker who thrives in entrepreneurial, fast-moving environments.
A connector who builds trust quickly and loves turning relationships into results.
A collaborator energized by teamwork and motivated to be part of something bigger than yourself.
A builder who’s comfortable creating systems from scratch and excited to scale them for greater impact.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$135,000-$150,000 depending on experience

Competitive health and retirement benefits
Generous PTO
The opportunity to grow with an ambitious, entrepreneurial team.

How to Apply for this Job

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Pam Hallagan at pam.hallagan@leadsMA.org and include Chief Development Officer in the subject line. While we appreciate all applications, we will only contact shortlisted candidates for an interview.

About the Organization

At LEADS, we believe the future of Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities rests in the hands of the leaders who live and work in these communities. Our 10-month Fellowship—designed and facilitated by world-renowned leadership and systems change experts—equips those leaders with the skills, networks, and frameworks to drive transformation in their communities. The results? More than 250 alumni across the state who continue to work together to re-shape economies, spark civic renewal and demonstrate that bold leadership can change the trajectory of entire communities. And we’re just getting started.

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