Chief Development Officer

About Girls For Technology
Girls For Technology (GFT) is at the forefront of the STEAM movement and is dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology and related fields. Based in Hartford, CT, our dynamic nonprofit is breaking new ground by empowering women and girls from underrepresented communities to excel in STEAM through our innovative programs:
K-12 STEAM: Cutting-edge, hands-on tech programs that cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in students, tailored to their unique interests.
Pipeline 4.0: Our dynamic workforce program blends online coursework with practical labs, offering comprehensive IT training, mentorship, and professional development, culminating in preparation for industry-recognized certificates.
Building For Equity: Comprehensive 6-week accelerator designed to propel the growth of tech-enabled small businesses led by Black and Latino women, offering essential resources and a competitive pitch event with a cash prize.
Job Summary
As the Chief Development Officer at GFT, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization. We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising and a deep commitment to our mission. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll be instrumental in developing and implementing fundraising strategies that drive our initiatives forward, ensuring GFT continues to make a significant impact by expanding and diversifying our revenues. Join us in shaping a future where diversity is the bedrock of innovation and success in technology and entrepreneurship.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with GFT's mission.
Cultivate a culture of philanthropy within the organization.
Guide the Board and development committees in achieving fundraising goals.
Ensure fiscal responsibility in all development activities.
Lead donor engagement and cultivation efforts.
Oversee the planning and execution of all fundraising events.
Build and manage a high-performing fundraising team.
Collaborate with the communications team on fundraising messaging and branding.
Analyze fundraising metrics to ensure goals are met.
Maintain strong collaboration with senior leadership to align fundraising with organizational priorities.
Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and maintain accurate records.
Skills and Competencies:
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field is required. A deep understanding of nonprofit management's strategic and operational aspects would be a distinct advantage.
Professional Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years in nonprofit fundraising, demonstrating a proven track record of securing major gifts and grants, including individual donations of $100K+. Demonstrated CFRE or CDE certification a plus. Your experience should highlight your ability to innovate, adapt, and drive organizational growth.
Leadership Capabilities: Exceptional leadership skills are non-negotiable. Must be an independent, self-starter with a history of working with little direction and turning conceptual direction into executed strategies.
Communication Proficiency: Outstanding written and verbal communication and excellent interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills are crucial. You'll need to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, from board members to donors, partners, and the communities we serve.
Organizational Mastery: Strong organizational and project management skills are essential, with a proven ability to seamlessly juggle multiple projects and priorities. Your track record should demonstrate meticulous planning, execution, and the ability to deliver results in a dynamic environment.
Regulatory Knowledge: A solid understanding of fundraising regulations and laws is critical. You should be well-versed in the legal and ethical considerations of nonprofit fundraising, ensuring all activities are conducted with the utmost integrity and compliance.
Collaborative Spirit: The ability to work collaboratively is essential. You'll be working closely with various senior leadership team members, requiring a blend of diplomacy, strategic alignment, and the ability to unite teams toward common goals.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with fundraising software and digital tools is important, enabling efficient management of campaigns, donor databases, and analytics to inform strategy and decision-making.
Passion for Our Mission: A genuine passion for GFT's mission is vital. Your commitment to advancing gender and
Travel: This position offers a flexible hybrid work model, with remote work complemented by occasional in-person engagements in Hartford, CT, and other locations for donor relations and strategic meetings.
FLSA Exempt Status: This position is exempt.
Compensation: The compensation for this position is $110,000 - $130,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Benefits
Health, Dental , and Vision Insurance.
Paid Time Off.
401(k) retirement plan