Chief Development Officer - DPSCDF

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation (DPSCDF) has partnered with Mondo Unlimited in seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our next era of philanthropic growth. This is a rare and compelling opportunity to serve as the chief architect of a multi-million dollar fundraising strategy that directly fuels the academic and personal success of over 50,000 students and families in Detroit.

We are looking for an experienced executive fundraiser—a leader who is not just seeking a job, but a mission. The successful candidate will join a dynamic executive team committed to realizing the vision and mission of the the DPSCD Foundation, the District's strategic philanthropic priorities, by fostering strong relationships to secure the resources necessary to provide access to educational opportunities for every student, family, and educator in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD).

Our Impact and Vision

Since 2009, the DPSCDF has served as the dedicated fundraising and fiduciary arm of DPSCD, raising over $30 million to support critical programs to invest in the future of Detroit.

Key Pillars of Our Future Vision:

Strategic Growth: Leading a multi-year, multi-million dollar fundraising strategy to support the key strategic priorities.

Capital Projects: Driving the success of significant capital campaigns, including the $25 million investment in projects like the Cooley High sports complex.

Whole Child Commitment: Health Hubs, currently a 3.5 million dollar initiative located in soon to be 12 neighborhood high schools and supporting the surrounding K-8 schools to offer basic needs support and navigation for students in families in need.

High School Redesign: A transformational initiative that will reimagine high school education by prioritizing career and college readiness, academic acceleration, real-world learning experiences, and student-centered diploma pathways.

Holistic Support : Funding over 50 programs focused on literacy, STEAM, workforce development, college pathways, and supportive services that address the whole child.

Community Partnership: Building strong, sustainable philanthropic partnerships with individuals, corporations, and foundations who believe in the power of public school education.

The Role

Executive Leadership and Strategic Fundraising

The Chief Development Officer is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive, multilayered annual fundraising strategy. This role requires a sophisticated, politically astute, and highly relational leader with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Strategy & Leadership

• Serve as the chief fundraising strategist, working directly with the President & CEO and the Board of Directors to set the overarching philanthropic direction and performance metrics
• Collaborate to implement a strategy designed to deliver $10,000,000+ in new gifts and commitments
• Participate as a core member of the Foundation’s executive team, contributing to organizational strategy and operational excellence
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, mentorship, and performance of the Development team, including the Development Manager and Grant Writer

Major Gifts & Donor Cultivation

• Develop and personally manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations, with a primary focus on securing six-figure and higher contributions
• Lead the development and execution of strategies for major gifts, planned giving, and endowment growth
• Represent the Foundation at high-level events, meetings, and legislative forums to engage with donors, prospects, community leaders, and decision-makers
• Ensure rigorous donor stewardship and full compliance with all funder requirements

Institutional Funding & Campaigns

• Direct the strategy for government and foundation grants, overseeing the process from conception to completion
• Play a critical role in the planning and execution of the Foundation’s capital campaigns and key strategic priorities
• Direct the development operations, including the annual fundraising gala and other key revenue-generating events

Qualifications and Experience

We are seeking an experienced nonprofit fundraiser with a passion for urban education and a deep commitment to the Detroit community

Required Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in professional fund development, with demonstrated, measurable success in a leadership capacity
• Proven success in directly soliciting and closing six-figure and higher contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year accredited college or university
• Working knowledge of capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment strategies
• Experience in fundraising for education, youth enrichment, workforce development, or social services
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and donor database management (knowledge of Donor Perfect is a plus)
• Demonstrated ability to skillfully navigate internal and external political structures/systems and thrive in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• CFRE credentials
• A strong connection to the Detroit community; DPS/DPSCD graduate preferred
• Exceptional public speaking, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the political and social savvy required for executive-level relationship building

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.