CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Future Scholars Foundation | Washington, DC (Hybrid)
📄 FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION (PDF):
https://futurescholars.org/careers/cdo-2026-full-description.pdf
🎥 MEET OUR TEAM & LEARN ABOUT OUR MISSION:
https://youtu.be/futurescholars-mission-video
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ABOUT FUTURE SCHOLARS FOUNDATION
Future Scholars Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to
expanding access to quality education for underserved youth. Since our founding in 2008,
we have awarded over $50 million in scholarships to more than 8,000 first-generation
college students across 47 states.
Our work is guided by the belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not.
Through our comprehensive scholarship program, mentorship initiatives, and advocacy
efforts, we are closing the opportunity gap and building pathways to economic mobility
for students who face systemic barriers to higher education.
Learn more about our impact: https://futurescholars.org/2025-annual-report
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POSITION OVERVIEW
Future Scholars Foundation seeks an experienced and visionary Chief Development Officer
(CDO) to lead our fundraising operations during an exciting period of growth. Reporting
to the President & CEO and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO will be
responsible for a comprehensive development program generating $18M annually from
individual donors, foundations, corporations, and special events.
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt
START DATE: July 1, 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)
REPORTS TO: President & CEO
SUPERVISES: 4 direct reports, 7 total team members
WORK LOCATION: Hybrid - 3 days/week in DC office, 2 days remote
TRAVEL: 25-30% (donor meetings, conferences, site visits)
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Develop and execute comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy
• Lead planning and execution of $25M capital campaign (launching 2027)
• Set annual fundraising goals and create actionable plans
• Partner with Board of Directors on fundraising strategy
• Provide regular reporting on fundraising metrics
Major Gifts & Donor Relations
• Personally manage portfolio of 50-75 major gift prospects ($25,000+)
• Cultivate and solicit gifts from high-net-worth individuals
• Design donor stewardship strategies to increase retention
• Create compelling proposals and presentations
• Build long-term relationships with key supporters
Team Leadership & Development
• Recruit, mentor, and retain high-performing development team
• Foster culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence
• Provide coaching and professional development opportunities
• Implement systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness
[View complete description at PDF link above]
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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience
• 5+ years in senior development leadership role
• Proven track record soliciting and closing gifts of $100,000+
• Experience managing high-performing teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with CRM/database systems (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge)
• Bachelor's degree required
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and educational access
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master's degree in nonprofit management or related field
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential
• Capital campaign experience
• Planned giving program development experience
• Knowledge of Washington, DC philanthropic landscape
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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
SALARY: $145,000 - $170,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS:
• Health Insurance: 100% employer-paid for employee
• Retirement: 403(b) with 5% employer match
• PTO: 4 weeks vacation, 12 sick days, 14 paid holidays
• Professional Development: $3,000 annual budget
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks fully paid
• Remote Work Stipend: $100/month
• Wellness: Gym membership reimbursement ($75/month)
📋 COMPLETE BENEFITS GUIDE:
https://futurescholars.org/careers/benefits-summary-2026.pdf
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Future Scholars Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are
committed to building a team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and
experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any
other protected characteristic.
We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals,
people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and
veterans.