Chief Development Officer

St Paul, MN
Full Time
Development
Executive
Location: Preference will be given to candidates who are willing to be based out of our national office in St. Paul, Minnesota, with opportunities to work remotely.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated Start Date: June 2026

Overview:
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for leading Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s (PF & QF) growth strategies, fundraising efforts, and development initiatives to support the organization’s vision and mission. 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CDO oversees the organization’s fundraising and business development segments, including chapter and volunteer services, philanthropic fundraising and planned giving, membership and annual giving, and grant and foundation development.

Responsibilities and Expectations:
The CDO serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team to align fundraising efforts with PF & QF’s strategic funding priorities. Strong candidates will bring extensive fundraising experience, have a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, as well as drive revenue growth through scalable, data-driven fundraising systems. A passion for the outdoor community and advocacy is highly valued.

The CDO also manages a portfolio of the organization’s most significant donors and strategic partners, as well as oversees and coordinates efforts among the Development Team to engage in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding volunteers, major donors, and other funders. They will represent and support the mission and values of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, both publicly and internally. They are expected to model the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and alignment with PF & QF policies and culture. 

Strategic Leadership and Execution:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for fundraising and business development to achieve annual and long-term revenue goals.
  • Expand philanthropic support for PF & QF’s strategic priorities by creating, overseeing, and leading major gift fundraising, planned giving, membership growth and annual giving.
  • Design and implement comprehensive, mission-driven, and transformative fundraising campaigns.
  • Spearhead development initiatives that grow and diversify the organization’s base of support with chapters, individuals, foundations, and government funders.
  • Enable senior leadership to effectively engage in volunteer and donor cultivation and stewardship by providing structured briefing materials, scheduling key engagement and support opportunities, and leading donor training.
  • Train the team on effective donor communication, ensuring clarity, energy, and decisiveness in conversations.
  • Oversee the creation of compelling proposals, case statements, messaging, and other fundraising materials on PF & QF’s strategic priorities and impact.
  • Plan and execute donor recognition programs and events to deepen relationships and demonstrate impact.
  • Grow the upland conservation community by engaging and expanding current and future audiences.
  • Enhance the volunteer and chapter experience through strategic leadership.
  • Represent PF & QF at partner and stakeholder meetings and conferences. Serve as a spokesperson in public speaking engagements, public presentations, and communication with the media relations team.
Team Management and Collaboration:
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing Development Team, building on a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  • Drive cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with programs, campaigns, and Marketing & Communications to articulate a clear and compelling case for support across multiple mediums, including websites, publications, and other communication and engagement tools.
  • Set and maintain clear revenue goals and tactics for each line of business, with a focus on consistent year-over-year growth, while establishing and improving systems for tracking the effectiveness of tactics.
  • Lead Development Team meetings and revenue pacing meetings with the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to review pipeline health, goal progress, and strategy refinements.
  • Manage briefings and communications with key donors with the CEO and other leaders.
Operations and Systems:
  • Ensure accurate donor data management and reporting within CRM.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve gift processing and membership fulfillment.
  • Forecast annual revenue generation leveraging experience, CRM analytics, and market insights.
  • Implement a systematic approach to tracking fundraising tactics – meetings, proposals, events, and touchpoints – and evaluating their effectiveness.
Financial Reporting:
  • Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
  • Work closely with the finance team to track revenue projections and fundraising performance.
  • Partner with the CEO, CFO, Board of Directors, and Finance & Audit Committee to provide regular updates on fundraising results, challenges, and opportunities.
Assuming other duties and responsibilities as assigned. This job description is not all-inclusive and may be subject to change during the performance period due to the needs of PF & QF.

Qualifications:
  • A strong passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission.
  • B.A. or B.S. degree or higher.
  • Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in a national organization. Non-profit fundraising leadership building and leading high-performing teams as well as driving revenue growth through data-driven fundraising systems preferred.
  • An energetic, well-organized, and detailed individual who has a strong track record of leadership, fundraising, business development, and success.
  • Superb written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever mission.
  • Strong fundraising skills in major gift solicitation, foundation appeals, grant writing, planned giving, and volunteer relations. 
  • Experience designing and implementing successful, comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
  • Proven ability to optimize membership and annual giving programs to drive engagement, retention, and revenue growth.
  • A strategic thinker with an innovative mindset and strengths in efficiency, multi-tasking, teamwork, and attention to detail.
  • Superior interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
  • Experience with complex customer relationship management (CRM) software.
  • Knowledge, coursework, or other training in current trends and best practices in charitable giving. Credentialed as a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or equivalent professional certification is preferred.
Travel Requirements: Overnight travel for conferences, national team and other employee meetings, Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, donor cultivation events, trade shows and other partner events, 30 to 50% travel annually.

Salary Range: Starting salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range is $185,000 - $240,000, and the following benefits:
  • Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
  • 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
  • Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
  • Vehicle stipend of up to $300/month for eligible employees.
  • Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees.
  • Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
  • 13 paid holidays.
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and 3 references as a single document before uploading your application to our website at www.pheasanstforever.org/jobs. Applicants who do not include all required materials may not be considered for the position.

Contact: If you have further questions about Pheasants Forever, the application process, or this position, please contact Sarah Mills, Chief Human Resources Officer, via email at [email protected].

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever:
Pheasants Forever, Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation. We are a team, working to ensure that we build an environment that has a long-lasting positive impact on pheasants, quails, and other wildlife.
 
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or any other category that may be protected by law.
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