Chief Development Officer
Kesem
Kesem seeks a Chief Development Officer to lead its national and chapter fundraising efforts. In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will have the opportunity to create a comprehensive fundraising strategy, transform the department into a world-class fundraising operation, and oversee development initiatives that will resource the growth of Kesem programs into its next 25 years of serving children. The Chief Development Officer will serve as a key external-facing representative of the organization and fundraising partner to the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other charitable organizations. Furthermore, the Chief Development Officer will work with the national board of directors and Kesem’s regional boards to activate their philanthropic networks. The Chief Development Officer will both attract new donors to Kesem and steward existing donors. The Chief Development Officer will provide leadership, direction, and support across the Kesem community to create a culture of philanthropy among staff, boards, alumni, and thousands of volunteer college student leaders. Current Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) revenue estimates roughly $10 million, with approximately 80% coming from chapters and the balance from the national organization. Kesem is poised for substantial growth in its impact, enabled by growth in revenue.
Kesem was established in 2000 to serve a unique and underserved population – children impacted by a parent or guardian’s cancer. Today, Kesem is the largest national organization serving these children ages six to 18, with over 115 Kesem chapters in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Kesem’s flagship program, Camp Kesem, provides an experience for these children to be children and build bonds with other children and college student leaders who understand what they are going through. Today, more than five million children are impacted by a parent’s cancer in the United States. These children can experience increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and feelings of hopelessness, among other things. While many programs, services, and communities support cancer patients themselves, their children often lack the resources, spaces, or peer-to-peer support tailored to their needs and experiences. That is why Kesem is committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. Kesem supports these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community.
"Kesem’s new Chief Development Officer will have the opportunity to shape our ambitious path forward. We seek someone with vision to build a comprehensive fundraising strategy and experience to bring it to life. The Chief Development Officer will have the discretion to shape the department and to assess and develop our capabilities across the organization. If you share our passion for Kesem’s mission, you are energized by the challenge and opportunity of forging a new development strategy and plan, and you want to work with highly talented staff and thousands of passionate volunteers, I hope you will throw your name in for Kesem Chief Development Officer." — Jay Stilwell, Chief Executive Officer
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
Kesem was established in 2000 to serve a unique and underserved population – children impacted by a parent or guardian’s cancer. Today, Kesem is the largest national organization serving these children ages six to 18, with over 115 Kesem chapters in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Kesem’s flagship program, Camp Kesem, provides an experience for these children to be children and build bonds with other children and college student leaders who understand what they are going through. Today, more than five million children are impacted by a parent’s cancer in the United States. These children can experience increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and feelings of hopelessness, among other things. While many programs, services, and communities support cancer patients themselves, their children often lack the resources, spaces, or peer-to-peer support tailored to their needs and experiences. That is why Kesem is committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. Kesem supports these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community.
"Kesem’s new Chief Development Officer will have the opportunity to shape our ambitious path forward. We seek someone with vision to build a comprehensive fundraising strategy and experience to bring it to life. The Chief Development Officer will have the discretion to shape the department and to assess and develop our capabilities across the organization. If you share our passion for Kesem’s mission, you are energized by the challenge and opportunity of forging a new development strategy and plan, and you want to work with highly talented staff and thousands of passionate volunteers, I hope you will throw your name in for Kesem Chief Development Officer." — Jay Stilwell, Chief Executive Officer
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.