Chief Development Officer
Kesem
Kesem is seeking a Chief Development Officer who will lead Kesem's national fundraising efforts. In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will 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, events, and fundraising campaigns. They will be expected to significantly grow Kesem’s national fundraising strategy, capability, and revenue over time, in addition to supporting the growth of fundraising potential for its 100+ chapters.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the rebuilding of Kesem’s fundraising momentum post-pandemic by strengthening fundraising strategy, stewardship, systems, operations, and long-term development capability, with the goal of growing national office fundraising revenue from $3.3 million to more than $5 million. Kesem has a new Strategic Plan with the ambition to grow impact by 50% in 3 years and is investing to change the trajectory of its growth through program innovation. The Chief Development Officer will be a dynamic and influential part of a new executive leadership team eager for growth and innovation who can realize immediate opportunities with donor retention and alumni and family engagement.
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 6 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.
“Kesem’s 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. The Chief Development Officer will partner closely with me as Chief Executive Officer, our leadership team, and our board of directors." — Jay “Country Ham” Stilwell, Chief Executive Officer
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the rebuilding of Kesem’s fundraising momentum post-pandemic by strengthening fundraising strategy, stewardship, systems, operations, and long-term development capability, with the goal of growing national office fundraising revenue from $3.3 million to more than $5 million. Kesem has a new Strategic Plan with the ambition to grow impact by 50% in 3 years and is investing to change the trajectory of its growth through program innovation. The Chief Development Officer will be a dynamic and influential part of a new executive leadership team eager for growth and innovation who can realize immediate opportunities with donor retention and alumni and family engagement.
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 6 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.
“Kesem’s 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. The Chief Development Officer will partner closely with me as Chief Executive Officer, our leadership team, and our board of directors." — Jay “Country Ham” Stilwell, Chief Executive Officer
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.