Deputy Chief Development Officer

The Deputy Chief Development Officer is the Chief Development Officer’s principal strategic and operational partner and a key member of the Development Management Team (DevMT) that leads our 100-person Development department. The Deputy CDO role focuses on maturing MSF USA’s fundraising engine—including people, processes, governance, prioritization, and performance—enabling the organization to sustain and grow our diversified revenue streams.

The Deputy CDO leads MSF USA Development’s core department-wide business processes, including annual and multi-year planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and operational rhythm. They will strengthen the department’s planning and execution by promoting efficient cross-team ways of working, disciplined planning and donor pipeline management, and data-informed investment choices.

Bringing a deep understanding of one-to-one, relationship-based fundraising, the Deputy CDO ensures that audience teams are aligned around a shared donor pipeline, with clear pathways for donors to move between Mid-Level, Principal and Major Gifts, and Legacy Giving as their relationships and giving evolve.

A key expectation is supporting department-wide prioritization by establishing and reinforcing clear criteria for adopting major initiatives, including clear ownership, a fundraising plan developed in consultation with relevant teams, and a business case defining expected return and resourcing tradeoffs.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Chief Development Officer in developing and implementing fundraising strategy; Lead department-wide annual/multi-year planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes; Conduct regular reviews of revenue and expenses to monitor performance against plan, surface variance and risks, and drive corrective actions; Monitor cost per dollar raised (CPDR), breakeven timelines, and related efficiency metrics across programs; Set and reinforce shared standards for donor portfolio/pipeline management and stewardship; Establish governance process for major initiatives, including intake workflow and decision criteria; Facilitate leadership review and decision-making; Represent the department in external forums, donor meetings, and conferences as needed; Foster collaboration between Development and key partners across the organization; Support change management efforts across MSF USA.

Requirements

Deep alignment with MSF’s mission and values; 10-12 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with significant progressive experience in one-to-one, high-touch relationship-based fundraising (major and/or legacy giving) with demonstrated understanding of what drives donor movement, retention, and long-term value; A bachelor’s degree in international development, nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience; Experience leading annual and multi-year planning, goal setting, budgeting/forecasting, and performance management in a complex, multi-audience fundraising environment; Proven track record maturing donor pipeline/portfolio management practices, including clear pathways and handoffs between audiences and consistent use of data to drive decisions; Demonstrated success aligning multiple teams around shared priorities and efficient cross-team ways of working; Strong strategic judgment and prioritization skills, translating strategy into executable plans and driving follow-through; Track record of leading change to strengthen a culture of philanthropy; Experience leading or partnering closely with prospect development functions; Up-to-date knowledge on the U.S. philanthropy landscape, including emerging trends in the sector; Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; Must be willing to travel for work as needed.