Vice President & Chief Development Officer

Do you thrive on building powerful partnerships and driving fundraising success? Are you a strategic, mission-driven leader ready to elevate philanthropy? If so, then you could be the next Chief Development Officer at Special Olympics Indiana.  
 
Our client, Special Olympics Indiana (SOIN) is seeking a bold, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as their Vice President and Chief Development Officer to advance the vision and mission of Special Olympics Indiana (SOIN). 
 
This executive will be the architect and driver of a high-performing, statewide revenue strategy that fuels life-changing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a key member of the executive team, the CDO will lead a dynamic development operation, cultivate transformative partnerships, and inspire broad philanthropic support – from major donors to grassroots champions. 

Why You’ll Love It: 

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Including health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, and much more.  

Work – Life Balance: Paid holidays, vacation time, and staff appreciation days (SOIN is closed December 25th – January 1st to celebrate the hard work of their team). 

Impactful Work: The CDO has an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of an organization that empowers thousands through sports, inclusion, and dignity. 

Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth, serve as a thought leader, and help develop a strong team. 

 
What You’ll Do: 
Strategic Revenue Leadership  

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals and the strategic plan.  

• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy across staff, the Board of Directors, and volunteers.  

• Lead annual revenue forecasting and long-term planning, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.  

• Serve as staff liaison to the Board’s Resource Development Committee and lead strategic fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the CEO and Board of Directors.  

• Ensure legal and policy compliance across all development functions.  

  
Stewardship, Donor, and Partnership Development   

• Identify and expand corporate sponsorships, major donors, prospects and partnerships, leveraging networks for high-impact collaboration.  

• Lead grant strategy, including prospecting, writing, submission, and compliance reporting.  

Internal Collaboration & Community Engagement 

• Build volunteer-led fundraising committees and provide training and tools to support grassroots efforts across SOIN County Programs.  

• Represent SOIN as a visible and effective spokesperson in collaborative initiatives with various Special Olympics organizations, media, partners, donors, and the public.  

• Oversee the execution (event sponsorship, participant recruitment, and fundraising) and evolution of signature fundraising events. Strengthen community-based engagement programs such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Knights of Columbus, and Olympic Town.  

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing development team.  

 
What We’re Looking For: 

• Personal passion for the mission of Special Olympics.  
• Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field is preferred.  
• Experience with Special Olympics programs and policies.  
• Public speaking experience and comfort representing the organization to external audiences.  
• Strong strategic planning, budget development, and financial analysis skills; ability to drive measurable results and adapt to change. 
• Experience in proposal writing, fundraising campaigns, and donor communications.  
• Demonstrated success in personally securing significant gifts (e.g., $300,000+ annually) and managing portfolios exceeding $5 million in revenue. 
• Experience with CRM/donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) preferred.  
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel across the state.  

 
  
Special Olympics Indiana is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff committed to working in a multicultural environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital  status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.  
 
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