Chief Development Officer

Denver, CO
Full Time
Executive

Chief Development Officer (CDO)

📍 Denver, CO | Full-Time, Exempt
 💰 $105,000–$120,000 annually

 

Join Us

SafeHouse Denver is seeking a strategic, relationship-centered Chief Development Officer to expand the resources and partnerships that make life-changing services possible for survivors of domestic violence.
This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, build meaningful community connections, and help grow an organization at a pivotal moment of impact.
 

About SafeHouse Denver

SafeHouse Denver is the only organization in the City and County of Denver providing both emergency shelter and non-residential counseling and advocacy services exclusively to survivors of domestic violence.

Founded in 1977, we support adult, child, and youth survivors in reclaiming their lives. With ~25 staff and a $2M+ budget, we are poised for continued growth and expanded impact.
We are guided by our core values: trust, dedication, compassion, collaboration, innovation, leadership, and inclusion.
 

Position Overview

The Chief Development Officer leads all fundraising efforts to ensure SafeHouse Denver has the resources to sustain and grow its mission.

This role is both strategic and hands-on—overseeing major gifts, grants, events, and donor engagement while building a comprehensive, diversified development strategy.

You will partner closely with the CEO, Leadership Team, and Board to expand revenue, strengthen relationships, and advance a culture of philanthropy.
 

Key Responsibilities


Development Strategy
  • Lead annual fundraising planning and execution
  • Grow both restricted and unrestricted revenue
  • Oversee major gifts, grants, annual giving, and events
Donor Engagement
  • Cultivate and solicit major donors and high-net-worth prospects
  • Strengthen donor relationships and long-term giving
  • Partner on aligned, compelling donor communications
Board & Community Engagement
  • Support Board fundraising efforts and engagement
  • Represent SafeHouse Denver with partners, donors, and stakeholders
Team Leadership
  • Lead and develop the development team
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented culture
Financial & Data Oversight
  • Manage development budget and track performance
  • Oversee donor systems (DonorPerfect CRM) and reporting

Candidate Profile


Education
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
  • CFRE or similar credential preferred
Experience
  • 10+ years in nonprofit fundraising, including 5+ years in leadership
  • Proven success raising $2M+ annually
  • Experience building and executing fundraising strategies
Skills & Strengths
  • Strong fundraising knowledge and best practices
  • Team leadership and staff development experience
  • Strategic thinker with strong communication skills
  • Experience with donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred)
  • Established connections in the Denver philanthropic community
Abilities
  • Builds strong relationships and navigates complexity with professionalism
  • Confident external representative and ambassador
  • Collaborative, team-oriented leader

Why This Role Matters


Fundraising at SafeHouse Denver directly supports safety, healing, and long-term stability for survivors of domestic violence. This role plays a critical part in expanding access to these life-changing services across our community.
 

What We Offer

  • Salary: $105,000–$120,000
  • Generous PTO + wellness program
  • Health insurance (90%+ employer-paid)
  • Retirement plan with employer match (as budget allows)
  • Supportive, mission-driven team culture
  • Meaningful, community-centered impact

To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] indicating Chief Development Officer in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion

SafeHouse Denver is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds—including survivors of violence, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience—to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
 
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Human Check*