Chief Development Officer
San Diego Habitat for Humanity
San Diego, California
www.sdhfh.org

THE ORGANIZATION

NATIONAL

Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity has grown from one couple’s desire to provide adequate housing for the poor and underprivileged to an international organization having built over 200,000 houses throughout the world (over 40,000 houses in the U.S. and the rest in 75 other countries) providing more than 1,000,000 people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.    

Habitat, an organization rooted in Christian principles, is ecumenical with many religions and organizations working side by side building homes.  The intrinsic delight of doing good for the disadvantaged and sharing God’s love in a tangible way causes tens of thousands to volunteer each year.

SAN DIEGO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY (SDHFH)

SDHFH is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in San Diego County and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety offers families in need a hand up, not a handout. People of all backgrounds, all races, all faiths, or no faith are invited to build houses together in partnership with families in need.

SDHFH began in the summer of 1987, when a group of concerned citizens came together to form the San Diego affiliate to create a cross-border partnership for working together on the problem of affordable housing throughout the metropolis of Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, California.

Today, SDHFH focuses on building local homes and will have completed its 100th home in the County with 40 more homes in the planning stages. The 2009 San Diego Habitat budget jumped to $6.5 million and is projected to rise to $13 million within the next five years.  Consequently, there is the need for a Chief Development Officer.

SDHFH selects families on the basis of housing need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay the mortgage loan. Partner families have a 20-25 year, 0%-interest mortgage. Mortgage payments received from homeowners are directly recycled to build more homes in San Diego County for low-income families.

For more information please go to their website: www.sdhfh.org.

THE MISSION

Habitat International works in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to develop communities with God’s people in need by building and renovating houses so that there are decent houses in decent communities in which people can live and grow into all that God intended.

OPPORTUNITY

SDHFH offers an unusual opportunity for service. SDHFH has a priceless and unique mission, is a quality institution with a great reputation and has an effective Board, Executive Director and an excellent staff.  The Chief Development Officer can be a part of making a major difference in an affiliate of one of the most well recognized and fastest growing global ministries.

SDHFH is located in an organization-owned, remodeled 21,000 sq. ft. building (administrative office plus ReStore retail sales) on 1.3 acres in beautiful San Diego. 
The Chief Development Officer position entails providing corporate leadership and vision in the area of fund development through strategic planning to increase the donor base.  This may be accomplished through annual fund campaign, foundation and corporate participation, faith based initiatives, capital fundraising, grants acquisition, special events and deferred gift programs.  This position has the overall responsibility for planning, executing and monitoring the performance of all of SDHFH’s fundraising activities.  This includes the analysis of existing programs to ensure that programs remain effective and developing while initiating new programs and marketing materials to better meet the needs.  Raisers Edge software will be used to track progress.

FUNDRAISING

Of the $6.5 million in the current budget, $3.7 million is expected to come from fundraising. It is also likely that the accountability and transparency of the organization combined with its ability to keep costs down may well cause donors to continue to support the organization.  Finally, in the U.S. few organizations have the “brand awareness” effect on donors that Habitat enjoys.

THE POSITION

The Chief Development Officer is responsible for meeting SDHFH funding objectives by effecting results through Habitat staff, consultants, the Board of Directors and volunteers. 

The Chief Development Officer will report to Brad Bates, the Executive Director, and will be a peer position to the Chief Operations Officer and Chief Construction Officer.
Initially, this position would oversee the activities of Director of Community Affairs and Special Events.  A unique aspect of this opportunity will be the ability for the successful candidate to build his or her own team over time.

REQUIREMENTS:

PERSONAL CRITERIA

Personal Integrity- A candidate will have a consistent record of truthfulness, honoring commitments, maintaining confidences appropriately and handling personal affairs admirably.  This will be a person of conviction, having strong values and unwilling to compromise his or her principles.  Prior work experience or involvement as a volunteer or a donor should give ample evidence that this person is committed to the same values as Habitat.  Sincerity, honesty and integrity are required attributes and characteristics of Habitat’s staff.

Personal Traits- This person will be emotionally stable and have a healthy level of self-confidence.  This person must not be egotistical or think of himself or herself more highly than they should.  On the other hand, this person’s relational skills should allow them to work effectively with people who may have strong egos.

Personal self-discipline will be in evidence by the absence of a bad temper, offensive language or inappropriate humor, or a pattern of problems in dealing with associates.  This person must be neither thin-skinned nor insensitive.

This person must be self-motivated and an initiator, rather than reactionary.  One’s leadership style must include a desire to be an example to others, a willingness to “pitch in” as necessary to help the team reach its goals and a willingness to be accountable. There must be a team-oriented style to this person. 

Lifestyle- This person will demonstrate a gracious manner in offering and accepting hospitality with ease.  The candidate’s style of living will be consistent with the values of the organization, which include a strong sense of stewardship and accountability to its financial supporters.

PROFESSIONAL CRITERIA

The right person for this position could come from a fundraising role with a religious, secular, political, healthcare, or higher education nonprofit organization. This person will probably have overseen a development program, or have run a major sales and marketing or operations division of a dynamic (fast changing and growing) and complex organization.  Such experience might be combined with volunteer work in fundraising for a non-profit on whose board the person serves, such as an alumnus for one’s alma mater or similar experience. That said, technical understanding and experience in a comprehensive fundraising environment is required.

Few such organizations operate with a consensus-oriented, matrix style (getting results through other departments, affiliates and national organizations by influence rather than raw authority), in addition to being congenial, non-bureaucratic, fast reacting and rapidly growing.  Therefore, less likely, someone not having fundraising or non-profit experience but having proven themselves effective in an organizational culture as described could still be appropriate for the position.  This is especially true if they have proven leadership in running a sales and marketing function.  It is understood that to some degree, fundraising is a form of sales and marketing. 

Having effective people skills is paramount.  This person must bring a contagious enthusiasm, sense of humor and a sincere, persuasive, style that effects cooperation.  Team-building skills must be a definite strength. 

The candidate must also be seen as respecting and encouraging the input of others, valuing each person regardless of their background or situation, being transparent, welcoming constructive correction, being willing to admit one’s mistakes, valuing the “buy-in” of others yet being decisive when required, and valuing process and professionalism yet easily changing priorities when necessary.  One must also have patience and understanding of those who may lack the same degree of professionalism or commitment and seek to mentor them when feasible.

While it is understood that forging fund (or “friend”) raising relationships may take time, the successful candidate will have demonstrated effectiveness in the ability to “hit the ground running.”  There is long term growth potential and “low hanging fruit” ready to be cultivated.  This is an opportunity for someone to seize current opportunity as well as to forge long-term potentials.  SDHFH realizes the need is great and time may be short; the CDO must be able to operate in both paradigms.

There should be ample evidence of the candidate being a leader and a doer.  The leadership style must be participative rather than autocratic and one that engenders a positive work environment, while at the same time being results oriented. SDHFH is a flat organization so the need to “roll up one’s sleeves” is paramount to having success within the organization. Candidates expecting an extensive team to delegate tasks would not be a fit, yet having managed a department of diverse personalities and responsibilities is important. 

This person must have a professional presence that creates credibility coupled with effective communications skills, orally and written, in order to cultivate donors and represent SDHFH appropriately.  He or she must have good public speaking skills and be exceptionally congenial and persuasive in one-on-one and small-group settings. They must have a history of successfully “making the ask” resulting in definitive participation.  There should be a high comfort level in social settings as well as within diverse social and economic environments. 

Candidates should have developed an understanding of stewardship and how that has allowed them to enthusiastically share with others the blessings of financially supporting this work.  However, Habitat is sensitive to how people are asked to give.  Soliciting is not done in an overly aggressive style or by constantly sending out “crisis-oriented” pleas.  Candidates who feel such methods are necessary would not fit well with SDHFH.

The career pattern of candidates should have a good degree of stability and purpose.  While Habitat appreciates those willing to take risks, equally important is one's ability to wisely evaluate risks so the right choices are made. 

Habitat respects the need for people to balance their job with their home life.  Hopefully there is evidence that the candidate has been able to do so in the past.  Having a supportive spouse, if applicable, is important for this person to be successful.  One’s family situation should be such that regular evening and weekend meetings and presentations would not present a hardship.

SPECIFIC KEY RESULT AREAS/ACCOUNTABILITIES (Board approved from the SDHFH website)

Productivity:

• Creates strategic multi-million dollar fundraising plan with Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Provides leadership and participation in the implementation of strategic fundraising.
• Presents timely analysis of SDHFH fundraising results to Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Responsible for the integration of financial information to the strategic planning process.
• Integrates SDHFH into the philanthropic community through the establishment and maintenance of strategic relationships.
• Forms alliances with, and actively participates in solicitation of corporations, foundations, faith based organizations and individuals to enhance and increase donor base.
• Manages and leads efforts in the organization and implementation of solicitation campaigns and gift acknowledgment.
• Confers with Executive Director, Fundraising Committee and Board of Directors to disseminate organizational goals and objectives relating to fundraising efforts.
• Provides leadership to staff and fundraising staff. Leads, manages and supervises staff and volunteers in all fundraising efforts including donor acquisition, direct mail, events, major gifts, grant writing, marketing, public relations, donor stewardship, cultivation and solicitation.
• Oversees and manages the Major Donor program including the church/faith relations program.
• Develops and oversees the production of fundraising and public relations materials.
• Coordinates activities with the Director of Community Affairs and Special Events in expediting the effective completion of appropriate programs.
• Oversees all SDHFH special events and fundraisers.
• Handles special projects or assignments as requested and/or other duties as may be assigned.

Communication Systems/Practices:

• Provides direction for SDHFH’s community/corporate faith based fundraising initiatives.
• Maintains effective communication between SDHFH and donors to create lasting relationships for continued benevolence.
• Establishes and maintains effective means of communication regarding productivity and budgeting issues.
• Identifies and utilizes effective verbal, written and electronic communication skills and vehicles to accomplish tasks and clarify information for all internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively participates in department and committee meetings as appropriate, taking action on all assigned items.
• Immediately alerts appropriate manager of any potentially critical issue or crisis situation.

Quality/Service Assurance:

• Guides the development of short-term and long-term planning to increase donor base and overall contributions.
• Monitors progress of strategic plan as it pertains to fundraising.
• Coordinates with all staff in the definition of agency needs and tasks required toward successful integration of overall fundraising.
• Oversees foundation giving program to ensure accuracy of records and receipts.
• Acts in advisory capacity to the Executive Director in areas that may impact the overall external/internal effectiveness of established and/or proposed strategic goals and objectives.
• Maintains all information in a confidential and professional manner.
• Models appropriate behavior in interaction with persons served, staff, families, community resources and other audiences.
• Demonstrates a high level of ethics, integrity, diplomacy and initiative.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates a value for diversity including being comfortable working in the faith based community with people of diverse faiths.
• Exemplifies strong personal/written communication skills to clearly and effectively express ideas along with demonstrated presentation and public speaking skills and the ability to network.
• Exhibits strong planning and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Promotes and participates as an effective team member.
• Demonstrates a cooperative attitude and tolerance for stress when confronted with critical situations.
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality and accurately maintains record of attendance.
• Works effectively under pressure while maintaining positive regard for others.
• Successfully demonstrates working in a team environment and independently.
• Participates in development and administration of budgets for SDHFH.
• Prepares and manages the departmental budget within approved guidelines.
• Assists in the development of goals and provides direction based on the Board approved strategic plan.
• Participates in the strategic planning process which includes monitoring progress on the strategic plan as it relates to fund development.
• Has working knowledge and proficient in the use of Raisers Edge.
• Demonstrates a team management approach.
• Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide people toward goal achievement.

SPECIFIC MEASURABLE REQUIREMENTS:

1. A four-year college/university degree in a relevant discipline. An advanced degree and/or a CFRE certification (www.cfre.org) are a bonus.
2. Must have 6+ years of leadership experience including a proven track record in the areas of fundraising and development including: proposals, corporate and foundation giving programs, capital fund drives, bequests, trusts, endorsements, and deferred contributions, special events and direct mail campaigns.
3. Experience must include implementation of multi-million dollar fundraising campaign.

COMPENSATION

Candidates will be primarily motivated to pursue this opportunity due to the intrinsic value of the organization’s mission, the organizational culture, the reputation, effectiveness of the organization, the continued growth of the organization, and the abundant financial support that donors have shown in the past.  This is an opportunity for the right person to assist a great organization to make an even more significant contribution in showing God’s love to the people of San Diego and beyond.

If you know someone who has an interest and meets most of the experience and motivational requirements described in this profile, please feel free to suggest that person for consideration and/or forward this information. Please request they forward their resume and cover letter to the contact below.  Suggested names will be treated discreetly and candidates should be assured that their inquiries will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, familia status, veteran status, or physical handicap.

We fully respect the need for confidentiality of information supplied by interested parties and assure them that their backgrounds and interests will not be discussed with anyone, including our client, without their prior consent, nor will reference contacts be made until mutual interest has been established.

Ardent Search Company (an affiliate of The Dingman Company, Inc.) is a retained executive search firm devoted exclusively to serving our clients in matters of executive selection. We are a generalist firm that has served business and non-profits worldwide since 1979.