Role purpose

We are seeking a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our global fundraising & resource mobilization strategy and ensure the resources necessary to advance our mission.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a visionary, strategic, and operational leader responsible for Orbis’s full spectrum of fundraising and revenue-generating activities, both in the US and internationally. This role is a position spanning the full spectrum of individual and private fundraising, from major gifts, mass market, foundations, corporate partnerships, events, and development operations, with a focus on unrestricted revenue and responsibility for diversifying and expanding specific revenue channels globally.

The CDO will:

• Drive innovation and growth in fundraising while building sustainable revenue streams across multiple channels.

• Partner closely with the CEO, Board, Chief Program Officer, and Orbis Global Affiliates to align fundraising strategy with mission priorities.

• Lead development operations, data management, and systems investment to enable strategic decision-making and maximize ROI.

• Support and guide Board engagement, including the Annual Gala, personal giving, and leveraging board networks.

• Ensure a cohesive, high-performing global development team and culture.

This role requires deep knowledge of the US fundraising market as well as international fundraising experience across multiple geographies and sectors.

Strategic Development Leadership

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive global development strategy encompassing major gifts, individual giving, mass market, foundations, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Diversify and expand revenue streams, creating innovative programs and channels both in the US and internationally.
• Partner with the Chief Program Officer to align private fundraising with multilateral and institutional grant priorities.
• Collaborate and ensure strategic coordination with Orbis global affiliates and Country Offices to strengthen local fundraising capabilities and leverage global campaigns.
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Board on fundraising priorities, pipeline, and trends.

Board and Executive Engagement

• Partner with the CEO and Board to maximize board giving, engage their networks, and ensure the success of flagship events, including the Annual Gala.
• Coach and support senior leadership and board members in philanthropic engagement and relationship cultivation.

Development Operations & Data

• Oversee development operations, including donor management systems, reporting, analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure systems, policies, and processes support efficient, effective, and accountable fundraising globally.
• Lead investment decisions in infrastructure, tools, and technology to maximize fundraising outcomes.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build and mentor a high-performing, collaborative development team capable of delivering on ambitious global fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and donor-centered thinking.
• Ensure that all team members have clear goals, performance metrics, and professional development opportunities.

External Relations & Donor Engagement

• Serve as a principal external representative for Orbis in donor, partner, and sector networks.
• Identify and cultivate new donor and partnership opportunities, both domestic and international.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects as appropriate.

Key Competencies

• Global Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to lead multi-channel fundraising strategies in the US and internationally.
• Revenue Innovation & Diversification: Skilled at creating new revenue streams and expanding donor pipelines across channels.
• Strategic Partnering: Strong collaborator with CEO, Board, Chief Program Officer, and affiliates; able to balance global and local priorities.
• Operational & Data Savvy: Experience with development operations, systems, analytics, and data-driven fundraising strategy.
• Team Leadership: Ability to build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing global development team.
• External Engagement & Influence: Confident representing the organization to donors, partners, and stakeholders; skilled in relationship cultivation.
• Results-Oriented & Strategic Thinker: Balances short-term execution with long-term vision and impact.
• Integrity & Values-Driven: Aligns fundraising efforts with organizational mission, values, and ethical standards.

Value Competencies

At Orbis, our values and competencies are central to how we work and grow, both as individuals and as a global organization. These expectations apply to all employees and help ensure that we are aligned in our mission and impact.

Our Values in Action

We are guided by five values: Accountability, Commitment, Innovation, Integrity, and Equity. These values reflect how we engage with our colleagues, partners, and the communities we serve. We expect everyone at Orbis to model these values in daily decisions and behaviors.

Our Competencies in Action

These describe the key skills and behaviors needed to succeed at Orbis. They are used in performance discussions and to support career development across roles.

Click here for a quick overview of our values and competencies.

Profile

• 15+ years of progressive development experience, including senior executive experience in multi-channel fundraising.

• Deep knowledge of the US development landscape with proven international fundraising experience.

• Experience leading major gifts, individual giving, mass market, foundations, corporate partnerships, events, and development operations.

• Track record of diversifying revenue streams and creating innovative global fundraising strategies.

• Experience partnering with Boards, senior executives, and global affiliates to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.

• Strong operational and systems experience with CRM, analytics, and fundraising technology.

• Demonstrated team leadership and mentoring experience in complex, international, or matrixed organizations.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in fundraising, business, or related field preferred.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (~25%).

Terms of Appointment

This is a full-time position.

Reporting and Working Relationships

Reports to: to CEO

Supervises: Senior Development team leaders and operational staff; Executive Director, Orbis Hong Kong; oversees development consultants as needed.

Works with: CEO, Board, Chief Program Officer, Country Directors, global affiliates, and senior program and operations staff.

The Development team works across channels and geographies to attract, secure, and retain philanthropic support, strengthen relationships with donors and partners, and deliver resources that allow Orbis to achieve its strategic goals.

Orbis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, particularly those underrepresented in the international nonprofit sector. Orbis is proud to foster an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and thrive.

Role Location

Global

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 27 March 2026 (23:59 hrs, GMT -5). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Orbis International to undertake this assignment.