Chief Development Officer

Description

The search for this position is being led by Lindauer Global. To apply, please do so directly through their website here. 

The Overlake School seeks a strategic and relationship-centered Chief Development Officer to lead the continued evolution of its philanthropic program at a moment of opportunity. Following the successful completion of a $28 million campaign, the School is well positioned to build momentum, strengthen systems, and deepen engagement across its donor community. This is a senior leadership role for a development professional eager to shape the next chapter of growth for a mission-driven institution with strong alignment between culture and purpose.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO will partner closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to design and execute advancement strategies that support institutional priorities and long-term financial sustainability. The role calls for a leader who brings clarity, structure, and forward-looking strategy to a growing development operation, with responsibility for major gifts, annual giving, campaigns, planned giving, stewardship, engagement, communications, and advancement services.

The CDO will lead and mentor the development team, strengthen data-informed decision-making, and personally manage a significant portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects. At the same time, this leader will serve as a visible ambassador for Overlake, cultivating high-value relationships and inspiring a culture of philanthropy across parents, alumni, trustees, and friends of the School. For a collaborative, strategic advancement leader, this role offers a path forward together with a school poised for continued impact.

To learn more about the opportunity, click here. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, development, or campaign management.
• Proven success securing major gifts and leading complex fundraising initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience managing high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen and familiarity with fundraising databases and analytics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Achievement of fundraising and campaign targets like annual and multi-year fundraising goals (major gifts, annual giving, campaigns).
• Growth of major donor pipeline and legacy commitments through the number and quality of prospects, major gift solicitations, planned/legacy gift commitments.
• Strong staff performance, morale, retention, and collaboration.
• Enhanced culture of philanthropy across the community demonstrated by increased donor retention rates, donor upgrades, and lifetime giving.
• Clear, reliable advancement reporting and operations.
• Positive feedback from Board, key stakeholders, and leadership