Chief Development Officer

Job Description

Job Description

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

ABOUT DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE

For over 75 years, Doheny Eye Institute (Doheny) has been at the forefront of vision science. From seeking new ways to free blockages that prevent fluid drainage in glaucoma, to replacing retinal cells in age-related macular degeneration, to providing colleagues worldwide with standardized analyses of anatomical changes in the eyes of patients, Doheny clinicians and scientists are changing how people see—and also how they think about the future of vision.

The mission of Doheny is to further the conservation, improvement and restoration of human eyesight. Doheny's overarching vision is to have the greatest impact on human eyesight by leading the field with groundbreaking research and superior education programs that help advance eye care in our local community and around the world.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Doheny Eye Institute seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead its comprehensive development and public affairs program. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, advancing Doheny's mission through philanthropy, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned development leader to shape and grow a program that spans major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, foundation and corporate relations, capital campaigns, alumni engagement, and public relations. The successful candidate will bring vision, creativity, and a proven track record of fundraising leadership to strengthen Doheny's philanthropic base and expand its visibility locally, nationally, and globally.

The CDO will work closely with the CEO, Chief Scientific Officer, Board of Directors, and volunteer leaders—including the Luminaires support group—to build strong donor partnerships, elevate institutional communications, and steward Doheny's reputation as a leader in vision research and patient care.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Development Strategy

• Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff to design and execute a strategic, multi-year fundraising plan that strengthens and diversifies Doheny's philanthropic base.
• Lead efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, with a focus on building long-term relationships and sustainable support.
• Expand planned giving and foundation/corporate partnerships, while enhancing annual fund and alumni engagement programs.
• Drive a significant capital campaign, including prospect pipeline development, volunteer engagement, and campaign communications.
• Oversee staff performance metrics, reporting, and evaluation of fundraising effectiveness, ensuring goals are met and progress communicated to leadership.
• Collaborate with the finance department to align budgets, forecasts, and development reporting.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, e.g., research and clinical faculty, to generate stories of interest for communications pieces and fundraising.
• Collaborate with Research Administration to ensure foundation grant proposals contain accurate budget information and other reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with counterparts at UCLA for joint programs.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• In partnership with the CEO, strengthen Board participation in fundraising, providing training, resources, and support to enhance Board members' effectiveness as ambassadors and fundraisers.
• Support Board recruitment and development to ensure a strong, diverse, and engaged leadership pipeline.
• Manage relationships with volunteer organizations (Luminaires), maximizing their philanthropic and advocacy impact.

Communications & Public Affairs

• Serve as a lead spokesperson for Doheny, articulating the mission, impact, and vision to donors, partners, and the broader community.
• Direct a comprehensive communications strategy that integrates media relations, editorial content, institutional messaging, and digital platforms.
• Elevate Doheny's visibility and reputation through targeted public relations campaigns, thought leadership, and speaking opportunities.
• Partner with leadership to ensure alignment of communications with strategic objectives and fundraising priorities.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and inspire the development team, providing mentorship, professional development, and clear performance expectations.
• Foster a respectful, collaborative, hard-working, and accountable culture that emphasizes excellence, creativity, belonging, and tangible results.
• Build cross-departmental partnerships that integrate fundraising and communications into broader organizational goals.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, policies, and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE certification preferred.
• 10+ years of major gift and capital campaign fundraising with individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• 5+ years of senior management and communications experience, including Board engagement and stewardship.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and fundraising databases; Raiser's Edge experience preferred.
• Visionary, strategic, and results-driven leader with integrity and passion for mission.
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding diverse donors.
• Strong experience partnering with academic leaders, scientists, and physicians.
• Skilled strategist with a record of strengthening infrastructure, building public support, and inspiring staff and boards.
• Exceptional writing, organizational, financial, and administrative skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities; persuasive writer and speaker.
• Flexible team player able to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following capabilities:

• A Commitment to Doheny's mission and work.
• Leads with credibility and persuasiveness to secure support from others.
• A manager who exemplifies the values and ethics of the organization, key of which are a high degree of integrity and honesty.
• An organized individual with strong creative and conceptual skills.
• A doer who functions effectively without being autocratic or political; must be a team player who is inclusive, flexible, creative, energetic, and fair minded.
• A decisive and resourceful individual with the willingness to accept responsibility and take charge of results; able to work successfully with limited resources.
• A self-starter who is confident to express opinions, forging ahead when appropriate and holding back when necessary, with a goal of fostering professional, respectful, effective relationships.
• An energetic person who is emotionally mature and dependable.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range of $180,000 to $210,000.

Because our employees are among our most valued assets, Doheny Eye Institute provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package of quality healthcare, life, accident, and disability coverage as well as additional benefits designed to meet your individual needs and those of your family.

Choose from a Comprehensive Benefits Portfolio:

• Health care coverage, including medical (HMO, POS/PPO), dental and vision benefits for you and your eligible dependents
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurance for you
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) – Medical and Dependent Care
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Voluntary Plans (AFLAC)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential, professional counseling to help you with a broad range of issues

Doheny Eye Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Envision Consulting was retained by Doheny Eye Institute to search for their Chief Development Officer.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.