CJR believes every young person should have the opportunity to thrive. Founded in 1904 through the vision of Litchfield resident Mary T. Buel, CJR has provided care, treatment, education, and opportunity for thousands of children and families across Connecticut for more than 120 years. In 2023, CJR rebranded, adopting the dragonfly as its new symbol of happiness, new beginnings, and change.
Today CJR serves more than 2,400 individuals across 10 Connecticut locations through Education, Residential, Wellness, and Community services. With over 300 staff and an annual budget of nearly $30 million and net assets of $40 million, CJR is one of Connecticut’s most enduring and impactful youth service organizations.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and external relations at CJR. This is a pivotal moment for the organization: a new CEO takes the helm on June 1, 2026, and the CDO will be a key partner in building the philanthropic foundation to support CJR’s next chapter. The CDO oversees a comprehensive, relationship-driven development program with a focus on major gifts, donor stewardship, technology-enabled fundraising, and board engagement across a four-entity nonprofit structure.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Partner with the President and CEO and senior leadership to identify funding priorities and align development strategies with organizational goals
- Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy centered on donor engagement and relationship-building.
- Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with an emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationship development.
Donor Engagement & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain a portfolio of key donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies.
- Support and guide the President and CEO and Board in donor relationship development and solicitation efforts.
- Strengthen donor retention through thoughtful stewardship and ongoing engagement.
Fundraising & Revenue Development
- Oversee all fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving.
- Integrate traditional fundraising approaches with digital and technology-driven strategies.
Team Leadership & Compliance
- Lead, supervise, and develop Development Department staff; foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture.
Ideal Candidate
- Seven or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or external relations, including demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising and securing major gifts.
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA, CFRE certification, or advanced degree preferred.
- Experience utilizing CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and digital fundraising tools.
- Experience working with senior leadership and Boards of Directors in donor engagement and solicitation.
- Familiarity with planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor segmentation strategies.
- Experience in a nonprofit, human services, or education environment strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and sustain meaningful donor relationships.
See position details linked above for a detailed overview of the role.
Location: Litchfield, Connecticut
Travel: Local and statewide travel required.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of CJR.
