Description
Chief Development Officer
World Science Festival
About the World Science Festival
The World Science Festival (WSF) is a multimedia organization producing original content straddling science, the arts, journalism and education. Founded in 2008, WSF is viewed by many as the premier platform bringing the most transformative ideas at the forefront of discovery to mainstream audiences. With formats spanning innovative works of theatre, film, dance, and music, immersive live and virtual experiences, as well as riveting discussions and debates, WSF is lauded globally for its groundbreaking live and digital content featuring world-renowned scientists, artists, and intellectuals, shifting science to the cultural center. Based in New York City, WSF is distinctive in its commitment to the highest of editorial standards and production excellence, providing worldwide audiences an exciting and impactful view of the near and far future.
You can find more information about the organization at https://www.worldsciencefestival.com/
Position Overview
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead the design and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy for WSF, diversifying and expanding its funding base while stewarding a loyal core of long-standing supporters. Reporting to the Co-Founder and CEO, with a dotted line to the President, this person will help grow the organization's philanthropic revenue to support its mission and goals. This role offers a creative, transformational fundraising leader the chance to elevate WSF's fundraising program, deepen its impact, and expand its reach.
The CDO will develop infrastructure, processes, and manage a team while working in close partnership with organizational leadership and an engaged, accomplished board. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in high-level, creative strategy conversations and in the hands-on work of identifying, cultivating, and closing new philanthropic relationships. This person will represent WSF externally with confidence to funders, partners, and the broader philanthropic community.
Core Responsibilities
Strategy
- Design and lead a multi-year comprehensive fundraising strategy that diversifies WSF's funding base while setting the stage for year-over-year philanthropic growth
- Collaborate with senior leadership to shape organizational priorities into high-impact funding strategies
- Identify and prioritize funding opportunities across WSF's core program areas, including all live and digital content and educational initiatives
- Set clear revenue goals, performance benchmarks, and accountability structures across the department
Fundraising & Relationship Management
- Directly cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major funders that include individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- Identify and pursue new funders with a specific focus on bringing in new individual, foundation, and corporate donors while also exploring innovative funding streams outside of traditional philanthropy
- Support the Founders and Board with donor cultivation, solicitation strategy, and stewardship, helping them to prepare, position, and follow through on solicitations
Team Leadership & Management
- Lead, inspire, and mentor a talented team of fundraising professionals while fostering a high-performance, accountable team environment
- Assess and build out the development team's organizational structure, including hiring for current vacancies, defining role scope, and identifying gaps in capacity
- Set clear performance expectations, establish and maintain strong KPI practices, provide consistent feedback, and build professional development pathways that attract and retain top talent
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as a visible and trusted leader across the organization, helping to build a culture of philanthropy where staff at all levels understand and support fundraising goals
- Align fundraising priorities with programmatic and creative teams
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience overseeing a development program
- Track record of fundraising success and measurable revenue growth in organizations of similar size and scope, including direct solicitation and closing of individual major gifts and corporate partnerships at the 6-figure level and above
- Proven success leading, coaching, and mentoring teams, including building culture and managing performance
- Experience diversifying a funding base and cultivating new and non-traditional philanthropic relationships
- Commitment to leading by example, including demonstrating and fostering a strong sense of urgency, accountability, and sound decision-making to achieve goals
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence, with the ability to build genuine relationships with a sophisticated, generous, and busy board, as well as donors and colleagues at all levels
- A data-informed mindset with comfort using KPIs and performance data to drive accountability and decision-making
- Collaborative, flexible, team-oriented, and positive approach to work
- Authentic and deep interest in the mission and work of the WSF
- Familiarity with the NYC philanthropic community and funders is a plus but not required
Location & Work Environment
This role is based in New York City with a full-time in-office schedule.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $220,000 annually. WSF offers a comprehensive package of benefits.
World Science Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. WSF will consider qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable “Fair Chance” laws.
WSF has retained the Orr Group to conduct this search. Please direct all inquiries, interest, and nominations to the Orr Group search team.
Jesse Bryan
Vice President
Orr Group
About the Orr Group
Orr Group is a strategic partner to nonprofit organizations, offering comprehensive fundraising and executive recruitment support that advances mission, maximizes philanthropic potential, and builds long-term sustainability. We specialize in the business of philanthropy, helping our partners drive results through data-informed strategies, embedded team members, and hands-on implementation.
Salary Range
$190,000 - $220,000 USD
To apply, visit
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