In this dynamic role, the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) will be not only responsible for achieving revenue targets but will also take a holistic approach to the growth of the organization, going beyond traditional fundraising. This person will hold the vision and execution for the powerful role philanthropy can play at Water For People and in the broader water and sanitation sector.

The Chief Growth Officer is responsible for:

What the goals are (and making sure the team is always focused on them).

Setting of priorities (around projects, prospects, and plans).

Strategies we will pursue. (This role may not generate all the strategy, but it needs to confirm/enrich it and provide both support and a framework for its execution).

Deployment. Who will do what.

Accountability. How and at what point individual and team performance will be measured

With a primary focus on delivering the growth plan aligned with our Destination 2030 vision which includes growing revenue to $75M annually, increasing awareness of the urgency of the global water crisis and Water For People’s role, and leveraging organizational priorities to drive impact, the CGO will lead in five priority growth areas: More dollars, more donors, more engagement, more awareness, and more intentionality. The CGO will be responsible for implementing and adapting Water For People’s global growth strategy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:  

Form strong partnerships with Co-CEOs, Chief Finance and Administration Officer (CFAO), Chief Impact Officer (CIO), Senior Director of Finance (SDF), and Regional Directors to develop multi-year organizational fundraising priorities, revenue targets and projections, effective engagement plans for high-level current and potential supporters and the media, and accurate and timely updates to the Board.

Work with the Donor Impact team and the Global Leadership Team (GLT) to execute the current growth plan aligned with the strategic plan tied with Destination 2030 and with the One For All Alliance; key emphasis will be on growing the number of new prospects/donors and strengthening the portfolio in the long-term into a greater number of key donors/funders

Ensure performance, strategy, and alignment of the organization’s revenue-generating activities and external relations including brand and communications.

Lead analysis of fundraising strategies and approaches to align with current market trends while staying flexible and innovative.

Work closely with the CFAO & SDF on the revenue budget process, including budget formation, evaluating risk, generating reports, and creating revenue budget for two-year revenue plans.

Support on the identification of funding opportunities that match the organization’s strategy and priorities, including high wealth individuals, corporations, and/or private foundation and/or institutional funding, and as requested, support in the engagement of current donors across all funding levels to promote long-term funding relationships.

Lead the Donor Impact team in establishing a strong culture, a people-first mentality that focuses on staff retention and growth, and work with the members of the Donor Impact team on meeting their individual and team annual goals and targets.

Partner with Regional Directors in LATAM, Africa, and India, build capacity of regional teams to grow and attract potential in-country fundraising. Oversee the development and implementation of policies and systems that support growth.

Keep abreast of developments in marketing, communications, philanthropy, and fund development, and share and inform GLT, Board, and Donor Impact.

Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors, and follow code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.

Serve as GLT representative on the Board Development Committee, bringing practical insight and best-practice strategy to the work of the Board in the realm of revenue generation; support and partner with the Board around elevating the organization on the driving focus areas of more dollars, more donors, more engagement, more awareness, and more intentionality.

Promote and inspire increased brand recognition for the organization while expanding global understanding of the water crisis.

Gives vision and framing on the goals, structure, growth, and strategy of the Donor Impact Team.

BEHAVIORS AND COMPETENCIES:

Connect to Mission – Work to integrate own behaviors with the mission of the organization; connect the organization’s mission with established structure and activities; actively work to improve the capabilities of teams; actions and decisions are taken with the organization in mind.

Manage through Ambiguity – Adapt to people, shifting demands, and changing priorities with ease; create clear picture of the importance and relevance of change; find way to apply innovative ideas to enhance business results.

Demonstrate Cultural Awareness – Establish an inclusive environment; is appreciative, affirming, and inclusive of all cultural backgrounds; demonstrate active listening, empathy and effective engagement to increase cultural competence.

Action-oriented – Integrate a variety of information or translate corporate strategy; drive innovation to create competitive edge; introduce substantive improvements to enhance performance throughout a functional area; create something that stands out against the norm to help deliver industry-leading performance.

Sense of Team – Facilitate collaboration; invest in building relationships; advocate ideas and effectively negotiate to achieve mutually successful outcomes; know and consider the capabilities of coworkers in own actions; bring people together across boundaries, leveraging differences to achieve results as a team.

Build Talent and Team – Build sustainable talent pipeline; look beyond own team, towards building organizational capacity; review employees’ capabilities to assess organization capacity to deliver on strategy; challenge individuals to champion the talent management agenda; benchmark team members capabilities and create individual development plans for each team member.

Impact and Influence – Empower teams to perform; appropriately use the power of the position as well as personal influence to achieve outcomes; persuade others to willingly pursue a course of action against their initial inclination; create a team spirit of excitement and positive motivation; hold the group/team accountable to higher goals based on greater empowerment.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

15+ years of general experience that show progressively responsible and relevant experience in fundraising, business development, marketing, communications, and revenue growth required.

10 years of remarkable experience with Business Development / Fundraising in nonprofits, managing multi-million-dollar budgets exceeding $15 million USD required.

Demonstrated evidence of outstanding results and achievements working with multi-lateral, individual, foundation, and/or corporate funding of multi-million-dollar grants.

At least 7 years of people management experience required.

Experience collaborating and building partnerships with senior leadership, board members, and other key internal and external stakeholder groups required.

Experience working in international development and familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and experience working at the intersection of WASH and cross-cutting issues, such as climate change, gender and social inclusion, health, etc. strongly desired.

Proven track record of growing revenue and results.

Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset.

History of decision-making based on business metrics.

Inspirational leadership style and hands-on approach.

Strong negotiation skills, coupled with a high sense of professionalism, propriety, and confidentiality.

Advanced computer proficiencies in MS Office 365

Bold and effective networker to introduce and strengthen relationships which promote increasing revenue and/or the recognition and messaging of Water For People.

Spanish language skills are an advantage.