CANDIDATE
POSITION TITLE
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
PRIMARY LOCATION
NEW HORIZONS CREATED FOR NORTH HILLS, CA
about New HOrizons
New Horizons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs (age 16 and older) to reach their full potential and fulfill their dreams. Founded in 1954 by eight parents whose children had special needs, the agency has evolved to provide services and support each year to more than 1,100 individuals throughout the greater San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys of Los Angeles.
Located on a beautiful seven-acre campus in North Hills, California, New Horizons offers job training and placement, education, counseling, residential services, social programs and person-centered planning with a focus on community integration, helping each individual gain the confidence, skills, dignity and independence at his/her/their highest level.
our mission
To advance the rights and life choices of individuals within the neurodiverse community and their families through a broad range of high-quality, innovative and personalized services.
Quality of Life
Culture of Caring
Learning and Accomplishment
Partnership
The Pursuit of Excellence
Accountability
Bold Futures
program
Offering connection to more than 250 students Southern California, YNA teaches the importance of being safe and responsible while traveling out in the community. The 10 -12 week program that covers pedestrian safety, stranger danger, bus etiquette, utilizing public transportation, and route planning. These lessons are a great way for the students to learn independence as well as safety and responsibility when out in the community.
what we do & WHO WE SERVE
employment services
Through Supported Employment, Pathways, Direct Placement, and External Situational Assessment, members are placed in competitive jobs at local community businesses at no cost to the employer. Professional job coaches work alongside New Horizons’ Members providing training and assistance to help them learn the job and perform up to the employer’s standards and expectations. nearly 300 Members currently employed at over 200 different businesses.
residential & community living community learning center
New Horizons’ offers a variety of residential choices which allows those with special needs along with others who care for them to live as independently and productively as possible throughout their lives, while receiving the support they need to develop and maintain healthy and safe living environments.
Today, New Horizons provides community-based residences for nearly 200 Members, offering support based on the needs and capabilities of each.
New Horizons Community Learning Center (CLC) offers members an opportunity to receive learning wherever they find themselves – whether in person or remotely, on campus or in the community. CLC provides training of functional living skills as well as a space to explore creative self-expression and community engagement through volunteering opportunities.
Position Overview
New Horizons is a leading nonprofit agency committed to enhancing and empowering the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through a broad range of high-quality, innovative and personalized services. With a budget of $25 million, they are focused on sustainable growth, expanding their impact, and advancing their mission. As a leader in its field, New Horizons aims to shift society’s paradigm, creating a world where people with disabilities have the same rights, choices and economic security afforded to all.
New Horizons seeks a visionary, results-driven Chief Development Officer to lead fundraising and development. The CDO will champion the organization’s values, promote equality, and foster a culture of growth and collaboration. Working with the President & CEO, the CDO will craft and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to expand New Horizons’ impact in Southern California.
As part of the Executive Team, the CDO will help shape strategy, drive innovation, and ensure effective management. The ideal candidate has proven success in fundraising, donor relations, team leadership, and is skilled in using donor databases and data analytics to guide strategic decisions and boost donor engagement.
First Year GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Identify and cultivate new donors
Cultivate corporate relationships
Cultivate foundation relationships
Build and manage the development team
Create stewarding plan for existing donors
Engage the board in fundraising
Enhance storytelling and impact statements
Improve community engagement
Improve special events
Conduct a listening tour with staff, Board Members, and community members to learn the culture of New Horizons
Understand, assess, and document all fundraising efforts and their effectiveness
Strategize plans to enhance impact with concrete benchmarks and goals
Build and manage the development staff through the coordinated roll out of fundraising tactics
roles & responsibilities
Strategic leadership
Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.
Partners with the CEO, board members, and senior leadership to create and execute an annual fundraising plan.
Oversees the development of major campaigns, grants, corporate partnerships, and planned giving initiatives.
donor relations and stewardship
Leads the organization’s efforts to expand its donor base and build long-term, meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.
Develops a robust donor stewardship program to enhance donor engagement and retention, including the “Heroes of Horizons” group, ensuring timely acknowledgment and recognition of involvement with New Horizons.
Implements strategies to upgrade donor giving levels and create donor loyalty programs.
Works closely with the Board of Directors and the Emeritus Council to cultivate.
fundraising and revenue growth
Designs, implements, and manages a diversified fundraising portfolio, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and planned giving
Utilizes donor database systems to track donor engagement, analyze giving trends, and inform targeted fundraising strategies. Provides support and indirect oversight of all NH major events, including but not limited to the yearly Gala, golf tournament and Power of the Purse. Analyzes each event for viability, mission alignment, and overall effectiveness.
Sets and achieves annual fundraising goals, ensuring consistent revenue growth and financial sustainability.
Builds relationships with top donors, including high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations, through personal cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation.
Oversees grant writing and submission process, ensuring alignment with the organization’s programs and priorities.
team leadership and development
Directly supervises and mentors development staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and supportive culture that values innovation, empathy, and professional growth
Leads and mentors the development team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on meeting and exceeding fundraising goals.
Establishes clear performance goals for the development team and provides regular feedback and support.
Provides professional development opportunities for team members, encouraging growth in fundraising skills and leadership.
roles & responsibilities
marketing and communication
Oversees all marketing and communications efforts to enhance visibility and awareness of the organization’s mission and fundraising efforts
Develops clear, compelling messaging for donor engagement, including case statements, appeals, and campaign materials. Represents the organization at public events, donor meetings, and conferences to raise awareness and increase support.
financial oversight and reporting
Manages the development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for fundraising activities
Regularly reports on fundraising progress to the CEO, Board, and key stakeholders, providing metrics on goals, revenue, and donor engagement, that align with agency financial reporting and are informed by robust data analysis from donor management systems.
Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations, including tax and legal requirements for charitable giving.
Collaborates closely with finance, understanding revenue, expenses, grants, and forecasting.
board, committee and ceo support
Advises the CEO and Board on best practices for fundraising and donor engagement
Works closely with the Chair of the Advancement committee, and other members so that they are actively engaged and acknowledged
Enlists and supports the CEO with “closing” opportunity with major donors, contributors and business partners.
Ensures the Board is effectively engaged in fundraising, including providing regular updates on progress and preparing them to make personal gifts or solicit gifts from others.
Leads fundraising efforts for board-driven events and initiatives.
qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Proven success in managing a multi-million-dollar fundraising operation, with experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, grants, and corporate partnerships.
Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams.
Strong track record of cultivating relationships with donors and securing significant gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling proposals and presentations.
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
High level of comfort working with senior executives, boards, and donors.
Deep understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and nonprofit financials.
Highly skilled user of electronic fundraising and donor database systems, as well as competent user of other agency applications.
Able to work closely with all departments, bringing finesse and grace to achieve our collective goals.
Passion for New Horizons’ mission and values.
Proven leadership and team-building skills.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and work ethic.
compensation & benefits
The salary range for the New Horizons Chief Development Officer role is $175,000 - $2000,000. This is a full time, hybrid position located in North Hills, CA. A generous benefits package is included.
New Horizons is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
the ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for Chief Development Officer at New Horizons is a dynamic and mission-driven leader who brings both strategic foresight and a hands-on approach to fundraising They are a skilled relationship builder, energized by the opportunity to deepen donor engagement and expand the organization’s reach across Southern California. With a natural instinct for storytelling and connection, they bring New Horizons’ mission to life for individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
They are a true thought partner to the CEO, balancing visionary thinking with practical implementation. They know how to translate bold goals into clear fundraising strategies, create buy-in among the Board and staff, and sustain momentum through smart systems and consistent follow-through. Their approach is grounded in metrics and relationship cultivation, always with an eye on long-term growth and sustainability.
They are a confident and collaborative manager who empowers their team, sets clear expectations, and supports professional development. They bring emotional intelligence and an inclusive mindset to their leadership, building a culture where development staff feel valued, supported, and equipped to succeed. Whether stewarding a high-net-worth donor or mentoring a new staff member, they lead with humility, purpose, and drive.
CAREERTRACKleadingto chiefdevelopmentofficer
The path to becoming a Chief Development Officer (CDO) typically begins with entry-level roles focused on donor relations, events, and fundraising systems. Mid-level positions like Development Manager or Major Gifts Officer build skills in grant writing, donor stewardship, and campaign leadership. By the time they reach senior roles, candidates have experience in strategy, board engagement, and leading highperforming development teams.
Professionals we may look for:
Director of Development
Vice President of Development
Chief Advancement Officer
Director of Major Gifts
Director of Donor Relations
Grant Development Manager
Capital Campaign Director/Manager
Director of Special Events
VP of External Affairs
about north hills, ca
North Hills, California is a vibrant neighborhood in the northern San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Known for its cultural diversity, residential charm, and access to the larger LA metro area, North Hills offers a blend of suburban stability and urban convenience. Its location provides residents with proximity to parks, schools, and local businesses, while also connecting them to regional centers of arts, commerce, and education.
The neighborhood is home to several community-based organizations, including those focused on individuals with learning and developmental disabilities, making it an ideal environment for mission-driven nonprofits and social entrepreneurs looking to make a tangible impact.
Like many urban neighborhoods in Los Angeles, North Hills also faces challenges around affordable housing, educational access, and support services for vulnerable populations. For families and individuals with disabilities,
navigating services can be complex, and resources are often stretched thin. Yet, North Hills is also a place of innovation and hope where organizations like New Horizons have built strong programs that empower people with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in community life. These nonprofits, along with a growing interest in inclusive service delivery and educational advocacy, are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and supportive environment.
Investing in North Hills means contributing to a community with both deep needs and dynamic potential. Whether through launching inclusive learning initiatives, expanding nonprofit partnerships, or simply becoming an engaged resident, there are countless opportunities to be part of North Hills’ transformation. As the neighborhood continues to grow, its commitment to equity, diversity, and community-driven change makes it a compelling place to live, work, and lead.
Envision Consulting has been retained by New Horizons to conduct the search for their incoming Chief Development Officer. We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential.
After two stages of interviews with Envision, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition with a oneyear guarantee. To ensure candidate success, we offer ten (10) hours of executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
The New Horizons is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
search team for New HOrizons
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions With offices in Denver, Lexington, New York, and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most. Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
ALLISON FULLER MANAGING PARTNER
MATT KAMIN MANAGING PARTNER
JESSIE STEGNER STRATEGIST
Are you a great fit for the New Horizon’s next Chief Development Officer?
We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!