Overview

The Vice President, Chief Development Officer serves as the strategic leader responsible for advancing the mission of the children's hospital through comprehensive fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnership efforts. This role is accountable for designing and executing a robust, multi-channel philanthropic strategy that secures transformational and sustainable financial support to enhance patient care, expand clinical programs, invest in research and innovation, and strengthen the hospital's impact on children and families. The VP of Development fosters a culture of generosity and stewardship by building meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community stakeholders, while partnering closely with executive leadership, clinicians, and board members. Through visionary leadership, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to excellence, this role ensures the hospital's philanthropic initiatives align with its strategic priorities and uphold its reputation as a trusted, mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all children.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Strategy, Governance, and Enterprise Leadership
  • Set the strategic vision for philanthropy in alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals.
  • Evaluate internal and external trends to inform short and long range strategies affecting reputation, engagement, and philanthropic sustainability.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional ethical standards, maintaining accountability to donors, volunteers, guests, and governing bodies.
  • Serve as a senior advisor and liaison to executive leadership, physicians, boards, and community stakeholders as a member of the Enterprise Leadership Team.
  • Advance institutional priorities by advising and supporting advisory boards and major initiatives through advocacy and executive influence.
  • Partner with senior leadership to identify and address organizational development needs that impact the effectiveness, alignment, and sustainability of philanthropy and volunteer programs.
• Operations, Engagement, and Performance Execution
  • Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for philanthropy operations, ensuring alignment, performance, and integration across donor systems and stewardship programs.
  • Lead enterprise level donor, volunteer, and guest engagement strategies across the full lifecycle to maximize philanthropic investment and enhance the overall stakeholder experience.
  • Establish strategic plans, financial frameworks, benchmarks, and performance metrics to drive measurable outcomes and ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors and volunteers, providing senior level engagement and accountability to advance major philanthropic initiatives.
  • Build and sustain high performing leadership teams by setting clear expectations, optimizing organizational structure, coaching leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability and results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Business, Non-Profit Management, Marketing or related field and 12 or more years of experience in non-profit philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, or related field or
• Master's Degree Business, Non-Profit Management, Marketing or related field and 10 or more years of experience in non-profit philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, or related field

Benefits at Children's Mercy

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Learn more about Children's Mercy benefits.

Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

Remote Work/Work from Home

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children's Mercy locations and may not work from home.