Description

Position Title: Chief Development Officer (CDO) 
Reports to: CEO 
Time Commitment: Full-time 40 hours/week 
Location: Hybrid in Dorchester, Massachusetts 
About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, Dorchester, MA 
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is a center of healing, teaching, and learning for 
families and communities dealing with murder, trauma, grief, and loss. We aim to transform 
society's response to homicide, ensuring all families are treated with dignity and compassion. 
Founded in 1994 after the murder of Dorchester resident, Louis D. Brown, the LDBPI is 
recognized across the state and country for the best practices in the field of homicide response. 
With over 30 years of experience, the LDBPI continues to innovate and grow. 
Position Summary: A Unique Opportunity to Shape Development Strategy and 
Infrastructure for a Leading Organization in Boston 
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) seeks an experienced fundraising leader to join the 
organization as its first Chief Development Officer (CDO). This is a unique opportunity to engage 
at an important inflection point for a high-impact, grassroots organization. Building on over three 
decades of accomplishments, the LDBPI is in the midst of a $25 million capital campaign 
(Campaign for Peace) to build a permanent home for its work - a National Center of Healing, 
Teaching and Learning in Dorchester. At the same time, the LDBPI is continuing to develop its 
philanthropic infrastructure to ensure organizational sustainability and programmatic growth after 
the campaign concludes. The CDO will play a critical role by bringing their expertise, energy, and 
commitment to ensure that the LDBPI is well-positioned to achieve its future growth and impact 
goals.

Requirements

Responsibilities: 
The CDO will work closely with the CEO, Co-Executive Directors, volunteers (Board of Directors, 
Campaign Co-Chairs, Campaign Cabinet members), staff, and other partners to coordinate 
philanthropic activity across the organization. This includes all aspects of institutional, individual, 
and events fundraising to support the LDBPI annual operating budget ($4+ million in 2026) and to 
reach the $25 million goal for the Campaign for Peace ($11 million raised as of April 2026). 
The CDO reports to the Chief Executive Officer and will grow and manage the development team. 
Key areas of responsibility are: 
Develop Comprehensive Philanthropy Strategy 
       Design and implement a sustainable, coordinated, organization-wide philanthropy   
strategy that enables the LDBPI to achieve its mission, vision and goals 
       Lead and manage the staff and volunteer teams to deliver on fundraising goals with   
alignment, clarity, and accountability 
       Collaborate with LDBPI Communications and Storytelling team to produce compelling  
narratives and materials that support fundraising strategy 
       Provide clear reports and updates to the CEO 
       Partner with leadership to prioritize opportunities and effectively implement the philanthropy  
strategy 
Lead and Implement Fundraising, Donor Cultivation, & Stewardship 
       Oversee all aspects of fundraising, including annual appeal, events, and capital  
campaign 
       Develop and renew the pipeline of prospective donors through research and    
community engagement 
       Build and steward relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors. 
       Develop and implement strategies for approach, cultivation, and solicitation,   
including personally soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure gifts. 
       Design and implement (with staff support) intentional relationship-building 
pathways (e.g. curated convenings followed by 1:1 engagement) 
       Partner with Board, Campaign Co-Chairs, and Cabinet members on donor   
engagement, preparing and positioning LDBPI leadership for high-level donor  
conversations and specific leadership asks 
Build and Oversee Development Infrastructure & Operations 
       Design and build the development team (currently 2.5 FTE), providing access to  
training for current staff and recommending new hires as needed 
       Implement best-in-class fundraising systems - lead assessment of current systems  
(NEON) and ensure timely implementation of upgrades that will enable staff and  
volunteers to use data effectively 
       Manage and train staff to ensure timely and accurate gift processing,    
acknowledgements, pledges, and donor records 
       Oversee CRM data integrity, reporting, dashboards, and campaign tracking; 
provide support to enable staff to use the CRM system consistently 
       Coordinate closely with finance to ensure accuracy, transparency, and 
accountability across departments 
       Establish systems that strengthen stewardship and improve the donor 
experience 
Qualifications & Skills: 
       7+ years of experience successfully developing and implementing comprehensive  
fundraising programs 
       Demonstrated ability to build fundraising functions from early-stage to mature,   
including hiring/training, systems implementation, and process design 
       Experience raising comparable annual revenue ($3M+) and capital campaigns  
($20M+) preferred 
       Demonstrated track record of proven success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts  
from individuals, corporations, and foundations; experience with Boston    
Philanthropic networks are essential. 
       Experience with and interest in building and implementing development systems  
(CRMs, data, and project management) 
       Possess an entrepreneurial mindset and strong leadership presence combined with  
collaborative approach and willingness to engage at all levels to accomplish shared  
goals 
       Have a passion for the mission of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and   
commitment to its vision and principles (Love, Unity, Faith, Hope, Courage, Justice,   
Forgiveness)