Chief Development Officer

Louisville, KY

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Location: Louisville, KY.  This individual must reside within Louisville, KY, but the work is remote-based.

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Aligned with Experience

Employment Type: Contractor

 

About our Development Officer Position

We are seeking a senior, self-motivated Chief Development Officer (CDO) with a proven track record of securing major gifts and building robust donor relationships within the healthcare and wellness sectors.

As CDO, you will spearhead donor cultivation, lead impactful fundraising initiatives, and forge strategic partnerships to establish and fuel NPA’s development and growth in Louisville, KY and beyond. In this pivotal position, you will focus on creating strong donor alliances, orchestrating high-impact fundraising events, and enhancing NPA’s visibility, offering a unique chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of people with neurological challenges.

The ideal candidate is someone with a strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit who will excel in the dynamic, hands-on role of helping shape a new organization.

 

Why The Neuroplasticity Alliance?

Neurological care is entering a golden age of neuroscience, similar to the transformative advances that revolutionized cardiac care in the 1980s and 1990s. Thanks to the discovery of neuroplasticity, people facing neurological challenges—such as brain injury, stroke, trauma, addiction, and Alzheimer’s—no longer need to accept recovery plateaus and can instead achieve significant restoration of lost function.  The  Neuroplasticity Alliance (NPA) is at the forefront of this shift in medical care, ensuring that individuals and families are aware of and have access to these breakthrough innovations.

 

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Fundraising:

• Build and manage a portfolio of mid- and major-level donors, serving as a front-line fundraiser to secure gifts.

• Prioritize donor cultivation, stewardship, and appreciation to foster lasting partnerships.

• Organize impactful fundraising events (e.g., galas, community outreach) to boost visibility.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director (ED) and Board to develop annual fundraising plans and strategies.

 

Strategic Alliances:

• Forge relationships with community partners, businesses, and foundations to enhance NPA’s mission.

• Educate stakeholders about neuroplasticity to drive fundraising success.

• Reporting: Monitor fundraising progress and prepare outcome reports for ED and Board.

 

As We Grow:
As NPA expands, the CDO may opt to take on additional tasks, including:

• Personnel Management: Shape and lead a fundraising team, hiring passionate staff.

• Communications: Oversee proposals, grants, and donor materials.

• Board Relations: Support Board recruitment and fundraising committee efforts.

• Financial: Manage the Development department’s budget.

• Community Engagement: Lead broader community events and partnerships.

 

 Who You Are

• Senior Expertise: 15+ years in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record in healthcare philanthropy and a strong network in Louisville. Added experience in Atlanta, GA a strong plus.

• Self-Driven: Entrepreneurial spirit, thriving in a hands-on role to scale a new venture.

• Connected: Ability to leverage existing relationships with donors, foundations, and civic leaders for quick impact.

• Mission-Focused: Committed to NPA’s vision of connecting individuals with breakthrough innovations that can transform the trajectory of their recovery.

 

Skills & Requirements

• Experience securing major gifts and organizing fundraising events.

• Strong verbal/written communication and relationship-building skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRMs.

• Self-starter with excellent prioritization and time management.

• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel locally in Louisville/KY (occasional overnight trips).

• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs., sit/stand for prolonged periods, and work outdoors occasionally.

• Four-year college degree preferred.

 

How to Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to sherry.odom@NPAllies.org. Join NPA and leverage your network to transform lives!

 

The Neuroplasticity Alliance (NPA) is a nonprofit empowering individuals with neurological challenges through education and advocacy.