Executive Brief

Chief Development Officer
MSPCA - Angell

The Organization: MSPCA - Angell

Since its founding in 1868,  the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center, or MSPCA–Angell, has worked to relieve suffering, prevent cruelty, and develop a just and compassionate society.

One of the first humane organizations in America, founded shortly after the Civil War, the MSPCA-Angell has seen vast changes in society, the environment, and the roles of animals in our lives. It has helped make laws and set standards that have fundamentally shaped our sense of kindness and care for animals – and for one another.

Today, the MSPCA-Angell continues to rescue, shelter, protect, heal, and advocate for more animals than any other American humane organization, giving hands-on care to many thousands of animals each year. We also provide emergency assistance and strategic-planning help for animal-protection groups across the country and around the globe. Through our legislative work, humane-education efforts, and community-based assistance initiatives, we help create lasting change for animals and people.

Leadership Spotlight:

This is an exciting time to be joining the MSPCA-Angell.  The organization is expanding its services in both veterinary medicine and animal welfare; the Chief Development Officer will be fundamental to making this happen.  In addition, the CDO will join an animal-centric culture with immensely dedicated staff committed to keeping the MSPCA-Angell best-in-class in all that it does.

– Neil Litvack, President & CEO

Neal Litvack
President and CEO

As of April 2020, Neal Litvack serves as MSPCA-Angell's President and CEO. Litvack’s vast and diverse professional experience is matched by his passion for the MSPCA’s mission — to protect animals, and to advance their health and welfare. Litvack serves on the board of PetSmart Charities, which is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together.  He has previously served on the boards of renowned animal protection groups including the Animal Rescue League of Boston and Buddy Dog Humane Society.

Litvack joined the MSPCA at a time of significant growth. In 2019, the organization completed its Angell Centennial Campaign, raising $26 million to revolutionize care at Angell. The hospital now has an all-new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and a new I-131 suite to treat hyperthyroidism in cats, in addition to extensive modernization of its clinical facilities.

Before his position at MSPCA-Angell, Litvack worked in numerous roles at the American Red Cross. As Chief Marketing Officer, Litvack oversaw brand development, stewardship and strategy. In addition, Litvack modernized the centralized database of donors and prospects, rolled out new product and development service offerings, and led the re-design of Red Cross enterprise websites (redcross.org and redcrossblood.org), deploying the latest technologies to optimize user experience, maximize donor support and reinforce key brand attributes. As Chief Development Officer, Litvack was responsible for $630 million in annual fundraising and $2.7 billion in additional funds for major disasters.

From 2003 to 2009, Litvack served as Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Milton Academy, in Milton, Mass., where he managed operations, infrastructure and capital projects, all while teaching AP-level economics and psychology classes.

Litvack has also held senior marketing, finance and operations roles at for-profit companies including Fidelity Investments, where he served as President of Retail Marketing, as well as Natixis Investments, HBO and General Foods (now Kraft).

Giving at MSPCA - Angell

The MSPCA-Angell's giving program gives donors the ability to have significant impact in the lives of thousands of animals.

There are various opportunities to donate from monthly giving, tribute/memorial giving, leader's circle, planned giving/bequests, designated giving, and more. 

Currently, the MSPCA raises $17M annually, with a goal to increase giving to $20M over the next few years. The CDO will also manage the next campaign - a $20M capital campaign to expand their Waltham campus.

The MSPCA-Angell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from state/federal agencies and is not operated by any fellow SPCAs.

The Opportunity: Chief Development Officer

MSPCA-Angell - Chief Development Officer - Job Description (PDF Download)

Position Summary

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer oversees the organization’s Development function, leading the Development team across functions including Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Digital and Direct Fundraising, Special Events, Gift Processing, and Development Operations.  The Chief Development Officer is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies that align with the organization’s priorities and key initiatives.

In collaboration with the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer will develop solid and effective working relationships across the organization, collaborating with peers on the senior management team, Board members, Advisory Council members, and key MSPCA-Angell staff, including veterinary, animal welfare, and administrative staff.  The Chief Development Officer is a key ambassador and senior fundraiser for the organization, working closely with the CEO, Board members, Advisory Council members, and other major donors in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of significant donors.

The Chief Development Officer will demonstrate, model, and inspire the Development team to embrace and live the organizational values of Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence, Service and Positivity in carrying out day-to-day tasks as well as interactions with others. 

The position requires a broadly experienced, highly creative, innovative, and self-motivated advancement professional who can develop strategies that will accelerate the growth and diversification of donors and funding sources.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute fundraising strategies that identify, cultivate, and solicit and steward gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundation donors and donors.
     
  • Lead and manage all aspects of the fundraising program including major gifts, planned giving, digital and direct fundraising, capital campaign, corporate and foundation relations, special events, grant writing, gift processing, and development operations.
     
  • Closely collaborate with the marketing director and team to support fundraising efforts, including collateral materials, social media content, public relations, and other communications to promote the organization’s mission, programs, and services.
     
  • Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
  • Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing Development team that is fully aligned with the organization’s mission, values, strategic priorities, and fundraising goals.
     
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Development staff to build their professional skills and their capacity to achieve fundraising goals.
     
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the Development team and across the organization.
     
  • Develop and implement performance metrics and evaluation tools and reports to manage and monitor the team’s performance versus fundraising targets and other organizational goals.
  • Develop and implement a donor-centric fundraising approach that builds strong relationships with donors, emphasizes the organization’s mission and impact, and encourages donor engagement and investment.
     
  • Develop and maintain donor recognition and stewardship programs that celebrate and acknowledge donors’ contributions to the organization.
     
  • Ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgement of all gifts and donations and the proper stewardship of donor relationships.
     
  • Oversee the maintenance of a donor database and keep donor-related data updated and relevant for accurate outreach and connections to donors.
     
  • Collaborate with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and Advisory Council members to maintain and develop a robust prospect pipeline to support the organization’s annual and longer-term fundraising goals.
  • Develop and implement strategies for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, foundations and planned gifts, to expand the organization’s donor base.
     
  • Develop and maintain relationships with major gift donors through personalized engagement and stewardship activities, such as one-on-one meetings, cultivation events, and recognition programs.
     
  • Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council members to develop tailored proposals and gift agreements that align with donors’ interests and the organization’s key funding priorities.
     
  • Develop and manage systems for tracking, managing, and reporting on major gift fundraising activities, progress, and success.
  • Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, working collaboratively with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan and vision.
     
  • Work with the senior leadership team to lead the annual planning and budgeting process for the organization; lead and integrate work within the Development team to meet organizational targets and goals.
     
  • Provide regular updates to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council on fundraising progress and priorities; make recommendations for course corrections as needed.
     
  • Represent the organization in public forums and develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and peer organizations to advance the organization’s mission and goals.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Applications & Nominations

MSPCA - Angell has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Lisa Vuona
Managing Partner, Boston
lvuona@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Lisa Vuona has decades of experience in executive search and human resource management, primarily in the non-profit, healthcare and education sectors. She is distinguished by her track record and network, and by her approach, which combines the strategic power of data with a finely tuned ability to understand the client’s organization and identify high-caliber leaders who fit the culture.

Holly Wolk
Senior Associate, Boston
LinkedIn
hwolk@boyden.com

Holly Wolk has nearly 25 years of leadership experience in human resources, recruitment, and talent management. As an executive and public speaker, she has brought transformational practices and strategies to various organizations, including renowned institutions within higher education. Clients benefit greatly from her expertise in talent acquisition and alignment with organizational goals.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.

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