Chief Development Officer

Job Type: Full-time
Position Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt

About our client, the Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System (MHEDS)

MHEDS was established 50 years ago as a joint project of the Erie Diocesan Mission Office and the Erie Council of Churches to meet the health needs of African-American and Hispanic Farm Workers and other low-income individuals and their families. Refugee and immigrant health were added in the late 1990s. On January 1, 2019, MHEDS entered the Federally Qualified Health Center system as a Look-Alike.

Our service area is the City of Erie. Our mission is to enable all who wish to achieve complete mental, physical and social well-being by providing equitable, culturally sensitive, patient-centered health care, regardless of their ability to pay. MHEDS has a very diverse panel of patients: 35% are Asian, 29% Black/African American, 29% White, and the remainder mixed race. 6% are Latino/a. As an FQHC Look-Alike, MHEDS must comply with standards that ensure all patients have access to comprehensive health care services. We also offer health insurance enrollment, interpretation, and translation.

MHEDS expanded by opening a second site at the JFK Center in 2020. The second site allowed us to begin to offer women’s health and accommodation to serve more new arrivals. MHEDS will further expand its services by opening a third location in November 2024. In late 2021, MHEDS began receiving Afghan refugees along with its anticipated arrivals. In early 2022 we began receiving Ukrainian refugees. Our anticipated 549 new patients became 1,010. This Federal Fiscal Year, we have been told to expect 750 refugees plus additional Afghans and an unknown number of Ukrainians. Eighty percent of MHEDS’ staff are hired from within the New American group, allowing us to be more aligned both linguistically and culturally with those we serve.

Position Summary 

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a vital member of MHEDS’ executive leadership team, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission of providing high-quality, culturally sensitive healthcare and support services to Erie’s multicultural and immigrant communities. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) look-a-like, MHEDS relies on diverse funding streams to sustain and expand its programs. The CDO will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement, secure philanthropic investments, and ensure the sustainability of MHEDS’ programs and services. 

This role encompasses all aspects of development, including grant acquisition and management, major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, and special events, with a deep commitment to addressing social determinants of health and fostering community inclusion. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the creation and execution of a multi-year development plan to align fundraising strategies with MHEDS’ mission, growth goals, and evolving community needs. 

• Partner with the CEO and board of directors to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization, ensuring development activities are mission-driven. 

• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities that reflect the unique needs of Erie’s multicultural and immigrant communities. 

Fundraising and Donor Engagement 

• Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors who share MHEDS’ vision for equitable healthcare. 

• Develop and oversee a donor stewardship program that prioritizes transparency, gratitude, and meaningful connections with funders. 

• Lead efforts to expand MHEDS’ base of individual donors and implement innovative strategies for planned giving. 

Grants Management and Reporting 

• Manage all aspects of grant-seeking, including identifying funding opportunities, coordinating application processes, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements. 

• Work closely with program and finance teams to track and report on grant deliverables, including programmatic outcomes and financial performance. 

• Develop strong relationships with grant funders, ensuring they are informed of MHEDS’ impact and success stories. 

Community and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Represent MHEDS in the local and national philanthropic communities to enhance the organization’s visibility and attract new funding. 

• Collaborate with MHEDS’ leadership and staff to identify emerging community needs and align fundraising efforts accordingly. 

• Work with the board of directors to leverage their networks in securing resources to sustain and grow MHEDS’ programs. 

Team Management 

• Lead and mentor the programs team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture that prioritizes professional growth and success. 

• Establish clear performance metrics for fundraising initiatives and regularly evaluate progress toward goals. 

Qualifications 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public health, or a related field preferred. 

• Demonstrated success in securing funding to address health equity, social determinants of health, or immigrant and refugee issues  

Skills and Competencies 

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate donors, staff, and stakeholders to support MHEDS’ mission. 

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling proposals, reports, and presentations. 

• Cultural competency and sensitivity, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by multicultural communities. 

• Strategic and innovative thinker with experience designing and implementing effective fundraising strategies. 
   

Work Environment 

• This is a full-time role based in Erie, Pennsylvania, with occasional travel for donor meetings and events. 

• Evening and weekend availability may be required to attend events or meet with stakeholders. 

Interested, qualified candidates will please submit a résumé.

J.L. Nick & Associates & MHEDS are equal opportunity employers.