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Working in Perfect Harmony: Strategies for Strong Collaboration between CEOs and CDOs

October 30, 2012 - 4:00am

The internal partnership between the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Development Officer is key to a non-profit’s success. In simple terms, the Executive Director must lead the non-profit in effective execution of its mission, while the Development Director is responsible for generating the financial support that allows a non-profit to execute its mission: two different roles that are distinct from one another but that also have many overlapping areas of responsibility and influence. When this partnership is troubled, it can lead to staff tension, high turnover and missed opportunities. BUT, when this collaboration goes well, it can have a transformational effect on the organization.

In this session, two experienced Chief Development Officers will share the techniques they have used – both tactical and temperamental – that can be used to create and sustain a strong CEO-CDO partnership. The panelists will candidly reflect on the success and challenges they have faced in working with their Executive Directors/CEOs and share ideas about how to foster a partnership of mutual respect and shared responsibility, and create the kind of collaboration that sets your organization up for success.