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Chief Development Officer:
Coral Restoration Foundation
USD 165k-175k / year
Posted on Oct 29, 2025
Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Coral Restoration Foundation in its search for a Chief Development Officer. Download the full position profile here.
ABOUT Coral Restoration Foundation
Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) is the largest nonprofit marine conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs at scale. Founded in response to the dramatic decline of coral reefs globally, CRF has become an internationally recognized leader in coral restoration, education, and science. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, CRF is proving that large-scale coral restoration is not only possible but essential to the future of ocean health. Learn more about CRF at coralrestoration.org.
THE OPPORTUNITY
CRF is at an exciting inflection point. Having proven that reef restoration can be done at meaningful scales, the organization is expanding its global reach through international partnerships and capacity-building efforts.
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and Leadership Team, responsible for protecting and growing CRF’s philanthropic revenue base while designing new, diversified revenue streams that align with CRF’s scientific credibility and ethical mission.
The ideal candidate is a builder and relationship-focused leader, a confident strategist, and an inspiring connector who has led comprehensive fundraising portfolios of $8M+ annually. They are deeply values-driven, globally minded, and thrive in entrepreneurial, collaborative environments. The CDO will bring a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution, leading with empathy, integrity, and optimism.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a mission-driven leader to shape the future of global coral restoration and inspire others to act in support of ocean conservation.
ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE
Founded: 2007
Headquarters: Key Largo, Florida
Annual Budget: Approximately $10M
Staff: 35 full-time employees and 30 volunteer interns
Global Reach: Active partnerships and training programs in the Caribbean, Pacific, and beyond
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy that supports CRF’s U.S. and international priorities.
Build clear revenue plans, KPIs, and dashboards; implement moves management systems.
Partner with leadership to align philanthropic efforts with programmatic, scientific, and behavioral change goals.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Programs, Communications, and Finance to align resources and strengthen integration.
Lead with optimism and adaptability during organizational growth, helping to evolve systems and processes.
Philanthropy & Donor Engagement
Personally manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects; secure five-, six-, and seven-figure commitments.
Grow CRF’s major gifts and planned giving programs.
Advance foundation, corporate, and institutional partnerships, balancing unrestricted and restricted funding.
Identify and cultivate new revenue streams, including catalytic partnerships and innovative giving mechanisms.
Collaborate with the CEO on high-level donor relationships and philanthropic initiatives.
Communications & Stewardship
Elevate CRF’s donor storytelling, events, and impact reporting.
Partner with Marketing and Communications to craft compelling narratives that connect science, community, and urgency.
Oversee donor experiences, including site visits, and other touchpoints that deepen engagement and loyalty.
Team Leadership & Development Operations
Lead, coach, and grow a collaborative Development team.
Strengthen CRM systems, analytics, and pipeline forecasting for data-informed decisions and portfolio health.
Partner with Finance on budgeting, revenue tracking, and audits.
Create systems and processes that support efficiency without unnecessary complexity.
Serve as a positive, solution-oriented partner across teams, fostering optimism, collaboration, and team engagement.
Board Partnership
Identify and implement Board engagement strategies to cultivate a culture of philanthropy.
Partner with the CEO to establish a Development/Advancement Committee and support Board recruitment efforts.
Equip Board members with stories, tools, and strategies that help them serve as organizational ambassadors.
Desired Experience & Leadership Capabilities
The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration:
10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience with demonstrated success in managing $8M+ annual portfolios.
Proven track record in major and principal gifts, foundation partnerships, and corporate sponsorships.
Experience designing and executing multi-year fundraising strategies and pipelines.
Familiarity with international fundraising and cross-cultural donor engagement.
Strategic thinker and data-informed decision-maker with strong financial acumen.
Excellent communication and storytelling skills; able to translate complex science into compelling donor narratives that inspire action.
Experienced people leader who builds cohesive, high-performing teams.
Values-driven professional with a global, equity-focused mindset.
Skilled in using and optimizing a donor CRM system to strengthen portfolio management and analytics.
Demonstrated ability to lead through growth and organizational change with positivity, collaboration, and clear communication.
TRAVEL
Approximately 30-40% of time will be spent traveling domestically and internationally for donor engagement, meetings, events, and site visits.
LOCATION
Remote, U.S.-based
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $165,000 - $175,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the hired candidate’s location, qualifications, background, and experience. In addition, CRF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and other employee benefits.
SHARE YOUR INTEREST
Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, join the candidate pool by submitting your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest here.
If you need an accommodation to submit your materials for consideration, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of your interest in this position.
While the position will remain open until filled, the deadline for priority consideration is November 21, 2025. Expressions of interest will be reviewed and evaluated as received. All expressions of interest, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.