Chief Development Officer

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $275,000-$315,000

The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University School of International Public Affairs (SIPA) seeks a senior development leader to help shape and execute the next phase of the Center’s growth, including a future comprehensive campaign. Reporting to Jason Bordoff, Founding Director, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will be responsible for leading CGEP’s development effort across all contributed revenue, including leadership giving and annual support from individuals, the corporate partnership program, and foundation grantmaking. 

CGEP stands as one of the world’s leading energy policy centers, combining rigorous, independent analysis with deep engagement across government, industry, finance, technology, philanthropy, and academia. As the global energy system undergoes a profound transformation driven by geopolitics, technological change, electrification, AI-driven power demand growth, and shifting industrial policy, CGEP is entering a period of ambitious expansion. 

Primary Responsibilities

The Chief Development Officer will: 

• Lead and manage a Development team of staff and consultants, including direct supervision of the Senior Director of Development, Director of Corporate Partnerships, and Corporate Programs Coordinator; 

• Ensure team members clearly understand annual fundraising, institutional and strategic plan goals, and have the tools, support, and resources to meet them;

• Develop and help drive long-range, annual, and project-based fundraising plans for individual and institutional donors and prospects; 

• Manage all aspects of development planning and fundraising for strategic programs and initiatives;

• Lead and/or participate in major fundraising solicitations;

• Assist with Advisory Board development and management;

• Represent CGEP with donors, institutional partners, and other external stakeholders in support of the Center’s strategic and fundraising priorities; 

• Oversee systems for gift management, reporting, and stewardship;

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors;

• Position and prepare Advisory Board members and members of the Leadership team for fundraising cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;

• Build strong working relationships across the Center to support effective collaboration between Development, Finance, Communications, Events, Research, Strategic Programs, Publications, and other teams in pursuit of institutional and fundraising goals; and

• Oversee operations, budgeting, and management for the Development team. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• 10–15 years of progressively senior fundraising, advancement, business development, strategic partnerships, or related leadership experience.

• Demonstrated success developing and managing major donor, client, or institutional relationships;

• Experience leading fundraising campaigns or institutional growth initiatives.

• Strong relationship-management, communication, and organizational skills.

• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.

• Ability to operate effectively in complex organizations with multiple stakeholders.

• High degree of discretion, professionalism, judgment, and executive presence.

• Strong alignment with CGEP’s mission of rigorous, independent, nonpartisan analysis and engagement.

Preferred Characteristics

The successful candidate is likely to be:

• Strategic, collaborative, and execution-oriented.

• A strong relationship builder with sound judgment and interpersonal skills.

• Entrepreneurial and comfortable operating in a dynamic environment.

• Motivated by institution building and mission-driven work.

• Intellectually curious across issues of energy, climate, and geopolitics.

About CGEP

As a key member of the Leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will help shape strategic, financial, operational, and programmatic decisions for the Center. The successful candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader, capable of engaging credibly with leaders across philanthropy, business, policy, and the energy sector. The Center seeks a candidate who can build on its strong foundation and help drive its next phase of growth and impact.