The SAFE Alliance Taps Peña Search to Find Chief Development Officer

October 25, 2024 – The SAFE Alliance (SAFE) recently retained Peña Search to lead in its search for a new chief development officer. Holly Sherman Peña and Carlos González Peña are leading the assignment. The chief development officer is a critical member of SAFE’s executive and senior leadership teams. In collaboration with the CEO and others, the CDO will help co-create, articulate and implement the strategic vision of SAFE.
This executive is responsible for all fundraising and development activities. The CDO will help forge new relationships to amplify SAFE’s visibility, impact and financial resources; and will design and implement a comprehensive plan for the development team as they cultivate, solicit and steward philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and foundations.
They will manage and mentor a diverse development team and identify infrastructure needed to grow revenue. S/he will expand and diversify SAFE’s donor base/pipeline and work closely with other team members to secure funding. They will work to engage the community in SAFE’s mission. The CDO will work closely with the board of directors to engage, support and coach them in their fundraising role.
Peña notes that 10 to 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector is preferred, including ample experience leading and developing a high-performing, comprehensive, multimillion-dollar fundraising and marketing program. Candidates should have a track record of success across all aspects of fundraising operations, including building the case, cultivating donors, managing effective fundraising, marketing, and events teams, and soliciting and securing major and leadership-level gifts. Experience building and leading a team to success while fostering a culture of accountability, inclusiveness, teamwork, and collaboration with others is also preferred.
Candidates should have broad and deep knowledge of fundraising principles to be applied in the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, incorporating the acquisition of new major gifts and grants, annual appeals, donor cultivation, securing ongoing annual operating funds, and attracting project-based support. They must be skilled at reading people and forging cooperative efforts between and among teammates and other departments of the organization, thereby leading teams to success and fostering a culture of accountability, inclusiveness, teamwork, and collaboration.
Those applying will display organizational values by keeping commitments, inspiring the trust of others, and upholding organizational morals and values. The search firm is looking for an individual who can work across a diverse set of disciplines, bridging a wide range of expertise, with a demonstrated ability to work with agility, efficiency, and diplomacy in a dynamic environment.
Related: How HR Can Help Build the Organization of the Future
The SAFE Alliance is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both long-standing and respected human service agencies in Austin serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. With an annual budget of more than $31 million, approximately 350 employees and thousands of volunteers, SAFE now has prevention and crisis programs operating across two campuses and in the schools, hospitals, courts, County and District Attorney’s offices.
Finding Non-Profit Leaders
Headquartered in Dallas, Peña Search’s specialties include: non-profit organizations, mission driven organizations, foundations, higher education, independent schools, religious organizations and educational institutions, human services organizations, museums, collective impact organizations, professional and trade associations, art culture and humanities organizations, environment and animal welfare organizations, fundraising, chief financial officers, chief executive officers, healthcare organizations, chief development officers, and advocacy organizations.
Peña Search Recruits CEO for the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity
Peña Search has assisted in the recruitment of Ashley Brundage as the new CEO of the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity. Travis Hillier and Cindy Maloney led the assignment. “We are thrilled to welcome Ashley O. Brundage to Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity as our new, and first woman CEO; she is a force for good with a proven track record of convening groups, building strong teams, and leading with collaboration and innovation,” said Ashley Sheetz, Habitat chair of the board of directors. “She is the exact person we need to take our organization into its next phase of growth and impact.”
Ms. Sherman Peña is founder and CEO of Peña Search. Over a 20-year career in recruiting, she has a track record of successful, high-level placements across the United States and in Mexico. Currently, Ms. Sherman Peña leads many of the CEO-level searches while also managing and assisting team members. She also practiced law for seven years, focusing on cross-border transactions and trade.
Mr. González Peña’s fascination with non-profits began while earning a master’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs. It was there that he was exposed to how influential these types of organizations are in improving quality of life across the U.S. He helped found Peña Search in 2009 to serve mission-driven organizations. Mr. González Peña is committed to finding the best cultural fit for each individual candidate and institution. He currently leads many of the CEO-level searches while also focusing on growth and team management.
Related: Peña Search Recruits Chief Development Officer for Healthy Futures of Texas
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media