Chief Development Officer Opportunity at GitLab Foundation – Remote U.S. | $235,000 Salary

The role will establish the relationships, systems and operating discipline required to create a scalable fundraising function.
This is a strategic and hands-on leadership position suited to an entrepreneurial fundraising executive who can personally cultivate transformational donor relationships while building the infrastructure required for long-term growth.

Initially, the CDO will operate as an individual contributor, with the opportunity to build and lead a fundraising team as the function develops.

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Board Partnership
Lead the development and execution of the Foundation’s fundraising strategy in partnership with the President & CEO and Board of Directors.
Support the Foundation’s organization-wide goal of raising more than $25 million annually in unrestricted funding.
Serve as a strategic fundraising advisor to the President & CEO and Board of Directors.
Provide insight into donor strategy, philanthropic trends, pipeline priorities, revenue opportunities and fundraising performance.
Partner directly with the Board to identify and prioritize prospects.
Activate board relationships and prepare board members for donor cultivation and solicitation conversations.

Convert introductions into funded, long-term philanthropic partnerships.
Maintain a strong understanding of philanthropic trends, donor priorities, family office strategies and emerging opportunities across the social impact ecosystem.
Establish fundraising goals, pipeline priorities, performance measures and revenue forecasts.
Track and report on fundraising activity, pipeline health and donor engagement.
Donor Development and Relationship Management
Personally cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, institutional funders, family offices and other philanthropic partners.
Develop compelling donor strategies and communications that connect philanthropic opportunities with measurable social impact.
Identify and pursue transformational funding opportunities.
Build long-term relationships based on trust, strategic alignment and demonstrated impact.
Maintain rigorous documentation and relationship intelligence through effective use of CRM systems.
Fundraising Infrastructure and Growth
Build scalable systems and processes for fundraising operations.
Establish a disciplined fundraising pipeline and forecasting infrastructure.
Develop processes that support donor engagement, accountability and organizational learning.
Create the foundations for a high-performing fundraising function as the organization grows.
Identify opportunities to improve fundraising efficiency, effectiveness and long-term revenue sustainability.
Work collaboratively across the organization to align fundraising priorities with organizational strategy.

What GitLab Foundation Is Looking For
The Foundation is seeking a fundraising leader who is:
Strategic and entrepreneurial – able to build new approaches and systems from the ground up.
Relationship-driven – capable of developing trusted relationships with major philanthropic stakeholders.
Results-oriented – focused on measurable fundraising outcomes and organizational impact.
Highly collaborative – comfortable working across teams and with senior leaders.
Adaptable – able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve.
Organized and disciplined – committed to strong pipeline management, forecasting and CRM practices.
An exceptional communicator – able to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Compensation and Benefits
The approximate total compensation package is $258,000–$300,000, including comprehensive benefits.

Salary
Base Salary: $215,000–$235,000 per year, depending on responsibilities, candidate experience and location.
The organization is currently developing an incentive structure expected to be implemented later in 2026.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage.
Full premium coverage for team members, spouses and dependents.
401(k) contribution of 10% of salary, with no employee contribution required.
Unlimited vacation, sick time and other paid time off.
Additional team member benefits.
Travel
The position requires approximately 20% travel.

Location and Work Arrangement
The position is fully remote and candidates must be based in the United States.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. GitLab Foundation does not offer visa sponsorship.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume combined into a single PDF, Word document or Google Doc

Applications should be submitted by August 21, 2026. Apply here: GitLab Foundation Jobs
https://www.gitlabfoundation.org/jobs
Candidates are encouraged to review the official vacancy information and application instructions before submitting their application.

Equal Opportunity
GitLab Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

The organization strives to maintain a respectful, empowering work environment rooted in its CREDIT values.