April 6th, 2026
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
About the Organization
Founded in 1942, Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services has spent more than 80 years standing with people in their most difficult moments. A national leader in mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services, Didi Hirsch is paving the way in whole-person care.
As the home of the nation’s first and most comprehensive Suicide Prevention Center and one of the largest 988 crisis centers, Didi Hirsch has been shaping the landscape of suicide prevention through innovative modalities and high-quality crisis care.
Today, Didi Hirsch is a $90 million agency serving more than 270,000 people each year. The organization is powered by more than 1,000 dedicated employees and volunteers who provide thoughtful, culturally responsive care across nine locations.
From early childhood through older adulthood, Didi Hirsch offers integrated mental health and substance use services designed to meet people where they are. With a strong focus on youth mental health, the organization operates Teen Line, a nationally recognized peer-to-peer crisis line, Our Third Place (a youth wellness center), and partners with schools, youth-serving organizations, and families to support young people at risk.
Through community-based services, outpatient care, crisis services, and round-the-clock residential programs, Didi Hirsch continues its mission to help people heal, find hope, and thrive.
To learn more, visit: https://didihirsch.org/
Job Description
Position salary range: $275,000 – $300,000
Position reports to: CEO
The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) is a key member of the Executive Team and a strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for leading a bold, forward-thinking fundraising and communications vision that will take Didi Hirsch to its next level of impact and growth.
This leader will drive the expansion of Didi Hirsch’s philanthropic reach by building a new and diversified donor pipeline, significantly growing private revenue, and introducing innovative, creative fundraising strategies that attract new supporters and deepen engagement with the mission.
Overseeing a department of 15, the CPO will lead a comprehensive development and communications program that integrates major gifts and planned giving, institutional partnerships, and high-impact events with a compelling, mission-driven communications plan.
This role requires a highly entrepreneurial leader who is energized by identifying and securing new opportunities, cultivating new donor audiences, and positioning Didi Hirsch for long-term sustainability and national prominence.
In fiscal year 2025, Didi Hirsch raised $5 million in private philanthropic revenue, with a funding mix of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The CPO will be expected to significantly and strategically grow this portfolio by expanding individual and new donor contributions.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy
Takes primary responsibility for achieving and significantly growing the $5M+ annual private revenue goal through innovative strategy and execution
Personally manages a portfolio of principal gift prospects and secures six- and seven-figure gifts
Builds and leads a new donor pipeline across individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
Partners with the Board of Directors to strengthen engagement and increase giving
Ensures strong donor stewardship and engagement
Oversees agency events, including cultivation events, Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run, and Open Houses
Leadership & Management
Partners with the CEO, Board, and Executive Team on development and communications strategy
Serves as a strategic partner to the CEO on fundraising opportunities and external positioning
Attends Board meetings and presents fundraising updates and strategy
Leads the Development and Communications Board Committee (with Committee Chair)
Aligns fundraising and communications with organizational priorities as part of the Executive Team
Builds and manages a high-performing team through recruitment, coaching, and succession planning
Maintains knowledge of best practices in nonprofit fundraising and marketing
Communications & Marketing
Serves as a thought partner on messaging and external relations
Develops strategies to elevate Didi Hirsch’s reputation nationally
Provides strategic guidance for business growth and program expansion
Shapes the organizational narrative through mission-driven storytelling
Oversees media relations, digital communications, website, email, and social media
Operations, Budgeting & Analytics
Develops and manages departmental budget
Analyzes fundraising performance and donor trends
Ensures effective policies and procedures for donor tracking and pipeline management
Traits and Characteristics
The CPO will be a creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial fundraiser who thrives on building state-of-the-art development strategies. This individual will be energized by expanding reach, cultivating new donor communities, and driving measurable growth.
This leader will be an empathetic champion of the mission, capable of authentically representing Didi Hirsch’s commitment to compassionate mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention services—particularly for underserved communities.
Top candidates will bring a strong track record across major gifts, campaigns, annual giving, special events, planned giving, foundation relations, and government funding. They will have experience designing and securing high-level gifts and partnerships.
Strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage complex initiatives, influence outcomes, and foster collaboration across all levels of the organization.
The ideal candidate will be a results-driven leader who maintains high accountability while fostering a culture of creativity, focus, and execution.
Career Path Leading to This Position
Proven success raising significant philanthropic support
Experience across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate giving, foundation grants, special events, and campaigns
Minimum of 8–10 years of senior executive leadership experience
Track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts
Knowledge of best practices in healthcare, advocacy, marketing, brand management, and public relations preferred
Experience in healthcare, education, human services, social justice, or related sectors preferred
Education
An advanced degree in social work, human services management, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred.
Compensation
Salary: $275,000 – $300,000 (based on experience)
Eligible for 15% performance-based bonus
Comprehensive benefits package provided
Relocation assistance available and negotiable
Work Environment
This is a hybrid position. The CPO is expected to be available for frequent in-person meetings, including evenings and weekends with donors, board members, and community members.