The GitLab Foundation is seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead its development and fundraising efforts as the organization continues to expand its impact. This senior leadership opportunity is suited to an accomplished fundraising professional with a strong record of securing philanthropic support, building donor relationships, and developing sustainable revenue strategies.
The Chief Development Officer position has an application deadline of August 21, 2026, making it an important opportunity for experienced nonprofit executives and development leaders seeking to contribute to an organization focused on creating meaningful social impact.
About the GitLab Foundation
The GitLab Foundation works to support initiatives that use technology, innovation, and collaboration to create positive social and economic outcomes.
The organization provides opportunities for professionals who want to contribute their expertise to a mission-driven environment while helping strengthen the systems and partnerships required to deliver long-term impact.
The CDO will play a particularly important role in this work by helping shape the Foundation’s fundraising strategy and strengthening its ability to mobilize resources for its programs and initiatives.
What Does the Chief Development Officer Do?
The Chief Development Officer is a senior executive responsible for leading the organization’s development function.
The successful candidate will be expected to combine strategic leadership with strong relationship-building and fundraising expertise. The role will involve developing strategies that diversify revenue, strengthen donor engagement, and position the Foundation for sustainable growth.
Key areas of responsibility are expected to include:
- Developing and implementing an organization-wide fundraising strategy.
- Building relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and philanthropic partners.
- Identifying new funding opportunities and expanding the organization’s donor pipeline.
- Leading major gift and institutional fundraising initiatives.
- Strengthening donor stewardship and long-term engagement.
- Working closely with organizational leadership and other teams to align fundraising with strategic priorities.
- Monitoring fundraising performance and using data to improve development strategies.
- Supporting communications and storytelling that demonstrate the Foundation’s impact.
- Building and managing an effective development team and organizational fundraising infrastructure.
The position therefore requires someone who can operate at both the strategic and operational levels.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This opportunity is aimed at an experienced fundraising executive with a demonstrated ability to lead complex development functions.
Candidates should ideally bring extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, institutional giving, or development leadership. Experience working with major donors and philanthropic institutions will be particularly valuable.
Strong candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- Senior-level fundraising or development leadership experience.
- A proven record of securing significant philanthropic funding.
- Experience developing and executing fundraising strategies.
- Strong major donor cultivation and stewardship skills.
- Experience working with foundations and institutional funders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong relationship-management and networking abilities.
- Experience managing or mentoring development teams.
- Strategic thinking combined with strong execution skills.
- A commitment to mission-driven and impact-focused work.
Candidates should also be comfortable working collaboratively across an organization and communicating effectively with senior executives, donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
Why This Leadership Opportunity Matters
Fundraising is increasingly central to the ability of nonprofit organizations and foundations to respond to complex global challenges.
For an organization such as the GitLab Foundation, strong development leadership can help translate promising ideas and initiatives into sustainable programs with measurable impact.
The Chief Development Officer will therefore have an opportunity to influence more than just annual fundraising targets. The role can contribute to building long-term philanthropic partnerships, strengthening institutional sustainability, and creating a development function capable of supporting the Foundation’s future ambitions.
For an experienced fundraising professional, this makes the position an opportunity to combine executive leadership, philanthropy, technology, and social impact.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Chief Development Officer position are due August 21, 2026.
Candidates should review the official vacancy information carefully and ensure that their application demonstrates their leadership experience, fundraising achievements, strategic capabilities, and alignment with the GitLab Foundation’s mission.
The GitLab Foundation also lists a Fellow, Applied AI opportunity, with applications due August 14, 2026, providing another opportunity for professionals interested in technology and social impact.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can review the complete Chief Development Officer position description and application instructions through the GitLab Foundation’s official jobs page.
Applicants should prepare a strong executive résumé and ensure that their application clearly communicates their fundraising track record, leadership experience, and ability to build sustainable philanthropic partnerships.
Final Thoughts
The GitLab Foundation Chief Development Officer opportunity represents a significant leadership role for an experienced nonprofit fundraising professional looking to shape development strategy at a mission-driven organization.
With the application deadline set for August 21, 2026, qualified candidates should begin preparing their applications early. Professionals with strong experience in philanthropy, major gifts, institutional fundraising, donor engagement, and nonprofit leadership may find this opportunity particularly relevant to their career goals.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
