Chief Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Development Officer serves as a key member of the YMCA of Metro North’s leadership team, serving as the strategist for all philanthropic and mission advancement efforts of the Association. This role leads a comprehensive advancement program including annual giving, major and planned gifts, capital campaigns, grants, and special initiatives to drive sustainable revenue growth and deepen community impact. The CDO provides strategic leadership for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Partnering closely with colleagues across the Association, the CDO aligns fundraising priorities with organizational and community needs, securing capital and grant opportunities that advance key strategic initiatives. They also provide direction for branch and Association-wide fundraising events that enhance visibility, engagement, and donor relationships. 

Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) has the responsibility for implementation of the YMCA of Metro North Financial Development strategies and initiatives. This includes but is not limited to Capital project fundraising, Annual Campaign, Government and Foundation Grants and Endowment Development efforts. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a member of the Senior Management team and as such plays a key role in setting the direction of the Association. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Create annual business plans to meet philanthropic financial goals, roadmap for stewardship, enhanced volunteer engagement and build a major gifts portfolio. 
• Oversee the Senior Director of Grants and the Special Events Coordinator.
• Provide leadership for signature events including the gala, the golf tournament, and the annual meeting. 
• Support the expansion of the association and branch annual funds, capital giving and unrestricted gifts.
• Support marketing efforts related to philanthropy including the development of case statements and stories of impact. 

Donor Management:

• Serve as prospect manager for 50 major donor prospects (including prospect research and strategy development).
• Work closely with CEO to define new initiatives designed to increase the donor base through giving societies, endowment, and/or legacy giving.
• Collaborate with senior leaders within the YMCA of Metro North, including executive directors at the branches, in a concerted effort to develop major gift prospects, maximizing efficiency and productivity.
• Participate in solicitations as appropriate.
• Compose special proposals and letters to major gifts donors as appropriate.
• Research prospects and donors as needed.

Volunteer and Senior Management Staffing:

• Participate in board committees related to Board Development and Philanthropy.
• Staff Special Event Committee, including working with volunteers and event coordinator on branding of gala, annual meeting, and golf tournament, renewing, and securing new lead sponsors, and oversight of all collateral materials. 
• Create innovative event new to YMN portfolio. 
• Oversee implementation of donor strategies with key volunteers and YMCA staff.
• Work with CEO to set activity and revenue goals for major gifts, grants and annual fund efforts and monitor progress toward these goals.
• Develop briefings, letters, proposals and related materials for key volunteers, CEO, CSO and Branch Executives as it relates to prospects and donors.
• Perform special tasks, duties and projects as assigned.

Effect on end results:

This position has the primary impact on the overall effectiveness with which the Association accomplishes its purpose, goals, and objectives in serving the community. Therefore, the effectiveness of this position should be measured by:

• The YMCA of Metro North will maximize its financial resources available from philanthropic individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations.
• New donors and fundraising streams will increase by 3-5% in year one. (Based on collective previous 3-year performance)
• The community will better understand the YMCA programs and the need to support them.
• Branches and their boards will maximize their fundraising potential.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Eight to ten years of fundraising experience. Proven fundraiser with campaign, major gifts, and annual fundraising experience
• Collaborative leader with strong management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and analytical skills; project management skills. Experience with Board volunteer management and ability to maintain an elevated level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, be flexible & willing to laugh.
• Proficient in Fundraising Software and Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion. 

YMCA Competencies (Organizational Leader):

Mission and Community Oriented: Incorporates YMCA mission and values into the organization’s vision and strategies. Advocates for and institutionalizes inclusion and diversity throughout the organization. Ensures community engagement; promotes the global nature of the YMCA movement. Leads a culture of volunteerism ensuring engagement, inclusion, and ownership. 

People Oriented: Is recognized as an inspirational community leader who navigates complex political and social circles with ease. Initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders to impact and strengthen the community. Communicates to engage and inspire people within and outside the YMCA. Ensures that a talent management system is in place and executed effectively.

Results Oriented: Determines benchmarks and ensures appropriate leadership to meet objectives. Invests in well-designed innovation initiatives. Possesses penetrating insight and strong strategic and critical thinking skills. Creates a structure to deliver organization-wide results to achieve objectives. Leads a culture of philanthropy. Develops and implements stewardship strategies. 

Personal Development Oriented: Shares authority and demonstrates courage and humility. Creates a learning organization. Effectively drives change by leveraging resources and creating alignment to expand organizational opportunities.

Compensation: FLSA Status- Exempt

$160,000 commensurate with experience

Equal Opportunity Employer - Drug Free Workplace