Chief Development Officer

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a growing development function at a mission-driven organization poised for growth.

Job Description

The Chief Development Officer is a senior leadership role responsible for leading all aspects of fundraising and related communications.

Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the leadership team, the CDO will establish and grow a comprehensive development program, with a focus on major gifts, annual giving, institutional partnerships, and campaign strategy. The CDO will play a critical role in building a culture of philanthropy, strengthening donor relationships, and positioning the YMCA for its upcoming capital campaign.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus
• 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with increasing leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated success securing 6 7 figure major gifts and building donor relationships, securing 8-figure gifts a plus
• Experience leading or supporting capital campaigns strongly preferred
• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Experience building and working with Boards and engaging volunteers in fundraising
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs and data-driven decision-making
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in a dynamic environment
• Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to community impact
  
  

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the YMCA’s strategic and capital priorities
• Partner with the CEO and Board to advance fundraising goals and community visibility
• Help build and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy across staff, Board, and volunteers
• Lead the development of a clear and compelling case for support
  
  

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Build and lead a major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
• Oversee all fundraising streams, including annual fund, events, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and in-kind support
• Expand and strengthen all fundraising streams, including annual giving, events, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants
• Identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships
• Support planning for future capital and comprehensive campaign efforts
  
  

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Serve as the primary staff partner to the Board on fundraising initiatives
• Partner with the CEO to strengthen Board engagement and accountability in fundraising
• Support and guide volunteer-led fundraising and community engagement efforts
  
  

Communications & External Relations

• Oversee messaging and communications strategy to support fundraising and visibility
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across donor materials and outreach channels
• Represent the YMCA in the community to build relationships and increase awareness
  
  

Operations, Finance & Infrastructure

• Establish systems, processes, and metrics to track fundraising performance
• Oversee donor database (CRM) strategy and reporting
• Develop and manage the development budget and revenue projections
• Partner with finance to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of contributions
• Ensure adherence to fundraising best practices and ethical standards
  
  

First-Year Priorities

• Assess current fundraising landscape and opportunities
• Build an initial major donor pipeline and strengthen donor engagement practices
• Establish foundational systems, processes, and performance metrics
• Partner with CEO and Board to clarify fundraising roles and expectations
• Lay groundwork for future campaign readiness
  
  

Comprehensive Benefits Include

• Medical and dental insurance
• YMCA retirement plan (12% employer contribution after two-year eligibility period)
• Paid time off, holidays, and personal days
• YMCA family membership
• On-site parking
  
  

Additional Expectations

• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement
• Active presence in the community as a representative of the YMCA
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role
• Perform other duties as assigned