Chief Development Officer

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all fundraising and development initiatives at the YMCA. This includes the annual campaign, capital campaign, endowment growth, donor engagement, data management, and foundation grant acquisition. The CDO supervises and develops the fundraising department, fostering a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization to ensure financial sustainability and advancement of the YMCA mission.

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, including 2 or more years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in major gift cultivation, solicitation, donor stewardship, and campaign management.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience guiding teams and overseeing strategic initiatives.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (i.e. Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, etc.).
• Solid financial acumen and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build lasting relationships with donors, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Passion for advancing the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Fundraising Strategy & Oversight:

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of the YMCA’s annual campaign, capital campaigns, and endowment growth initiatives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with the YMCA’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Assist with the planning, organizing and execution of fundraising events that align with the YMCA’s mission and annual development goals.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship:

• Create and manage a donor engagement program that fosters lasting relationships, donor satisfaction, and long-term giving.
• Oversee donor recognition and appreciation activities to ensure meaningful and timely acknowledgment of gifts.
• Provide personalized stewardship plans for major donors and legacy society members.

Foundation & Grant Management:

• Identify and research foundation grant opportunities that align with organizational goals.
• Oversee preparation, submission, and reporting of grant proposals, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Track and evaluate grant outcomes to demonstrate impact and maintain strong relationships with funding partners.

Annual Campaign & Branch Engagement:

• Create and implement highly organized Branch Campaigns in partnership with the Association and Branch Boards, volunteers, staff, program participants and members, all working collaboratively to reach a specific goal, as defined by the Association operating budget.
• Maintain a visible and collaborative presence across YMCA branches to support fundraising efforts and deepen member-donor connections.
• Create and distribute impact reports and donor communications that highlight mission delivery and campaign progress.
• Collaborate with program staff monthly to source meaningful stories and visuals that demonstrate the mission in action and strengthen donor connection.
• Support the creation of compelling donor communications by gathering program data, participant stories, and outcomes to highlight impact across campaigns and initiatives.

Data & Systems Management:

• Ensure accurate and comprehensive donor and prospect records are maintained in the organization’s fundraising database.
• Use data analytics to inform decision-making, track fundraising performance, and identify new opportunities for growth.
• Collaborate with Marketing Department to manage the Association’s website to ensure accuracy, relevance and alignment with branding and messaging standards.
• Ensure that donor, program and organizational information is current and effectively presented online.  Monitor website analytics to evaluate engagement and strengthen online giving, visibility and communication strategies.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop the fundraising and development team to achieve departmental goals and professional growth.
• Establish performance metrics and accountability measures for staff and volunteers involved in fundraising.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Development Committee to engage them in fundraising activities and donor relationships.

Community & Mission Representation:

• Serve as a visible ambassador of the YMCA in the community, representing the organization at events, meetings, and public functions.
• Build partnerships with civic leaders, businesses, and community organizations to enhance philanthropic support and visibility.

Compliance & Best Practices:

• Ensure adherence to ethical fundraising practices, legal requirements, and YMCA policies.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in all donor interactions and data management.

Benefits Include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (with employer contribution)
• 100% Employer Paid: Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Coverage
• 12% Employer Contribution to the YMCA Retirement Fund
• Phone and Auto Allowance