Chief Development Officer

YMCA • Remote • 3h ago

Chief Development Officer

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg seeks a seasoned & strategic CDO to lead all philanthropic and fundraising efforts.

Job Description

Reporting to the President/CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO provides vision, leadership, and oversight for a comprehensive fundraising program that advances the YMCA's mission and long-term sustainability.

The CDO is responsible for strengthening and expanding philanthropic engagement through inclusive, relationship-driven, and results-oriented strategies. This role oversees all aspects of development, including annual giving, major gifts, capital and comprehensive campaigns, endowment and planned giving, grants, and special events, while cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy among staff, volunteers, and community partners.

A successful candidate will bring both strategic perspective and hands-on leadership, along with the ability to build deep relationships across a diverse and engaged community. Familiarity with the St. Petersburg community and its philanthropic landscape is highly valued.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; minimum of seven years of progressive professional fundraising experience, preferably in the YMCA or a related nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated experience across a full range of fundraising disciplines, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, planned giving, special events, and capital or comprehensive campaigns.
Proven record of fundraising success, including strong influencing and relationship-building skills.
Experience working effectively with senior executives, board members, volunteers, business leaders, foundation partners, and public officials.
Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff and volunteers toward shared goals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong planning and project management capabilities, and a professional, welcoming presence.
CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) or similar credential preferred.
Strong analytical and computer skills, with the ability to use data to inform strategy, planning, and performance.
Demonstrated success engaging corporate, foundation, volunteer, and civic partners.

Essential Functions

Provide strategic leadership for organizational fundraising goals and multi-year development plans, balancing long-term vision with near-term priorities; oversee systems, resources, and the financial development budget.
Personally engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects, with a primary focus on major and principal gift relationships.
Lead and continuously strengthen the association-wide annual campaign, expanding the donor and volunteer base, elevating volunteer confidence, and advancing a compelling case for support.
Direct and supervise all aspects of the Financial Development Department, ensuring alignment with YMCA objectives and best practices across all functions.
Solicit contributions on behalf of the organization; ensure accurate tracking of gifts and pledges by source and purpose; and provide timely reporting, metrics, and progress updates.
Act as a key advisor to the President/CEO, aligning and guiding volunteers and staff leadership in the development and execution of effective philanthropic fundraising strategies and best practices.
Lead endowment and planned giving strategies, and partner with the CEO and CFO to monitor endowment performance and the appropriate use of earnings.
Ensure strong data management, reporting, and stewardship practices that reflect the YMCA's commitment to accountability and donor trust.
Develop and oversee donor recognition and stewardship strategies, ensuring consistent practices across all branches in collaboration with the Board, CEO, and leadership team.
Convene and support development-related committees, providing clear direction, education, training, and compliance oversight.
Identify, recruit, and prepare board members and volunteers to participate effectively in fundraising and donor engagement activities.

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