Applications must include a cover letter and resume to be considered.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The SVP - Chief Development and Philanthropy Officer provides strategic leadership and direction for all matters related to philanthropy, donor engagement, stewardship, and charitable resource development. The SVP - CDPO role establishes and implements comprehensive philanthropic strategies to advance the Y's mission through annual giving, major gifts, capital and endowment campaigns, planned giving, foundation support, grants, and donor engagement initiatives and special events. This role serves as a member of the Y's senior leadership team and works closely with the Board of Directors, Financial Development Committee, community leaders, and philanthropic partners to ensure long-term sustainability and impact of YMCA Buffalo Niagara.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Fundraising Strategy and Leadership
Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive philanthropic and development strategies, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, endowment, and planned giving programs.
Establish long- and short-term philanthropic and development goals aligned with the Y's strategic plan.
Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the Association.
Develop and maintain fundraising policies. procedures, and systems to ensure effective and ethical fundraising practices.
2. Major Gifts and Donor Relations:
Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
Develop and implement comprehensive donor pipeline strategies strengthening donor stewardship and engagement.
3. Board and Volunteer Engagement
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Financial Development Committee.
Partner with volunteer leadership to increase engagement and effectiveness at all levels of financial development.
Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in philanthropic and fundraising initiatives.
4. Foundation and Grant Development
Identify, secure, and steward foundation, corporate, and grant funding opportunities.
Ensure compliance and reporting requirements are met for government agencies, private foundations, and YMCA of the USA.
5. Communications and Impact Reporting
Develop communication strategies to ensure members, participants, donors, and the broader community understand the Y's impact and case for support.
Oversee the development of outcome measurements and impact reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of YMCA programs and services.
Create interpretive and case-for-support materials that clearly communicate the Y's mission, impact, and funding priorities.
6. Events and Community Engagement
Plan and oversee the Association's key fundraising and donor engagement events.
Represent the Association at community and donor events as assigned.
7. Financial and Operational Leadership
Develops and manages the department budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
Monitors fundraising performance and prepares regular progress and outcome reports for senior leadership and the Board.
8. Staff Leadership and Development
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff through coaching and performance feedback.
Educate, motivate, and support staff and volunteers engaged in fundraising activities.
9. Organizational Leadership
Serves as a member of the YMCA senior leadership team and supports the overall objectives and strategic priorities of the Association.
Actively ensure the safety and well-boing of all children by adhering to YMCA Buffalo Niagara's Youth Protection Policies. Recognize, respond to, and immediately report any suspected abuse, policy violations, or safety concerns.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor's degree in business management, non-profit management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional leadership experience in philanthropy, fundraising, advancement, or development, with demonstrated success in major gifts and campaign management.
3. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior community leaders and diverse populations.
4. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
5. Working relationship of charitable giving vehicles and philanthropic best practices.
6. Demonstrated expertise in foundation and government grant writing and management.
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate the YMCA's charitable purpose and impact.
8. Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is an on-site position in a corporate office work environment.
The physical demands that are described here are representative of those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodate may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities may require a flexible work schedule and travel to various locations. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to: walk, stand, climb stairs, sit, listen, speak, have finger dexterity, hear, and have visual acuity. May need to lift, push, and pull.
HIRING PROCESS:
Applications Accepted: Through July 19, 2026
Interviews: July 27 - July 31, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: August 24, 2026
