Chief Development Officer

We are determined in our pursuit of stronger children, stronger families, and stronger communities.

Job Description

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a strategic member of the President & CEO's Executive Leadership
Team and is responsible for leading the Valley of the Sun YMCA's comprehensive philanthropic strategy to
advance the Association's mission and long-term sustainability. This role provides visionary leadership for all
aspects of financial development, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, endowment growth,
planned giving, foundation and government grants, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.
The CDO partners closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, volunteers, community leaders, and staff
to cultivate meaningful relationships that inspire philanthropic investment in the YMCA's mission. Through
innovative fundraising strategies, strategic partnerships, and a culture of philanthropy, the CDO secures the
resources necessary to expand community impact and achieve the Association's strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred. Eight or more years of professional experience with a background in fundraising in the YMCA or another non-profit preferred.
• Ability to relate to top community leaders and diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Working knowledge of giving and charitable vehicles.
• Ability to create interpretive materials to enable potential donors to understand the YMCA and how they contribute to the achievement of its mission.
• Knowledge of the media and its use in gaining exposure for YMCA events and programs.
• Foundation and government grant writing expertise.
• CFRE or equivalent preferred; YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred.

Essential Functions

BE WELL
Foster a culture of purpose, collaboration, and organizational excellence.
• Models the YMCA's values and leadership expectations while promoting an engaged, high-performing,
and mission-driven Development team.
• Creates an environment where staff, volunteers, and donors feel valued, connected, and inspired to
support the YMCA's mission.
• Invests in leadership development, succession planning, and continuous improvement across the
Development department.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound stewardship of donor relationships and philanthropic
resources.


DO GOOD
Strengthen philanthropy to expand community impact.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows annual, major, planned,
corporate, foundation, and government giving.
• Builds meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, community leaders, corporations, and
foundations that result in transformational philanthropic investments.
• Partners with the President & CEO and volunteer leadership to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts
and strategic partnerships.
• Leads successful capital and endowment campaigns that ensure the long-term sustainability of the
YMCA's mission.
• Champions a culture of philanthropy throughout the Association by empowering leaders, volunteers, and
staff to actively participate in fundraising efforts.


LEAD CHANGE
Advance the YMCA's strategic vision through innovation and influence.
• Serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the President & CEO and Board on philanthropy, community
engagement, and long-term resource development.
• Uses data, donor insights, and market trends to identify emerging opportunities and drive continuous
improvement in fundraising performance.
• Strengthens the YMCA's visibility and reputation as Arizona's nonprofit partner of choice through
community leadership and strategic storytelling.
• Builds collaborative partnerships across the Association to align philanthropic investments with
organizational priorities and measurable community outcomes.
• Ensures responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability for all philanthropic activities while
maintaining the highest ethical standards.


WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:
A successful Chief Development Officer:
• Builds a sustainable culture of philanthropy across the Association.
• Develops transformational relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
• Partners with the CEO and Board to secure resources that advance the YMCA's strategic vision.
• Leads comprehensive development strategies including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants,
corporate partnerships, and capital campaigns.
• Serves as a key ambassador for the YMCA throughout Arizona.


Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Vision
• Relationship Building & Influence
• Philanthropic Leadership
• Board & Volunteer Engagement
• Communication & Storytelling
• Financial Stewardship

Required Certifications

YMCA Organizational Leader Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)
• New Hire Orientation
• Mandatory Compliance Training with a focus on Child Protection and workplace safety.
• CPR, AED, Basic Life Saving, Adult & Pediatric First Aid and Oxygen from an approved agency.

Ymca Careers
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