Chief Development Officer

YMCA
Salary
$100,000.00
$130,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
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.