Chief Development Officer

YMCA
Salary
$120,000.00
$130,000.00
Resumes Accepted Until
Resume Contact
[email protected]
Live, grow, and thrive in New Hampshire! YMCA of Greater Nashua builds strong community through wellness, connection, and belonging.
Job Description

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a dynamic, strategic, and visionary leader who advances the Y’s mission through philanthropy. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CDO champions a culture of giving, driving comprehensive fundraising strategies including annual campaigns, capital efforts, major gifts, grants, donor stewardship, and strategic communications.

Partnering closely with the CEO, board, and community stakeholders, the CDO is responsible for growing and diversifying our philanthropic revenue streams, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising or development
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts ($25,000+), managing capital campaigns, and building lasting donor relationships
- Strong interpersonal, storytelling, and public speaking skills
- Data-driven mindset and experience managing donor databases
- Mission-driven, growth-oriented, and committed to inclusion and equity
- YMCA or other mission-based nonprofit experience strongly preferred

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Planning

·         Develop and implement a visionary development plan aligned with organizational goals and the Y’s strategic plan

·         Serve as key philanthropic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors

·         Cultivate a strong internal culture of philanthropy across all levels of the organization

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

·         Lead all fundraising efforts including annual campaign, major and planned gifts, foundation and corporate partnerships, events, and digital giving

·         Personally manage and grow a portfolio of top-tier donors and prospects

·         Inspire and equip staff and volunteers to engage in mission-driven fundraising

Capital Campaigns & Special Initiatives

·         Design and execute capital and strategic funding campaigns

·         Partner with consultants, staff, and volunteers to build support and infrastructure for major campaigns


Team Leadership & Staff Development

·         Develop, lead,  and mentor a high-performing development team

·         Promote cross-department collaboration with marketing, operations, and programs to ensure unified messaging and donor engagement

Board & Volunteer Leadership

·         Serve as staff lead to the Financial Development Committee

·         Guide and train board and volunteer leaders on fundraising strategy and donor cultivation

Stewardship, Data & Communications

·         Oversee donor database and CRM systems, ensuring data integrity and donor recognition

·         Drive communication strategies that reinforce our impact and inspire community support

·         Lead storytelling initiatives that bring our mission to life through donor engagement and events

Impact Statement

The CDO will help shape the future of our organization by advancing a bold philanthropic vision that fuels innovation, equity, and growth. Their leadership will transform donor relationships, expand our resource base, and create deeper community connections that make lasting impact.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

YMCA Leadership Competencies

- Mission Advancement: Inspire and mobilize community support for the Y’s mission
- Collaboration: Build inclusive partnerships across staff, board, and stakeholders
- Operational Effectiveness: Deliver high-impact results through strategy and stewardship
- Personal Growth: Lead with humility, courage, and a commitment to equity