Chief Development Officer

The Opportunity

The Y seeks an exceptional Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join our passionate team. As CDO, you will play a crucial role in expanding the YMCA's impact by driving the dynamic growth of the organization's fundraising program, with an annual goal of $5 million and a 4-year capital campaign goal of $12 million. Leading a team of development professionals and collaborating with branch leaders, you will strengthen the Y's culture of philanthropy and set bold but achievable goals.

As the Chief Development Officer, you will collaborate with the leadership team to establish long- and short-term fundraising goals, priorities, and policies that align with the YMCA's mission and vision, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of our organization.

A key member of the senior management team, the Chief Development Officer will report to the CEO.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, a dynamic and vital organization, is one of the largest preschool, afterschool, and camp providers serving families in Washington, D.C., suburban Maryland, and northern Virginia. Every year, we provide opportunities in wellness, aquatics, youth sports, overnight camp, and more for over 250,000 people through our 16 branches and program centers.

 Through a wide array of programs designed to promote overall health and well-being, the Y empowers individuals of all ages to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. From fitness classes and wellness workshops to nutrition education and chronic disease prevention, the Y offers a comprehensive approach to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit.

In addition to its dedication to health, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a champion for education. By providing high-quality childcare, after-school programs, and summer camps, the Y supports the academic, social, and emotional development of children and teens throughout the region. These programs not only provide a safe and nurturing environment for youth but also help to close the achievement gap and set the foundation for lifelong success.

The impact of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington extends far beyond the walls of its facilities. With a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and supporters, the Y is making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout the region. As a leader in innovation and a steward of community well-being, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives, one person at a time.

Candidate Profile

The ideal Chief Development Officer candidate is an experienced development professional with an entrepreneurial mindset and a deep passion for making a difference. You have a proven track record of success in closing six and seven-figure gifts, demonstrating your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable you to effectively engage and inspire others, from your dedicated development team to branch leaders to our board of directors.

As a strategic thinker and skilled navigator of complex organizations, you thrive in dynamic environments and excel at driving results on a regional scale. In addition to your fundraising expertise, you are a collaborative leader who fosters a culture of teamwork, creativity, and excellence. You have a talent for mentoring and motivating your team, empowering them to reach their full potential and achieve ambitious goals. Your success in working effectively with boards of directors demonstrates your ability to build consensus, manage relationships, and drive strategic decision-making at the highest levels.

If you are a passionate, results-driven leader with a heart for service and a desire to make a meaningful difference, we invite you to join the YMCA family.

Responsibilities

● Collaborate with the leadership team to establish and implement fundraising plans, priorities, and policies that align with the YMCA's mission and vision, helping build a culture of philanthropy across the organization

●Develop both short-term and long-term organizational goals through recurring annual campaigns, capital campaigns, special initiatives, and government funding, and oversee progress toward these goals by establishing department objectives, benchmarks, and metrics

●Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and support the CEO, key leadership volunteers, and branch executives in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts to meet fundraising goals, including assisting with branch board recruitment, fundraising appeals, and events, and providing training and tools to ensure success

●Support the CEO in managing key donor relationships and engage senior staff and Board members in fundraising efforts

●Actively engage the Board of Directors and staff, facilitate the Board Development Committee, and ensure fundraising messaging is compelling and consistent with the Y's brand while exploring and maintaining relationships with new partners and managing the department's operating budget

●Serve as a lead ambassador for the organization in the community, elevating the profile of the Y among prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors by establishing and implementing a plan to increase the consistency, reach, and impact of messaging to current and prospective Y donors

●Oversee and implement the financial, technical, and human resources necessary to achieve fundraising goals