DescriptionThe Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a strategic member of the President & CEO's Executive Leadership am 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER: 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
*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.
REQUIREMENTS TO BE A CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER:• 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.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS:- Employee Assistance Program
- Free YMCA Family Membership
- Employee Program Rewards and Discounts
- Paid Vacation & Sick Leave (Once Accrued)
- 403b Retirement Savings Account Upon Hire
- Professional Development Opportunities & Trainings
- 12% Employer Funded Retirement Plan (Once Eligible)
- Health Benefits Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance
