Chief Development Officer

About the Somerville YMCA

The Somerville YMCA is a cornerstone of the community. For over 150 years, we have strengthened individuals and families through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

As we look to the future, the YMCA is preparing for transformational growth—including plans for a new 130,000 square foot facility featuring affordable housing, expanded aquatics, wellness spaces, and enhanced youth programming. This is a pivotal moment to expand our philanthropic impact and deepen community support.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a growing development function at a mission-driven organization poised for growth.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to design and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy, establish key systems and relationships, and position the YMCA for future campaign readiness.

This role is ideal for a strategic, relationship-driven leader who is energized by building programs, creating structure, and expanding impact.

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer is a senior leadership role responsible for leading all aspects of fundraising and related communications.

Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the leadership team, the CDO will establish and grow a comprehensive development program, with a focus on major gifts, annual giving, institutional partnerships, and campaign strategy. The CDO will play a critical role in building a culture of philanthropy, strengthening donor relationships, and positioning the YMCA for its upcoming capital campaign.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the YMCA’s strategic and capital priorities
• Partner with the CEO and Board to advance fundraising goals and community visibility
• Help build and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy across staff, Board, and volunteers
• Lead the development of a clear and compelling case for support

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Build and lead a major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
• Oversee all fundraising streams, including annual fund, events, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and in-kind support
• Expand and strengthen all fundraising streams, including annual giving, events, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants
• Identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships
• Support planning for future capital and comprehensive campaign efforts

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Serve as the primary staff partner to the Board on fundraising initiatives
• Partner with the CEO to strengthen Board engagement and accountability in fundraising
• Support and guide volunteer-led fundraising and community engagement efforts

Communications & External Relations

• Oversee messaging and communications strategy to support fundraising and visibility
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across donor materials and outreach channels
• Represent the YMCA in the community to build relationships and increase awareness

Operations, Finance & Infrastructure

• Establish systems, processes, and metrics to track fundraising performance
• Oversee donor database (CRM) strategy and reporting
• Develop and manage the development budget and revenue projections
• Partner with finance to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of contributions
• Ensure adherence to fundraising best practices and ethical standards

First-Year Priorities

• Assess current fundraising landscape and opportunities
• Build an initial major donor pipeline and strengthen donor engagement practices
• Establish foundational systems, processes, and performance metrics
• Partner with CEO and Board to clarify fundraising roles and expectations
• Lay groundwork for future campaign readiness

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus
• 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with increasing leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated success securing 6+7 figure major gifts and building donor relationships, securing 8-figure gifts a plus
• Experience leading or supporting capital campaigns strongly preferred
• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Experience building and working with Boards and engaging volunteers in fundraising
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs and data-driven decision-making
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills
• Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in a dynamic environment
• Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to community impact

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $150,000 – $160,000

Comprehensive benefits include:

• Medical and dental insurance
• YMCA retirement plan (12% employer contribution after two-year eligibility period)
• Paid time off, holidays, and personal days
• YMCA family membership
• On-site parking

Additional Expectations

• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement
• Active presence in the community as a representative of the YMCA
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role
• Perform other duties as assigned

Pay: $150,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Somerville, MA 02143