Chief Development Officer
About The Position
The YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS) seeks a bold, sales-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our financial development strategy. Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO will drive all fundraising efforts-including major gifts, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, government grants/appropriations, planned giving, and endowment growth. The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser with a track record of successfully completing large-scale capital campaigns ($50M+), consistently meeting or exceeding annual goals ($10M+), and cultivating deep donor relationships across the Greater Seattle area. They are a go-getter with a strong work ethic, extensive local connections, and a demonstrated ability to hire, inspire, and retain high-performing sales and fundraising teams. The CDO will thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. They will be both a strategist and a hands-on closer, positioning YGS as the charity of choice for individual, corporate, foundation, and government partners.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and team management.
- Demonstrated success leading capital campaigns ($50M+) and consistently meeting/exceeding annual fundraising targets ($10M+).
- Strong knowledge of the Greater Seattle philanthropic landscape, with established donor, corporate, and foundation connections.
- Proven ability to recruit, manage, and inspire high-performing fundraising and sales teams.
- History of long-term organizational commitment and impact, with a legacy of results.
- Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic leadership skills.
- Strong cultural competence and alignment with YGS's mission and values.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead YGS's comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual, capital, major gifts, endowment, planned giving, and grants.
- Serve as a lead fundraiser, cultivating and securing transformational gifts ($100K+).
- Lead volunteerism, planned giving, and focused on creating integrated and experiential opportunities to diversify our donor pool.
- Lead strategy for government grants and appropriations at local, state, and federal levels.
- Build and manage a best-in-class development team that fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
- Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and top volunteers to advance campaigns and donor engagement.
- Strengthen YGS's visibility in partnership with marketing and communications and positioning as a premier partner for philanthropy and social impact investment in King County.
- Oversee capital campaign planning and execution, ensuring milestones are achieved on schedule and within the goal.
- Drive a sales-oriented approach to fundraising, ensuring robust pipelines, clear metrics, and measurable outcomes.
- Model Y values-honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and passion for excellence-in all leadership and donor interactions.
Benefits
- Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
- Retirement with generous employer contributions
- Free access to mental health resources
- Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)
- Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Industry
Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
