Chief Development Officer

Ywca Of Schenectady•Schenectady, NY

14h•$85,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) leads YWCA NENY’s comprehensive resource development strategy and execution, with a current annual fundraising target of $700,000 for 2027. Fundraising goals are expected to grow annually as the organization expands programs and fundraising capacity. In partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors, the CDO sets progressive revenue goals informed by organizational needs, fundraising performance, donor pipeline development, and available resources. The role combines personally cultivating significant philanthropic relationships with building systems, partnerships, and team capacity for organizational growth. The CDO provides executive oversight of a diversified fundraising program, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, planned giving, and special events. The position oversees campaigns, donor stewardship, grant development in collaboration with the Grants Coordinator and program leadership, development operations, budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting. The CDO also serves as a senior organizational ambassador, represents YWCA NENY in the community, supervises and develops assigned staff, and ensures fundraising complies with applicable requirements, donor restrictions, ethical standards, and organizational policies. The position reports to the CEO and has supervisory responsibilities. It is full-time, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for fundraising events and community engagements. It is currently fully remote temporarily due to facility renovations and will transition to a hybrid arrangement combining remote and on-site work when renovations are complete. Local travel is required for donor meetings, community engagements, and organizational events. A valid New York State driver’s license, Traffic Abstract, Defensive Driving certificate, and applicable role-required checks are required upon hiring.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Communications, or a related field required; equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
At least seven years of progressive fundraising, nonprofit development, or philanthropic experience.
Demonstrated success achieving revenue goals and securing major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and diversified funding.
Proven leadership experience, including staff development and collaboration with executive leadership and Board members.
Strong knowledge of donor relations, grant development, fundraising operations, budget management, and revenue forecasting.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.
Valid New York State driver’s license, Traffic Abstract, and Defensive Driving certificate required upon hiring.
Completion of applicable role-required checks.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds for event-related activities.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, speak, and occasionally bend throughout the workday.
Ability to work in varying noise levels and travel locally for donor meetings, community engagements, and organizational events.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and organizational leadership to develop and execute short- and long-term fundraising strategies aligned with the organization’s mission, priorities, and financial needs.
Provide executive oversight of diversified fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, planned giving, and special events.
Establish annual fundraising objectives, revenue projections, and performance measures, and lead efforts to meet the current 2027 annual target of $700,000 and support progressive growth.
Evaluate fundraising performance, strengthen donor pipelines and development systems, and recommend strategies for long-term financial sustainability.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and other philanthropic partners.
Identify opportunities for major gifts, planned giving, bequests, corporate matching programs, sponsorships, and other charitable contributions.
Provide strategic oversight of grant development and institutional funding with the Grants Coordinator and program leadership, including identifying funding opportunities and supporting competitive proposals.
Strengthen donor acquisition, retention, recognition, and stewardship; coordinate grant submissions, reporting deadlines, donor restrictions, and funding commitments.
Serve as a senior ambassador for YWCA NENY and represent the organization at fundraising events, community engagements, speaking opportunities, and external partnership meetings.
Lead fundraising campaigns, signature events, corporate sponsorships, and other philanthropic initiatives, establishing revenue goals, budgets, and measurable outcomes.
Partner with the CEO, Board, and Communications Specialist to strengthen external relationships and ensure fundraising and public messaging communicate the organization’s mission and impact.
Supervise and develop assigned Development staff, setting departmental priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
Partner with program directors and department leaders to understand program needs, identify funding opportunities, and align fundraising with organizational priorities.
Develop and oversee the Development Department budget, monitor revenue and expenditures, and provide forecasts and performance reports to executive leadership.
Oversee donor records, gift acknowledgments and documentation, donor-advised funds, corporate matching gifts, bequests, and fundraising systems in partnership with Finance.
Ensure fundraising complies with federal and New York State requirements, donor restrictions, ethical fundraising standards, and organizational policies.
Collaborate with Finance on gift reconciliation, financial accountability, and reporting.
Demonstrate commitment to the organization’s mission and values and promote an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful culture.
Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in donor, financial, and organizational relationships; perform other related duties as assigned.