Senior Vice President - Chief Development & Philanthropy Officer

YMCA Buffalo Niagara • Buffalo, NY

22h • $117,000 - $122,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The SVP - Chief Development and Philanthropy Officer provides strategic leadership and direction for all matters related to philanthropy, donor engagement, stewardship, and charitable resource development. The SVP - CDPO role establishes and implements comprehensive philanthropic strategies to advance the Y's mission through annual giving, major gifts, capital and endowment campaigns, planned giving, foundation support, grants, and donor engagement initiatives and special events. This role serves as a member of the Y's senior leadership team and works closely with the Board of Directors, Financial Development Committee, community leaders, and philanthropic partners to ensure long-term sustainability and impact of YMCA Buffalo Niagara.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business management, non-profit management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional leadership experience in philanthropy, fundraising, advancement, or development, with demonstrated success in major gifts and campaign management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior community leaders and diverse populations.
• Working relationship of charitable giving vehicles and philanthropic best practices.
• Demonstrated expertise in foundation and government grant writing and management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate the YMCA's charitable purpose and impact.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive philanthropic and development strategies, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, endowment, and planned giving programs.
• Establish long- and short-term philanthropic and development goals aligned with the Y's strategic plan.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the Association.
• Develop and maintain fundraising policies. procedures, and systems to ensure effective and ethical fundraising practices.
• Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement comprehensive donor pipeline strategies strengthening donor stewardship and engagement.
• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Financial Development Committee.
• Partner with volunteer leadership to increase engagement and effectiveness at all levels of financial development.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in philanthropic and fundraising initiatives.
• Identify, secure, and steward foundation, corporate, and grant funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance and reporting requirements are met for government agencies, private foundations, and YMCA of the USA.
• Develop communication strategies to ensure members, participants, donors, and the broader community understand the Y's impact and case for support.
• Oversee the development of outcome measurements and impact reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of YMCA programs and services.
• Create interpretive and case-for-support materials that clearly communicate the Y's mission, impact, and funding priorities.
• Plan and oversee the Association's key fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Represent the Association at community and donor events as assigned.
• Develops and manages the department budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
• Monitors fundraising performance and prepares regular progress and outcome reports for senior leadership and the Board.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff through coaching and performance feedback.
• Educate, motivate, and support staff and volunteers engaged in fundraising activities.
• Serves as a member of the YMCA senior leadership team and supports the overall objectives and strategic priorities of the Association.
• Actively ensure the safety and well-boing of all children by adhering to YMCA Buffalo Niagara's Youth Protection Policies. Recognize, respond to, and immediately report any suspected abuse, policy violations, or safety concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free health insurance
• Employer-paid group term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employer-paid long-term disability coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Child & Family Services
• A variety of voluntary benefit options
• Employees are immediately eligible to enroll and contribute to the Y Retirement Fund 403(b) plan, with a generous 12% employer-paid contribution after eligibility requirements are met.
• Comprehensive paid time off program includes personal time off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara membership and program discounts.
• Ongoing training
• Extensive leadership development program
• Opportunities for career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive