Ymcachicago
Overview
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago seeks a seasoned Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join our mission-centered team during an exciting period of growth and transformation. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is a community-focused organization serving more than 300,000 individuals annually across the Chicago metropolitan area. With 14 community hubs, 120 Y's without walls locations for childcare, 5 overnight camps, and 13 early learning centers (9 Head Start & Early Head Start sites), we are deeply embedded in our communities supporting neighborhoods and local needs. The organization, 166 years in existence, emphasizes health and well-being through fitness, aquatics, chronic disease prevention, and nutrition education. We are undergoing organizational transformation under new leadership to build the foundation for greater impact in the years ahead. As the Chief Development Officer, you will lead and develop a team of development and communications professionals, elevate our established brand, and partner with our visionary CEO, Adam Alonso, to shape the future of the organization and deepen community impact. Responsibilities
As the Chief Development Officer, you will conduct a thorough evaluation of our current fundraising approach, identify challenges and opportunities, and shape the future direction of the department by building a robust fundraising program. This role combines strategic assessment with hands-on implementation – you\'ll develop realistic, accountable plans to address identified issues while building new systems including donor cultivation processes and pipeline development. You will establish clear objectives, benchmarks, and KPIs to track progress while streamlining data infrastructure using Raiser’s Edge. Team Leadership and Development Assess the current development department structure and make strategic staffing decisions to create a lean, high-functioning operation, adding or removing positions as necessary Lead and develop the optimized team, providing coaching, training, and professional development to maximize performance Build team capacity through mentoring and skills development while maintaining efficient operations Establish department objectives, benchmarks, and KPIs at organizational and individual levels, creating metrics management systems to track progress and accountability across fundraising activities Foster collaboration across all organizational levels Major Gifts and Partnership with CEO Act as a skilled relationship-builder, moving prospects through the pipeline and closing major gifts Collaborate with the CEO on fundraising strategies, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts Personally manage a substantial portfolio of major gift and planned gift prospects Create and oversee fundraising-related events to meet financial goals Leverage digital platforms and emerging technologies to expand donor reach and engagement Develop donor stewardship programs that build lasting engagement Grants Management and Strategic Evaluation Develop grant strategies supporting programmatic needs and general operations funding Oversee grant portfolio management with focus on ROI and alignment with priorities Build and maintain corporate partnerships aligning with YMCA mission Board Transformation and Engagement Transform board culture to enable highly engaged, productive fundraising Serve as liaison to five board structures: Development and External Relations Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, Board of Managers, Board of Trustees, and Associate Board Provide ongoing board support for effective fundraising participation Mine board relationships for prospect identification and warm introductions Organizational Positioning and Messaging Develop a compelling case for support outlining YMCA’s value across programs Position the YMCA in Chicago’s market with emphasis on community service in underserved areas Create strategic messaging to resonate with Chicago’s philanthropic community and differentiate from peers Community Engagement and Market Leadership Develop systematic processes to identify and cultivate community prospects Leverage knowledge of Chicago’s philanthropic landscape to identify opportunities Build relationships across the organization and Chicago’s fundraising community Engage in field operations and community activities to understand local needs and build grassroots support Navigate Chicago’s market dynamics in urban and suburban contexts Support and coach Executive Directors in fundraising strategy and execution Maintain active field presence and local community visibility Essential Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred 7–10 years of demonstrated success leading fundraising in nonprofits with budgets of $30 million+ Ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing development teams Exceptional communication and storytelling skills for diverse audiences including major donors and funders Experience engaging boards and volunteers to enhance fundraising outcomes Proven ability to develop and execute multi-year development strategies Track record of securing transformational gifts Strong experience with Raiser\'s Edge and donor data management Experience leading events Experience with hub/multi-location structures and diverse program portfolios Experience building fundraising infrastructure (moves management, databases, processes) Personal Characteristics Strong emotional intelligence and adaptability Personable, engaging presence Self-starter and collaborative team player Mission-driven commitment to YMCA values and inclusive communities Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropy Excellent communication and storytelling skills for diverse audiences Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $190,000 – $220,000, dependent on experience Medical, dental, and vision insurance Y membership for employee and family Employer-funded retirement plan with 10% contribution Flexible work arrangements Qualifications
Education, experience, and other requirements are listed above in Essential Qualifications and Personal Characteristics. Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago seeks a seasoned Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join our mission-centered team during an exciting period of growth and transformation. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is a community-focused organization serving more than 300,000 individuals annually across the Chicago metropolitan area. With 14 community hubs, 120 Y's without walls locations for childcare, 5 overnight camps, and 13 early learning centers (9 Head Start & Early Head Start sites), we are deeply embedded in our communities supporting neighborhoods and local needs. The organization, 166 years in existence, emphasizes health and well-being through fitness, aquatics, chronic disease prevention, and nutrition education. We are undergoing organizational transformation under new leadership to build the foundation for greater impact in the years ahead. As the Chief Development Officer, you will lead and develop a team of development and communications professionals, elevate our established brand, and partner with our visionary CEO, Adam Alonso, to shape the future of the organization and deepen community impact. Responsibilities
As the Chief Development Officer, you will conduct a thorough evaluation of our current fundraising approach, identify challenges and opportunities, and shape the future direction of the department by building a robust fundraising program. This role combines strategic assessment with hands-on implementation – you\'ll develop realistic, accountable plans to address identified issues while building new systems including donor cultivation processes and pipeline development. You will establish clear objectives, benchmarks, and KPIs to track progress while streamlining data infrastructure using Raiser’s Edge. Team Leadership and Development Assess the current development department structure and make strategic staffing decisions to create a lean, high-functioning operation, adding or removing positions as necessary Lead and develop the optimized team, providing coaching, training, and professional development to maximize performance Build team capacity through mentoring and skills development while maintaining efficient operations Establish department objectives, benchmarks, and KPIs at organizational and individual levels, creating metrics management systems to track progress and accountability across fundraising activities Foster collaboration across all organizational levels Major Gifts and Partnership with CEO Act as a skilled relationship-builder, moving prospects through the pipeline and closing major gifts Collaborate with the CEO on fundraising strategies, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts Personally manage a substantial portfolio of major gift and planned gift prospects Create and oversee fundraising-related events to meet financial goals Leverage digital platforms and emerging technologies to expand donor reach and engagement Develop donor stewardship programs that build lasting engagement Grants Management and Strategic Evaluation Develop grant strategies supporting programmatic needs and general operations funding Oversee grant portfolio management with focus on ROI and alignment with priorities Build and maintain corporate partnerships aligning with YMCA mission Board Transformation and Engagement Transform board culture to enable highly engaged, productive fundraising Serve as liaison to five board structures: Development and External Relations Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, Board of Managers, Board of Trustees, and Associate Board Provide ongoing board support for effective fundraising participation Mine board relationships for prospect identification and warm introductions Organizational Positioning and Messaging Develop a compelling case for support outlining YMCA’s value across programs Position the YMCA in Chicago’s market with emphasis on community service in underserved areas Create strategic messaging to resonate with Chicago’s philanthropic community and differentiate from peers Community Engagement and Market Leadership Develop systematic processes to identify and cultivate community prospects Leverage knowledge of Chicago’s philanthropic landscape to identify opportunities Build relationships across the organization and Chicago’s fundraising community Engage in field operations and community activities to understand local needs and build grassroots support Navigate Chicago’s market dynamics in urban and suburban contexts Support and coach Executive Directors in fundraising strategy and execution Maintain active field presence and local community visibility Essential Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred 7–10 years of demonstrated success leading fundraising in nonprofits with budgets of $30 million+ Ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing development teams Exceptional communication and storytelling skills for diverse audiences including major donors and funders Experience engaging boards and volunteers to enhance fundraising outcomes Proven ability to develop and execute multi-year development strategies Track record of securing transformational gifts Strong experience with Raiser\'s Edge and donor data management Experience leading events Experience with hub/multi-location structures and diverse program portfolios Experience building fundraising infrastructure (moves management, databases, processes) Personal Characteristics Strong emotional intelligence and adaptability Personable, engaging presence Self-starter and collaborative team player Mission-driven commitment to YMCA values and inclusive communities Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropy Excellent communication and storytelling skills for diverse audiences Compensation & Benefits Salary range: $190,000 – $220,000, dependent on experience Medical, dental, and vision insurance Y membership for employee and family Employer-funded retirement plan with 10% contribution Flexible work arrangements Qualifications
Education, experience, and other requirements are listed above in Essential Qualifications and Personal Characteristics. Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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