Description
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.
Requirements
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
