Chief Development Officer

YWCA NENY’s Chef Development Officer Job Description

Reports To: CEO
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000 – $95,000 annually
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
Work Schedule and Arrangement: Full-time, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for fundraising events and community engagements. Currently fully remote on a temporary basis due to facility renovations. Once renovations are complete, the position will transition to a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and on-site work.

About YWCA NENY

Since its founding in 1888, YWCA Northeastern NY (YWCA NENY) has remained committed to addressing the evolving needs of our community through programs, services, and advocacy.

Our mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring the experience, skills, and commitment necessary to advance our mission.

Position Summary

The CDO will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive resource development strategy with a current annual fundraising target of $700,000. This target represents the organization's present fundraising benchmark and is expected to increase annually as YWCA NENY expands its programs, strengthens its fundraising capacity, and advances its strategic priorities. In partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors, the CDO will establish progressively annual revenue goals informed by organizational needs, fundraising performance, donor pipeline development, and available resources.

This position requires an accomplished relationship builder, strategic thinker, and collaborative leader who can personally cultivate significant philanthropic relationships while developing the systems, partnerships, and team capacity necessary to support continued organizational growth.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy at YWCA NENY, strengthen its community presence, and mobilize resources that directly support programs and services advancing the organization's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategic Fund Development

• Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and organizational leadership to develop and execute short- and long-term fundraising strategies aligned with YWCA NENY's mission, strategic priorities, and financial needs.
• Provide executive oversight of a diversified fundraising program, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, planned giving, and special events.
• Establish annual fundraising objectives, revenue projections, and performance measures. Lead efforts to achieve the current 2027 annual $700,000 target, with progressive annual growth based on organizational priorities, fundraising capacity, and available resources.
• Evaluate fundraising performance, strengthen donor pipelines and development systems, and recommend strategies that support long-term financial sustainability.

Major Gifts, Donor Relations, Grants, and Philanthropic Partnerships

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, community leaders, and other philanthropic partners to expand individual giving and institutional support.
• Identify opportunities for major gifts, planned giving, bequests, corporate matching programs, sponsorships, and other charitable contributions.
• Provide strategic oversight of some grant development and institutional funding in collaboration with the Grants Coordinator and program leadership, including identifying funding opportunities and supporting competitive proposals.
• Strengthen donor acquisition, retention, recognition, and stewardship while ensuring appropriate coordination of grant submissions, reporting deadlines, donor restrictions, and funding commitments.

Community Engagement, Fundraising Campaigns, and Organizational Representation

• Serve as a senior ambassador for YWCA NENY, developing strategic relationships that strengthen organizational visibility, community engagement, and philanthropic support.
• 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 effectively communicate the organization's mission and impact.

Team Leadership, Organizational Collaboration, and Development Operations

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for assigned Development staff, establishing departmental priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
• Partner with program directors and department leaders to understand program needs, identify funding opportunities, and align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Develop and oversee the Development Department's budget, monitor revenue and expenditures, and provide accurate forecasts and performance reports to executive leadership.
• Oversee donor records, gift acknowledgments, gift documentation, donor-advised funds, corporate matching gifts, bequests, and fundraising systems in partnership with Finance.

Compliance, Organizational Values, and Other Responsibilities

• Ensure fundraising activities comply with applicable federal and New York State requirements, donor restrictions, ethical fundraising standards, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate with Finance to support accurate gift reconciliation, financial accountability, and reporting.
• Demonstrate a commitment to YWCA NENY's mission, values, and commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women while promoting an inclusive, collaborative, and respectful organizational culture.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and integrity in all donor, financial, and organizational relationships, and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy, Communications, or a related field required; master's degree preferred. Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive fundraising, nonprofit development, or philanthropic experience, with demonstrated success in 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, with excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• 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.

Additional Requirements

• Valid New York State driver's license, Traffic Abstract and Defensive driving certificate required upon hiring.
• Completion of applicable role required checks.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity

YWCA Northeastern NY is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where individuals are respected, valued, and provided equitable opportunities for employment and professional growth.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. A diverse workforce strengthens our organization and advances our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all.