Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Ymcafw; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Chief Development Officer to lead philanthropic efforts in Fort Worth. This strategic role involves overseeing fundraising initiatives, managing a high-performing team, and engaging with community leaders to drive impactful campaigns. The position offers a competitive salary and the chance to make a meaningful difference in a vibrant city known for its commitment to philanthropy. Join a dedicated organization focused on strengthening communities through youth development and social responsibility, and help shape the future of fundraising efforts in a thriving environment.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Wellness Program

403-B Retirement Fund

Vacation & Personal Time

Free Family Programs

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in non-profit development preferred.
• Proven track record in fundraising leadership and major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies for annual and capital campaigns.
• Lead the Development Department and manage donor cultivation.

Skills

Fundraising Leadership

Relationship Building

Team Management

Campaign Strategy

Donor Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Donor Database Management

Job description

Metropolitan Office, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 5:59 AM

YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth Employment Application

Download the Full Playbook for the Chief Development Officer. This playbook will give you the 3 primary bucket areas for this position, additional job responsibilities, smart goals, how to earn up to a 10% bonus, and association goals and leadership qualities for the Fort Worth YMCA.

We are seeking experienced local candidates for the Chief Development Officer role to lead and drive philanthropic efforts in support of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. This position offers a competitive salary range of $140,000 - $147,000, with the opportunity to earn a bonus of up to 10% based on the achievement of individual and association-wide goals.

As a leader in one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, this role provides the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in Fort Worth, a city known for its rich history, thriving business community, and deep commitment to philanthropy. Fort Worth offers an exceptional quality of life, with a low cost of living, strong economy, top-rated schools, and a vibrant cultural scene-including world-class museums, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.

At the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, we are dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As we continue to expand our impact, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our Development Department and drive our philanthropic efforts forward. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, overseeing all aspects of fund development to support the YMCA's mission and strategic priorities. This individual will be responsible for leading annual giving, capital campaigns, endowment growth, special events, and community engagement initiatives. The CDO will play a pivotal role in advancing our $300-million Comprehensive Campaign, with an immediate focus on achieving our $6.5-million annual giving goal and launching the $50-million capital phase.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 7-10 years of experience in non-profit development, with a preference for experience in mission-driven, community-focused organizations.
• Proven track record in fundraising leadership, including experience managing large-scale capital campaigns and securing major gifts.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and community partners.
• Knowledge of comprehensive campaign strategies, planned giving, and donor database management.
• Ability to align development efforts with the YMCA's strategic vision and mission.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support annual giving, endowment, and capital campaign goals.
• Lead and manage the Development Department, ensuring best practices in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Drive the success of the YMCA's annual funding goal of $6.5 million and oversee the execution of the $50-million capital campaign phase.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Comprehensive Campaign, working closely with senior leadership, board members, and volunteers to maximize impact.
• Cultivate and secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, leveraging relationships with donors, foundations, and government agencies.
• Develop innovative strategies for donor engagement and recognition.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as an ambassador for the YMCA, fostering relationships with key community leaders, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
• Support YMCA branches in their local fundraising efforts and community engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure alignment between fundraising and brand messaging.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and fundraising committees to advance the Y's philanthropic initiatives.
• Train and support staff and volunteers in fundraising best practices, ensuring a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Provide clear metrics and reporting on fundraising progress, impact, and opportunities.

COMPENSATION

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth offers a competitive salary and benefits package for selected candidates. The yearly salary range for this position is $140,000 to $147,000 and will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s experience. The YMCA provides competitive health benefits, a well-rounded wellness program and 403-B Retirement fund paid fully at 12% of total salary each year. In addition to medical, dental and vision coverage, plus life and long-term disability insurance, a work-life balance program includes up to 288 hours of vacation & personal time. Free and discounted programs for your family are included.

If you are a strategic fundraising leader with a passion for community impact, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and vision for leading philanthropy at the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonable association duties and will be responsible for implementation of the policies, procedures and standards established by the Metropolitan Board, the branch Board of Managers and the Association Leadership. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised at the discretion of management. This job description is not a written or implied contract.