Chief Development Officer - Valley of the Sun YMCA

Valley of the Sun YMCA; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Family Membership

Professional Development Opportunities

401k/403b retirement plan

Health benefits

Job summary

Valley of the Sun YMCA seeks a Chief Development Officer to lead the Association's philanthropic strategy and long-term sustainability in Phoenix, AZ. The CDO will direct annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, endowment growth, and grants while collaborating with the CEO, Board, volunteers, and staff to inspire transformational donor investments in the YMCA's mission.

Ideal candidates bring a proven fundraising leadership record, strong donor stewardship skills, grant writing expertise, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred.
• Ability to relate to top community leaders and diverse groups across the community.
• Working knowledge of giving and charitable vehicles.
• Ability to create interpretive materials to help donors understand the YMCA and its mission.
• Knowledge of media use for YMCA events and programs.
• Foundation and government grant writing expertise.
• CFRE or equivalent preferred; YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy across annual, major, planned, and institutional giving.
• Build relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders to secure transformational investments.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to solicit and steward major gifts and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee capital campaigns and endowment growth to secure long-term sustainability.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and empower leaders and staff in fundraising efforts.

Skills

Donor relations

Strategic fundraising

Data-driven fundraising

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Grant management software

CRM/donor database

Grant writing

Job description

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a strategic member of the President & CEO's Executive Leadership am and is responsible for leading the Valley of the Sun YMCA's comprehensive philanthropic strategy to advance the Association's mission and long-term sustainability. This role provides visionary leadership for all aspects of financial development, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, endowment growth, planned giving, foundation and government grants, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.The CDO partners closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, volunteers, community leaders, and staff to cultivate meaningful relationships that inspire philanthropic investment in the YMCA's mission. Through innovative fundraising strategies, strategic partnerships, and a culture of philanthropy, the CDO secures the resources necessary to expand community impact and achieve the Association's strategic priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

BE WELL

• Foster a culture of purpose, collaboration, and organizational excellence.
• Models the YMCA's values and leadership expectations while promoting an engaged, high-performing, and mission-driven Development team.
• Creates an environment where staff, volunteers, and donors feel valued, connected, and inspired to support the YMCA's mission.
• Invests in leadership development, succession planning, and continuous improvement across the Development department.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound stewardship of donor relationships and philanthropic resources.

DO GOOD

• Develops and executes a comprehensive fundraising strategy that grows annual, major, planned, corporate, foundation, and government giving.
• Builds meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, community leaders, corporations, and foundations that result in transformational philanthropic investments.
• Partners with the President & CEO and volunteer leadership to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts and strategic partnerships.
• Leads successful capital and endowment campaigns that ensure the long-term sustainability of the YMCA's mission.
• Champions a culture of philanthropy throughout the Association by empowering leaders, volunteers, and staff to actively participate in fundraising efforts.

LEAD CHANGE

• Serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the President & CEO and Board on philanthropy, community engagement, and long-term resource development.
• Uses data, donor insights, and market trends to identify emerging opportunities and drive continuous improvement in fundraising performance.
• Strengthens the YMCA's visibility and reputation as Arizona's nonprofit partner of choice through community leadership and strategic storytelling.
• Builds collaborative partnerships across the Association to align philanthropic investments with organizational priorities and measurable community outcomes.
• Ensures responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability for all philanthropic activities while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

A successful Chief Development Officer:

• Builds a sustainable culture of philanthropy across the Association.
• Develops transformational relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
• Partners with the CEO and Board to secure resources that advance the YMCA's strategic vision.
• Leads comprehensive development strategies including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and capital campaigns.
• Serves as a key ambassador for the YMCA throughout Arizona.

*This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO BE A CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred. Eight or more years of professional experience with a background in fundraising in the YMCA or another non-profit preferred.
• Ability to relate to top community leaders and diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Working knowledge of giving and charitable vehicles.
• Ability to create interpretive materials to enable potential donors to understand the YMCA and how they contribute to the achievement of its mission.
• Knowledge of the media and its use in gaining exposure for YMCA events and programs.
• Foundation and government grant writing expertise.
• CFRE or equivalent preferred; YMCA Organizational Leader certification preferred.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS

• Employee Assistance Program
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Employee Program Rewards and Discounts
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave (Once Accrued)
• 403b Retirement Savings Account Upon Hire
• Professional Development Opportunities & Trainings
• 12% Employer Funded Retirement Plan (Once Eligible)
• Health Benefits Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance

OUR YMCA CULTURE

At the Valley of the Sun YMCA, we are a Beacon in the Desert and serving as Centers for Community Well-Being, where children, families, staff, and communities can thrive. Guided by our mission and values, we create welcoming environments that promote health, belonging, and opportunity for all. Through our commitment to Be Well, Do Good, Lead Change, we prioritize safety, well-being, and excellence; strengthen communities through meaningful relationships and service; and embrace innovation, learning, and leadership to create lasting impact for future generations. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined in our pursuit of stronger children, stronger families, and stronger communities.

Valley of the Sun YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this opening. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.

Our YMCA promotes a safe environment that is free from abuse. No form of abuse will be tolerated. All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to in accordance with our Abuse Response Process.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.