Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg

Job title: Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg seeks a seasoned and strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead all philanthropic, fundraising and resource development efforts for the association. Reporting to the President/CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO provides vision, leadership, and oversight for a comprehensive fundraising program that advances the YMCA's mission and long-term sustainability.

The CDO is responsible for strengthening and expanding philanthropic engagement through inclusive, relationship-driven, and results-oriented strategies. This role oversees all aspects of development, including annual giving, major gifts, capital and comprehensive campaigns, endowment and planned giving, grants, and special events, while cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy among staff, volunteers, and community partners.

A successful candidate will bring both strategic perspective and hands-on leadership, along with the ability to build deep relationships across a diverse and engaged community. Familiarity with the St. Petersburg community and its philanthropic landscape is highly valued.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic leadership for organizational fundraising goals and multi-year development plans, balancing long-term vision with near-term priorities; oversee systems, resources, and the financial development budget.
• Personally engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects, with a primary focus on major and principal gift relationships.
• Lead and continuously strengthen the association-wide annual campaign, expanding the donor and volunteer base, elevating volunteer confidence, and advancing a compelling case for support.
• Direct and supervise all aspects of the Financial Development Department, ensuring alignment with YMCA objectives and best practices across all functions.
• Solicit contributions on behalf of the organization; ensure accurate tracking of gifts and pledges by source and purpose; and provide timely reporting, metrics, and progress updates.
• Act as a key advisor to the President/CEO, aligning and guiding volunteers and staff leadership in the development and execution of effective philanthropic fundraising strategies and best practices.
• Lead endowment and planned giving strategies, and partner with the CEO and CFO to monitor endowment performance and the appropriate use of earnings.
• Ensure strong data management, reporting, and stewardship practices that reflect the YMCA's commitment to accountability and donor trust.
• Develop and oversee donor recognition and stewardship strategies, ensuring consistent practices across all branches in collaboration with the Board, CEO, and leadership team.
• Convene and support development-related committees, providing clear direction, education, training, and compliance oversight.
• Identify, recruit, and prepare board members and volunteers to participate effectively in fundraising and donor engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; minimum of seven years of progressive professional fundraising experience, preferably in the YMCA or a related nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated experience across a full range of fundraising disciplines, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, planned giving, special events, and capital or comprehensive campaigns.
• Proven record of fundraising success, including strong influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working effectively with senior executives, board members, volunteers, business leaders, foundation partners, and public officials.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff and volunteers toward shared goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong planning and project management capabilities, and a professional, welcoming presence.
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or similar credential preferred.
• Strong analytical and computer skills, with the ability to use data to inform strategy, planning, and performance.
• Demonstrated success engaging corporate, foundation, volunteer, and civic partners.

Annual Salary Range: $100,000-$130,000, commensurate with experience.

We offer excellent benefits including a 12% employer-funded retirement plan upon eligibility; 403(b) savings plan; high quality and affordable healthcare; complimentary YMCA membership for employee and family; generous paid time off package; ongoing professional development opportunities; a collaborative, mission-driven leadership environment.

Salary : $100,000 - $130,000