Chief Development Officer

YMCA
Salary
$140,000.00
$175,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Frost Valley YMCA is located on over 5,500 acres in the heart of the Catskill Mountains (just 2 hours north of New York City). 
Job Description

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight of Frost Valley YMCA’s comprehensive revenue-generating efforts. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO is responsible for aligning and optimizing fundraising, marketing, and earned income strategies across the Development Department, Marketing & Communications, and Business Development & Sales.

This executive-level position will drive integrated initiatives that support long-term sustainability, financial growth, and mission impact. The CDO will work closely with internal teams, board members, alumni, donors, and partners to ensure collaborative, mission-aligned strategies that elevate Frost Valley’s reach, brand, and revenue capacity.

This role is  Remote/Hybrid. Periodic upstate and NYC in-person presence required.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in development, marketing, or revenue-focused leadership roles, preferably within the nonprofit or mission-driven sector.
  • Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and growing organizational revenue across multiple streams.
  • Demonstrated experience with fundraising campaigns, brand management, strategic communications, and/or earned revenue strategies.
  • Strong understanding of donor cultivation, sales pipelines, and performance metrics.
    Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to inspire staff, engage stakeholders, and represent Frost Valley’s mission effectively.
  • Ability to travel as needed and work evenings or weekends in support of events and donor activities.
Essential Functions

Team Leadership and Management Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational priorities, and mission advancement.
  • Provide direct supervision to the:
    • Director of Development and the Development Department
    • Director of Marketing & Communications and the Marketing Department
    • Director of Business Development & Sales and the Business Development Department
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and shared leadership across departments.
  • Establish clear performance expectations, professional development pathways, and coaching for department directors and their teams.
  • Lead cross-departmental initiatives that enhance communication and synergy between fundraising, outreach, branding, and earned revenue efforts.

Strategic Responsibilities:

  • Develop and oversee a unified, organization-wide revenue strategy in alignment with Frost Valley’s mission, values, and long-term goals.
  • Guide the integration of fundraising, marketing, and business development plans to ensure consistent messaging, donor and guest engagement, and brand identity.
  • Identify and pursue innovative opportunities for revenue diversification and market expansion across programs, rentals, conferences, and philanthropic giving.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and Board to set revenue targets, assess performance metrics, and adapt strategies based on data and impact.
  • Serve as a strategic partner in cultivating major donors, corporate sponsors, philanthropic foundations, and mission-aligned business ventures. 

Revenue Departmental Oversight:

  • Development: Oversee fundraising strategy including the Annual Appeal, Alumni Appeal, Summer Campaign, capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, and alumni engagement.
  • Marketing & Communications: Ensure the organization’s brand is clear, inclusive, and mission-driven. Guide messaging strategies across digital, print, and social platforms.
    Business Development & Sales: Support the growth of revenue from program partnerships, camp rentals, conferences, and group sales through strategic outreach and relationship-building.

Evaluation and Reporting:

  • Utilize data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of fundraising and business strategies.
  • Track and report progress to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board of Trustees, offering clear insights and recommendations for growth.

Participate in budget development for all revenue-generating departments, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic objectives.