Chief Development Officer

Lead a Transformational Moment in Community Impact

For more than 150 years, the Somerville YMCA has been a trusted community anchor, strengthening lives through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Today, we are entering one of the most exciting chapters in our history.

The Somerville YMCA is planning a transformative expansion that includes a new
130,000-square-foot community campus
featuring affordable housing, expanded aquatics and wellness facilities, and enhanced youth and family programming. This bold vision will dramatically increase our impact across the community and create meaningful opportunities for philanthropy and engagement.

To help bring this vision to life, we are seeking an accomplished and entrepreneurial
Chief Development Officer (CDO)to build and lead our fundraising strategy during this pivotal period of growth.

This is an opportunity for a fundraising leader who thrives on building relationships, creating momentum, and transforming ambitious visions into reality.

As Chief Development Officer, you will be the architect of the YMCA’s next generation of philanthropy.

Working closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, community leaders, and key stakeholders, you will establish the systems, strategies, partnerships, and culture needed to significantly expand philanthropic support and prepare the organization for a future capital campaign.

This is more than a fundraising leadership position. It is a chance to shape the future of one of the region’s most respected nonprofit organizations while creating lasting impact for thousands of children, families, and older adults.

In your first 12-24 months, you will:

• Develop and launch a comprehensive fundraising strategy that drives sustainable growth.
• Build and strengthen a robust major gifts pipeline.
• Deepen engagement with current donors while identifying new philanthropic partners.
• Equip and inspire Board members and volunteers to become active fundraising ambassadors.
• Strengthen development operations, reporting, and donor stewardship practices.
• Lay the foundation for a successful future capital campaign.
• Help position the YMCA as a leading philanthropic investment opportunity in Greater Boston.

• Design and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the YMCA’s strategic vision and expansion plans.
• Partner closely with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Build a culture of philanthropy that engages staff, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Develop a compelling case for support that inspires investment in the YMCA’s mission.

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Lead donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management efforts.
• Secure six- and seven-figure gifts while building pathways toward transformational giving.
• Identify and develop relationships with corporate, foundation, and community partners.
• Create strategies to increase annual giving, sponsorship revenue, and institutional funding.

• Assess organizational readiness for future campaign initiatives.
• Partner with leadership to develop campaign strategies, prospect pipelines, and volunteer leadership structures.
• Build fundraising infrastructure necessary to support future comprehensive and capital campaigns.

• Serve as the primary development liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Coach and support Board members in donor engagement and fundraising activities.
• Represent the YMCA throughout the community and strengthen relationships with civic, philanthropic, and business leaders.
• Increase awareness of the YMCA’s impact, vision, and philanthropic priorities.

• Establish measurable fundraising goals, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting systems.
• Lead CRM strategy, donor pipeline management, and fundraising analytics.
• Develop and manage annual development budgets and revenue forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising best practices and ethical standards.

You are a strategic and relationship-driven fundraiser that combines vision with execution. You know how to cultivate trust, inspire generosity, and build systems that support long-term success.

You are equally comfortable meeting with a major donor, presenting to a Board committee, analyzing fundraising metrics, or helping create a compelling campaign strategy.

Most importantly, you believe in the power of community organizations to create meaningful and lasting change.

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Track record of building strong donor relationships and growing philanthropic revenue.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Strong leadership, management, and…