YMCA is Hiring for Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer, YMCA (Madison, AL)

The Heart of the Valley YMCA is hiring a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead fundraising strategy and advance its mission across youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This role is ideal for a proven development leader who can scale campaigns, deepen donor relationships, and build a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Company Overview

The YMCA is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community. The Heart of the Valley YMCA serves the greater Madison, Alabama area with programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The organization partners with donors, members, volunteers, and staff to expand access, deliver impact, and sustain mission-driven programs.

Learn more about the YMCA and its work in the community.

Role Summary

Reporting as a key member of the executive team, the CDO sets strategic direction and provides operational oversight for all development activities. The role spans annual and capital campaigns, endowment growth, major gifts, donor engagement, grants, data management, and team leadership. The CDO will collaborate closely with the CEO, Board, development committee, branch leaders, and marketing to ensure strong alignment, measurable outcomes, and sustainable revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy And Oversight

Lead annual, capital, and endowment campaigns from planning through evaluation.
Develop comprehensive strategies aligned to mission and strategic priorities.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
Support mission-aligned fundraising events that advance development goals.

Donor Engagement And Stewardship

Build a donor engagement program that drives satisfaction and long-term giving.
Oversee recognition, acknowledgments, and personalized stewardship plans.

Foundation And Grant Management

Research opportunities, prepare proposals, and ensure compliant reporting.
Track outcomes to demonstrate impact and maintain funder relationships.

Annual Campaign And Branch Engagement

Design organized branch campaigns with boards, volunteers, staff, and members to meet budgeted goals.
Maintain visible presence across branches; create impact reports and donor communications.
Collaborate monthly with program staff to source mission stories, visuals, and outcomes.

Data And Systems Management

Ensure accurate donor records; use analytics to guide decisions and uncover opportunities.
Partner with marketing to keep the website current, consistent, and effective for online giving.

Leadership And Team Development

Supervise, mentor, and develop the fundraising team with clear performance metrics.
Engage the CEO, Board, and Development Committee in cultivation and solicitation.

Community And Mission Representation

Serve as an ambassador at events and meetings; build partnerships with civic and business leaders.

Compliance And Best Practices

Uphold ethical fundraising, legal requirements, confidentiality, and YMCA policies.

Ideal Profile

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field; master’s preferred.
5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including 2+ years in leadership.
Proven success with major gifts, stewardship, and campaign management.
Proficiency with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).
Strong leadership, financial acumen, data-driven decision-making, and communication skills.
Commitment to the YMCA mission and community impact.

Compensation And Location

Salary range: $82,800–$102,800 USD, commensurate with experience.
Location: Madison, Alabama.
Employment type: Not specified in the listing.

How To Apply

Submit your application via the Indeed posting to be considered. Review the full listing and requirements before applying.

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Conclusion And Next Steps

If you have a track record of leading successful development programs and a commitment to community impact, consider this leadership opportunity with the Heart of the Valley YMCA. Apply through the listing above, and explore additional curated roles that fit your background.