Chief Development & Engagement Officer

The CDEO is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and upholding the execution of McGaw YMCA’s mission and vision.

Job Description

The Chief Development and Engagement Officer (CDEO) reports directly to the President/CEO and is an integral member of the President/CEO’s leadership team. The CDEO is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and upholding the execution of McGaw YMCA’s mission and vision. This role is key to ensuring the organization’s priorities are implemented with efficiency and effectiveness. This role is responsible for advancing strategic priorities in both development and marketing to support the organization's mission and goals. The CDEO collaborates closely with other senior leaders to strategize, report progress to the McGaw YMCA Board of Directors, and engage lead donors.

As the chief strategist for fundraising and marketing, the CDEO oversees the annual campaign, special project fundraising, and the organization's marketing efforts. This includes managing a combined team that handles development activities, marketing initiatives, individual sponsorships, foundation and government grants, and special events. The successful candidate will have considerable experience in both development and marketing, with a proven track record in securing six-figure+ gifts and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns that enhance the organization’s visibility and engagement with stakeholders.

The CDEO should have a deep understanding of the McGaw YMCA's mission and the ability to communicate compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is strategic, self-motivated, results-oriented, and passionate about the mission of the McGaw YMCA, with a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree and/or CFRE credential is preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of nonprofit leadership experience with significant responsibilities in both development and marketing.
• Proven track record in Major Gifts solicitation and successful execution of marketing campaigns.
• Experience leading a capital fundraising campaign from public phase to stewardship post-construction.
• Direct accountability for managing Boards of Directors, civic/high-net-worth leaders, and key influencers.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in fundraising and marketing, with the ability to integrate strategies for maximum impact.
• Critical and strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into successful operational outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience in using Raiser's Edge, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Asana preferred.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Exceptional communication and people skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organization.

Essential Functions

Strategic Senior Leadership

• Cultivate an environment that champions diversity, inclusivity, equity and innovation.
• Serves as a key partner to the CEO/President in the organization’s annual and strategic planning and implementation of the organization's strategic initiatives with a focus on fundraising, marketing and engagement.
• Direct the development, communication, and implementation of McGaw YMCA’s strategic fundraising goals and marketing initiatives to advance a culture of philanthropy throughout the association.
• Provides leadership in securing needed resources for current operations and long-range financial stability.
• Effectively collaborates and maintains harmony with colleagues and staff.
• Creates organizational practices, systems, and structures that remove barriers and foster equity and inclusion for all.
• Develop strategies to advance the organization’s philanthropic support and enhance brand awareness.

Development, Fundraising & Fiscal Management

• Responsible for the administration, direction, and supervision of fundraising programs and marketing and communications programs.
• Work with the CEO, board members, and leadership staff to develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year development strategy that integrates marketing efforts for donor engagement and retention.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and special events.
• Maintain a significant major gifts portfolio and actively partner with the CEO in stewarding and soliciting top donors and board members for annual major gifts and capital projects.
• Set annual fundraising goals and revenue budgets, leveraging marketing strategies to enhance donor outreach and engagement.
• Collaborate with CFO in developing annual fundraising, marketing and capital budgets in alignment with goals and strategic initiatives and annual priorities.
• Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of fundraising & marketing strategies.
• Implement data-driven decision-making processes to enhance the efficiency and impact of development, marketing and engagement initiatives.
• Identify new funding opportunities and develop innovative fundraising campaigns.

Community Y Brand & Relationship Management

• Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications program to achieve YMCA objectives and effectively deliver the vision, mission and brand of the McGaw YMCA in a way that is relevant, accessible, responsive, and inclusive to drive membership, program participation, donations and overall engagement.
• Oversee the creation of all McGaw YMCA marketing and communication projects to support programs, fund development, and executive needs.
• Lead the strategy for digital fundraising, including social media campaigns, email marketing, and online giving platforms.
• Vision and strategize plans for marketing activities that support fundraising campaigns, special events, and overall brand awareness.
• Effectively communicate the community benefits and YMCA impact to all stakeholders.
• Maximize community partnerships, engage volunteers, and board members.
• Cultivate and maintain positive, productive relationships with board members, volunteers, community and business leaders, influencers, local media, donors, McGaw staff, and other key constituents.
• Represent the CEO in the community as needed.

Team Leadership

• Build, develop and manage the leadership team capable of carrying out needed fundraising and marketing strategies.
• Partner with Human Resources to support training and development of staff team, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Direct staff to carry out initiatives, assignments and programs under the approved strategic plan and annual budget.
• Ensure a positive workplace culture and effective staff organization.
• Foster a climate of innovation and implement appropriate strategies to ensure inclusion and equity for all.

Other Responsibilities

• Facilitate the Development Committee.
• Participate in efforts and projects that support McGaw YMCA’s values, including task forces, training sessions, meetings, committees, and organizational events.
• Participate in the organization’s planning processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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