Chief Development Officer

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Chief Development Officer

role at

YMCA of Greater Seattle .

Our Equity Statement

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We are accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable, sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs and services.

Job Summary

The YMCA of Greater Seattle (YGS) seeks a bold, sales-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our financial development strategy. Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO will drive all fundraising efforts—including major gifts, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, government grants / appropriations, planned giving, and endowment growth.

The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser with a track record of successfully completing large-scale capital campaigns ($50M+), consistently meeting or exceeding annual goals ($10M+), and cultivating deep donor relationships across the Greater Seattle area. They are a go-getter with a strong work ethic, extensive local connections, and a demonstrated ability to hire, inspire, and retain high-performing sales and fundraising teams.

The CDO will thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. They will be both a strategist and a hands-on closer, positioning YGS as the charity of choice for individual, corporate, foundation, and government partners.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m., with 2-3 days a week in the office. Evening and weekend work may be required, as job duties demand.

Travel

The position will be based at headquarters in Seattle, WA. Approximately 20-30% travel is expected. Travel is primarily local, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

What You'll Get From Working At The Y

Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance

Retirement with generous employer contributions

Free access to mental health resources

Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO)

Full-time employees qualify for a 50% discount, and part-time employees qualify for a 25% discount, on eligible Childcare Services.

Hiring range : $165,000 - $200,000 / year

Responsibilities

Lead YGS's comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual, capital, major gifts, endowment, planned giving, and grants.

Serve as a lead fundraiser, cultivating and securing transformational gifts ($100K+).

Lead volunteerism, planned giving, and focus on creating integrated and experiential opportunities to diversify our donor pool.

Lead strategy for government grants and appropriations at local, state, and federal levels.

Build and manage a best-in-class development team that fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and top volunteers to advance campaigns and donor engagement.

Strengthen YGS's visibility in partnership with marketing and communications and position as a premier partner for philanthropy and social impact investment in King County.

Oversee capital campaign planning and execution, ensuring milestones are achieved on schedule and within the goal.

Drive a sales-oriented approach to fundraising, ensuring robust pipelines, clear metrics, and measurable outcomes.

Model Y values—honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and passion for excellence—in all leadership and donor interactions.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and team management.

Demonstrated success leading capital campaigns ($50M+) and consistently meeting / exceeding annual fundraising targets ($10M+).

Strong knowledge of the Greater Seattle philanthropic landscape, with established donor, corporate, and foundation connections.

Proven ability to recruit, manage, and inspire high-performing fundraising and sales teams.

History of long-term organizational commitment and impact, with a legacy of results.

Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic leadership skills.

Strong cultural competence and alignment with YGS's mission and values.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

You'll be a Great Fit for the Seattle Y if You

Thrive on working in a collaborative environment.

Are very adaptable.

Have high ownership and strong work ethic.

Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet.

Truly enjoy being of service to people.

Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together.

Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all.

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