Job Title: Chief Development Officer

Job Summary:

The YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County Inc. is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to join our development team as Chief Development Officer (CDO). The role requires a strategic, innovative, and results-oriented individual who can develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to advance the YWCA’s mission and financial sustainability under both national umbrellas, Girls Inc. and the YWCA. The position is coupled with fund development, marketing and events coordination for Girls Inc. at YWCA of Syracuse and Onondaga County Inc.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership:

• Understand administrative systems, policies and procedures to track, record, report, acknowledge, and recognize all donor contributions and ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all fundraising, prospect, donor, granting and fundraising communication with preferred knowledge in Bloomerang Donor Management or similar platforms.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals, including strategies for major gifts, planned and annual giving, corporate partnerships, and special events.

• Provide strategic direction and guidance to the team and Board, setting clear goals, performance metrics, and timelines for fundraising initiatives.

• Identify new opportunities for revenue generation and diversification, leveraging emerging trends and best practices in philanthropy and fundraising.

• Develop skill and monitor continued growth and development of current Philanthropy Associate, and any additional fundraising staff that join our team.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and other key stakeholders, ensuring a personalized and donor-centric approach to engagement as a cross function collaborative effort with the CEO and Deputy Executive Director.

• Lead by example in donor engagement activities, including communication, meetings, and events to deepen prospect and individual donor relationships through ongoing cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

• Develop and maintain a robust donor recognition and stewardship program to acknowledge and celebrate philanthropic support at all levels.

YWCA Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and supervise communications, marketing or business interns, provide micro-volunteer options to students to provide social media support, managing newsletters/article writing, Canva design, and survey management for YWCA development, events, fundraising and long-term organizational goals.

• Provide leadership and performance management to Director of Girls Inc./Youth Programs and additional fundraising professionals on the YWCA team.

Collaboration and Relationship Management:

• Collaborate closely with CEO/Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, board members, program staff, and volunteers to integrate fundraising activities with organizational priorities and initiatives.

• Serve as a key liaison between the philanthropy team and other staff, facilitating communication and collaboration to maximize fundraising impact.

• Represent the organization externally at community events, networking opportunities as another cross-function effort by the leadership team, and through involvement with other civic organizations to enhance visibility and credibility within the philanthropic community.

Marketing and Event Planning

• Prepare long‐range marketing goals to maximize the brand, reputation, and communication efforts of the YWCA.

• Develop the layout of marketing material to ensure quality and consistent corporation image in all material including marketing collateral for events, electronic newsletters, brochures, social media platforms, print and digital advertisements, and the YWCA website.

• Maintain website to include broader communication, online giving and interactive opportunities, social networking sites for organizational and event specific benefit.

• Conducts media outreach and builds relationships with key influencers using a variety of tactics, including social media.

• Lead and plan two major fundraising events and two program and mission driven events annually

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervises appointed volunteers and interns

Minimum Qualification Standards:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred. Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in nonprofit development and fundraising; media relations and/or public relations experience and connections preferable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Skill in working with a diverse population; ability to work in a cooperative work environment. • Exceptional time management • Project management and organizational skills • Excellent communication skills. •Ability to work outside standard hours as needed, including occasional evenings and weekends

To apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to Wenona Timmons, YWCA Deputy Executive Director at Operations@ywca-syracuse.org. In your email, please specify which opportunity you are interested in. Call the YWCA Main office at 315-424-0040 with any questions.