Chief Development Officer
About the Organization
Learn, Grow and Thrive with a Career at the Y
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the YMCA of Greater Nashua it’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day.
We are cause-driven: We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job—you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
About the Job
Full time, EXEMPT position; YMCA of Greater nashua
About Us
With four vibrant facilities and a strong community presence, the YMCA of Greater Nashua is a force for positive change in Southern New Hampshire. Just 45 minutes from Boston with easy access to the ocean, lakes, and mountains — Nashua offers urban energy with small-town charm. Named a top state to live in by U.S. News & World Report, New Hampshire has no sales or income tax and offers a high quality of life.
We serve more than 40,000 individuals annually and invested $1.4 million in financial assistance and community outreach in 2024 alone. Our mission: to nurture potential, improve health and well-being, and give back to our neighbors — all guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Position Summary
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a dynamic, strategic, and visionary leader who advances the Y’s mission through philanthropy. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CDO champions a culture of giving, driving comprehensive fundraising strategies including annual campaigns, capital efforts, major gifts, grants, donor stewardship, and strategic communications.
Partnering closely with the CEO, board, and community stakeholders, the CDO is responsible for growing and diversifying our philanthropic revenue streams — ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package, with salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off and holidays, and a complimentary YMCA family membership with discounts on programs. After two years of service, employees are eligible for a 12% YMCA retirement contribution. We are committed to your growth and success, offering professional development and leadership training opportunities to support your career journey.
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and implement a visionary development plan aligned with organizational goals and the Y’s strategic plan
- Serve as key philanthropic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors
- Cultivate a strong internal culture of philanthropy across all levels of the organization
Fundraising & Donor Engagement
- Lead all fundraising efforts including annual campaign, major and planned gifts, foundation and corporate partnerships, events, and digital giving
- Personally manage and grow a portfolio of top-tier donors and prospects
- Inspire and equip staff and volunteers to engage in mission-driven fundraising
Capital Campaigns & Special Initiatives
- Design and execute capital and strategic funding campaigns
- Partner with consultants, staff, and volunteers to build support and infrastructure for major campaigns
Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Develop, lead, and mentor a high-performing development team
- Promote cross-department collaboration with marketing, operations, and programs to ensure unified messaging and donor engagement
Board & Volunteer Leadership
- Serve as staff lead to the Financial Development Committee
- Guide and train board and volunteer leaders on fundraising strategy and donor cultivation
Stewardship, Data & Communications
- Oversee donor database and CRM systems, ensuring data integrity and donor recognition
- Drive communication strategies that reinforce our impact and inspire community support
- Lead storytelling initiatives that bring our mission to life through donor engagement and events
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising or development
- Demonstrated success securing major gifts ($25,000+), managing capital campaigns, and building lasting donor relationships
- Strong interpersonal, storytelling, and public speaking skills
- Data-driven mindset and experience managing donor databases
- Mission-driven, growth-oriented, and committed to inclusion and equity
- YMCA or other mission-based nonprofit experience strongly preferred
Impact Statement
The CDO will help shape the future of our organization by advancing a bold philanthropic vision that fuels innovation, equity, and growth. Their leadership will transform donor relationships, expand our resource base, and create deeper community connections that make lasting impact.
Our Culture & Promise
We are more than a gym—we are a cause-driven organization rooted in equity, inclusion, and community impact. At the Y, achievement, relationships, and belonging aren’t just ideals—they’re how we measure success. Guided by our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, we empower every staff member to help our members write their own success stories—starting with creating the Most Welcoming Place on Earth.
YMCA Leadership Competencies
- Mission Advancement: Inspire and mobilize community support for the Y’s mission
- Collaboration: Build inclusive partnerships across staff, board, and stakeholders
- Operational Effectiveness: Deliver high-impact results through strategy and stewardship
- Personal Growth: Lead with humility, courage, and a commitment to equity