Chief Development Officer

CDO is a key member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic vision and oversight for all fundraising, communications, public relations, and volunteer engagement efforts at the YWCA Greater Cincinnati. As the organization’s chief fundraiser, the CDO drives comprehensive development strategies that strengthen philanthropic partnerships and advance the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. This role leads all areas of resource development, while ensuring consistent, mission‑aligned external communications in collaboration with an external PR partner. 

Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Reports To: President & CEO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervises: Development ,Communications, Public Relations, and Volunteer Engagement

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for all fundraising, public relations, communications, and volunteer engagement initiatives of the YWCA Greater Cincinnati.

As the organization’s chief fundraiser, the CDO develops and implements comprehensive strategies to strengthen philanthropic support and community partnerships that advance the YWCA’s mission

to eliminate racism and empower women. The CDO manages all aspects of resource development including capital and comprehensive campaigns, annual giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate relations, and signature events.

The CDO also oversees the YWCA’s external communications and public relations through management of an external PR partner, ensuring consistent, mission-aligned messaging. Additionally, the CDO directs volunteer engagement to deepen the organization’s connection to the community and expand its base of advocates and supporters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to strategic planning

and organizational decision-making.

• Embrace the 'One YW' philosophy. This means working hand-in-hand with colleagues to understand the financial needs of every program and department.
• Partner with and provide support to the Board of Directors and Development Committee to strengthen governance engagement in fundraising.
• Set ambitious, realistic, and data driven fundraising goals that support YW’s lifesaving work and provide regular reports, being prepared to strategically pivot when needed.

Administrative & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise development, communications, and volunteer engagement staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Manage relationships with consultants, contractors, and vendors supporting development and communications initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and all relevant regulations established by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organization by taking on special projects and initiatives as directed by the President & CEO

Development Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and set direction for all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and foundation and corporate relations.
• Lead capital campaigns, including campaign planning, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Support the President & CEO on key relationships and solicitations.
• Design and execute a comprehensive moves management system to guide the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors. This includes working directly with the President & CEO and Development Director to manage their individual portfolios.
• Cultivate and manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth prospects, including one-on-one meetings, customized proposals, and ongoing stewardship.
• Support the team in developing and executing annual and multi-year fundraising plans that align with organizational goals.

Public Relations & Communications

• Oversee all aspects of the YWCA’s communications and branding strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
• Manage an external PR and communications partner to develop and implement media relations, marketing, and digital strategies that elevate the YWCA’s visibility and impact.
• Ensure consistency and quality in messaging across publications, social media, website content, and campaign materials.
• Collaborate with leadership to advance thought leadership and public advocacy efforts.

Volunteer Engagement

• Ensure the volunteer program is a strategically designed and deeply rewarding experience, cultivating long-term relationships that lead to a pipeline of future donors, advocates, and ambassadors.
• Lead the strategy for volunteer engagement to strengthen community partnerships and support program needs.
• Oversee recruitment, training, recognition, and retention of volunteers.

• Collaborate across departments to ensure volunteer initiatives align with organizational priorities and mission outcomes.

Events & Community Engagement

• Provide oversight and leadership for YWCA’s signature events, including the Career Women of Achievement Luncheon and Rising Stars programs.
• Maximize events as opportunities for donor cultivation, corporate engagement, and public awareness.
• Represent the YWCA in community and philanthropic settings to promote the organization’s mission and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive fundraising and development experience, including leading major campaigns and managing complex donor portfolios.
• Proven success in designing and executing capital campaigns, major gift solicitations, and institutional fundraising strategies.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to balance multiple high-priority initiatives and deadlines.
• Experience overseeing communications, marketing, and public relations (preferably through external partnerships).
• Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring diverse teams.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Deep commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including racial and gender equity, empowerment, and social justice.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Able to design and implement long-term plans that align fundraising and communications strategies with organizational priorities.
• Relationship Management: Builds strong, authentic relationships with donors, partners, and volunteers.
• Leadership: Inspires and motivates teams while fostering accountability and growth.
• Communication: Articulates a compelling vision with clarity and impact across audiences and channels.

• Collaboration: Works effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Organization & Time Management: Excels at managing multiple priorities, complex projects, and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Equity & Inclusion: Embodies and advances YWCA’s commitment to racial and gender justice.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment with flexibility for hybrid work as approved.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required to attend meetings, events, and donor engagements.
• Local travel required; limited regional or national travel may be necessary for donor relations or conferences.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to travel independently throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

About YWCA Greater Cincinnati

YWCA Greater Cincinnati is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. As one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the region, YWCA provides critical programs and advocacy in racial justice, domestic violence services,

economic empowerment, and leadership development.