--- title: Chief Development Officer: YMCA Metro Chicago description: The YMCA of Metro Chicago seeks a transformational leader as Chief Development Officer. image: https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/2-Mar-02-2026-10-56-29-5737-PM.png --- [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.svg)![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TWB%20Fundraising%202023%20Theme/images/TWB-Logo_RGB-web_invert.svg)](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - 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[Advancing your mission for a greater impact.](https://www.twbfundraising.com/) - [Why work with us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/) - [Who We Are](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/who-we-are/) - [Our Team](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/our-team/) - [Our Partners](https://www.twbfundraising.com/why-work-with-us/partnerships/) - [How we increase impact](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/) - [Fundraising Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/fundraising-counsel/) - [Organizational Development & Leadership](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/organizational-development-leadership/) - [Data Management, Analytics & Research](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/data-management-analytics-research/) - [Executive Recruitment & Transition Counsel](https://www.twbfundraising.com/how-we-increase-impact/executive-recruitment-transition-counsel/) - [Who we help](https://www.twbfundraising.com/who-we-help/) - [Arts and Cultural Institutions](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/arts/) - [Higher Education](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/higher-ed/) - [Faith-Based Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/faith/) - [Human Services](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/human-services/) - [Animal Welfare](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/animal-welfare/) - [Healthcare and Health-Related Organizations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/healthcare/) - [Organizations and Associations](https://www.twbfundraising.com/industry/organizations-and-associations/) [Contact Us](https://www.twbfundraising.com/contact-us/) July 31, 2025 # Chief Development Officer: YMCA Metro Chicago Written by [TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/ter-molen-watkins-brandt) ![](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/2-Mar-02-2026-10-56-29-5737-PM.png) The [YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago](https://www.ymcachicago.org/) (the Y) is a dynamic, community-driven nonprofit and the largest association in its national network, serving over 300,000 people each year across Chicagoland. With 14 community hubs, 120 “Y’s Without Walls” sites for childcare, 5 overnight camps, and 13 early learning centers, the Y is deeply committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. ### The Opportunity Embarking on an exciting period of growth and transformation, the Y seeks a seasoned Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead its mission-driven development and communications team. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CDO will build a high-performing fundraising and communications team, establish new systems and strategies, and shape how the Y engages with donors, board members, and the broader philanthropic community. ### Key Responsibilities - **Build and lead a talented fundraising and communications team**, including assessing structure and professional development - **Design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy** that strengthens major gifts, donor engagement, events, and grants - **Personally manage a portfolio of major donors** and partner with the CEO on cultivation and stewardship - **Transform board engagement** through support, education, and activation across five board structures - **Strengthen systems and data infrastructure** with a focus on KPIs, accountability, and donor database optimization (Raiser’s Edge) - **Elevate the Y’s organizational positioning** with compelling messaging and case development **Engage deeply with Chicago’s diverse philanthropic landscape**, building relationships across communities, neighborhoods, and corporate partners If you are an innovative leader with a passion for community impact, this role offers a chance to drive lasting change throughout Chicagoland. ##### This search is now closed. To view other recruitment opportunities, visit our full [Executive Search Positions page](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/executive-search).   - [#Executive Search](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/topic/executive-search) [![TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/hubfs/TWB-Logo_RGB-web.png)](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/ter-molen-watkins-brandt) Written by ### [TWB Fundraising](https://blog.twbfundraising.com/author/ter-molen-watkins-brandt) Let’s explore moving forward together. Our approachable working style combined with decades of specialized experience keeps our clients thriving. ## Comments Questions or comments? Join the conversation! 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