Job Description

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be , Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage , we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility , allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative , as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy , treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The YMCA of San Francisco is seeking an inspiring, strategic, and results-driven Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead all aspects of our philanthropic initiatives. As a vital member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the CAO will drive a comprehensive advancement strategy that fuels our mission and deepens our impact across the Bay Area.

This dynamic leader will cultivate major individual donors, steward institutional funders, and strategically access public funding opportunities aligned with our mission. The CAO will also develop innovative partnerships with corporations and community organizations to amplify our reach and sustainability.

Working closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors, the CAO will bring bold vision, exceptional leadership, and a collaborative spirit to grow a culture of philanthropy that sustains and advances the YMCA's transformative work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fund Development

• Develop and execute a bold, innovative fundraising strategy to achieve and exceed aggressive annual and multi-year revenue goals.
• Drive a relationship-based fundraising model focused on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts, institutional grants, corporate partnerships, and public funding.
• Leverage community partnerships and programmatic collaborations to create new revenue streams and strategic alliances.
• Utilize data-driven insights to build a robust major donor pipeline, track giving trends, and continually refine fundraising strategies.
• Represent the Y to external audiences, enhancing visibility and strengthening the organization’s reputation as a leader in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Advancement team and volunteer network, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Build strong internal partnerships with branch leadership and program staff to integrate development efforts organization-wide.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, senior leaders, and Board on all advancement-related initiatives.

Board Engagement and Stewardship

• Partner with the Board of Directors and Advancement Committee to strengthen philanthropic leadership and engagement.
• Equip and mobilize Board members as ambassadors, fundraisers, and champions for the Y’s mission.
• Provide strategic leadership for major fundraising campaigns, including annual, capital, and endowment initiatives.

Operational Excellence

• Develop and manage the Advancement budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and maximum return on investment.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring compliance and successful funder relations.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to design compelling campaigns that build donor loyalty and expand our reach.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6–8 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, or external relations, preferably within a complex nonprofit or social enterprise.
• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and/or government entities.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with donors, board members, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Strong team leadership and management skills, with a passion for mentoring and developing talent.
• Deep commitment to the YMCA’s mission, values, and vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Experience with fundraising technologies, CRM systems, and social media strategies to enhance donor engagement.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel locally, regionally, and nationally as needed.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., nonprofit management, business, public administration) strongly preferred.

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