Chief Philanthropy Officer

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Location Nashville, TN 37203 Date Posted October 08, 2026 Job ID 15543 Employment Type Retained

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, an organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through programs that nurture the potential of every individual. Proudly working side by side with their neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Nashville, TN.

ABOUT YMCA OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE:

Simply put, the Y is for everyone. Guided by its Christian mission, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee believes that keeping its doors open to all strengthens both the organization and the communities it serves. Every day, the Y works to ensure that people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

In an increasingly interconnected world, this commitment to inclusion has never been more vital. The YMCA of Middle Tennessee values and respects the rich diversity of individuals and communities across the region. It actively fosters an environment of belonging - one built on empathy, acceptance, and respect - so that every person feels welcome and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

In partnership with the President & CEO and the executive team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) serves as the architect and driver of a bold philanthropic vision for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. This role provides strategic leadership and direction to staff and volunteers, advancing transformational philanthropic growth through major and capital campaigns, planned giving, foundation and endowment development, and innovative engagement strategies.

The CPO oversees all aspects of philanthropy, raising more than $10 million annually, and plays a pivotal role in positioning the YMCA for long-term, sustainable impact. This leader cultivates a culture of generosity and ensures every development initiative aligns with the YMCA's mission, values, and strategic priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive philanthropy strategy that drives annual, capital, planned giving, programmatic, and endowment growth.
• Serve as staff lead to the YMCA Foundation and Foundation Board, ensuring effective governance, endowment health, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead major and transformational giving initiatives by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Collaborate with the CEO, senior leaders, and key volunteers to secure multimillion-dollar contributions and strengthen donor engagement.
• Implement relationship management strategies that advance donors to higher levels of investment and long-term partnership.
• Oversee annual giving programs that enhance donor retention, acquisition, and lifetime value.
• Lead planning and execution of capital and special campaigns to support mission advancement and facility growth.
• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing philanthropy team while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Provide training, tools, and strategic guidance to staff and volunteers to strengthen fundraising capacity across the Y.
• Direct grant strategy and sponsored program development to expand institutional and foundation funding.
• Partner with Foundation and Association Boards on major gift opportunities and long-term philanthropic initiatives.
• Contribute as a key member of the senior leadership team, ensuring alignment of development goals with organizational strategy.
• Represent the YMCA across the community, building partnerships with civic, business, and nonprofit leaders.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all philanthropic and community engagement efforts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive fundraising leadership experience with a record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Proven success leading multimillion-dollar capital campaigns and driving endowment or foundation growth.
• Demonstrated ability to build, inspire, and manage high-performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, financial acumen, and results orientation.
• Ability to influence, inspire, and mobilize diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
• Knowledge of donor engagement best practices, data-driven fundraising, and emerging trends in philanthropy.
• Passionate ambassador for the YMCA's mission, values, and community impact.
• Willingness to travel across middle Tennessee and work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to upholding YMCA ethics, values, and child protection standards.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

This full-time, on-site executive position offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead the philanthropic strategy of one of the nation's most respected and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. The role offers a highly competitive salary range of $210,000-$240,000 (DOE), along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and disability insurance through; flexible spending accounts (FSAs); and a 10% employer contribution to the YMCA Retirement Plan. Employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities that foster both personal and organizational growth.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

YMCA of Middle Tennessee has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/13683/

Please address applications to:

Chelsea Zimmer, Senior Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

Scion Executive Search is an award-winning retained executive search firm. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the United States. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation.

We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. Additionally, Scion has been recognized as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing firm as well as a top recruitment firm by The Business Times. Additional information about our firm and our practices can be found online.

Scion Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer and service provider and does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected class. We are committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity Employment and are dedicated to making employment decisions based on merit and value, for ourselves, our client companies, and the candidates we represent.

For opportunities located in a region that has enacted fair chance, arrest, or conviction-based employment ordinances, Scion Executive Search proactively follows the enacted guidance and considers for employment all qualified applications with arrest and conviction records. We engage in socially conscious business practices and believe that diverse, equitable, inclusive, and non-biased talent and recruitment processes are foundational to the success of Scion as well as every client organization with whom we partner.