Development Director

Job Description

As a key member of the leadership team, the Development Director works closely with the CEO, Board volunteers, donors, and community partners to secure the resources necessary to advance the YMCA's mission. This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraising professional who thrives on building meaningful relationships, creating innovative philanthropic strategies, and inspiring others to invest in a cause that changes lives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six or more years of professional fundraising experience, preferably within a YMCA or nonprofit environment.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts, annual giving, grants, sponsorships, and donor stewardship.
• Experience writing and managing foundation and government grant proposals.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, community leaders, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of charitable giving vehicles and philanthropic best practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities with attention to detail and follow-through.

Essential Functions

• Lead and execute the YMCA's comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, special events, capital campaigns, and endowment initiatives.
• Partner with the CEO and Board Financial Development Committee to identify new funding opportunities and expand donor engagement.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and major gift prospects.
• Research, prepare, and manage grant proposals and funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Oversee donor recognition, stewardship programs, gift processing, and donor database management.
• Develop fundraising systems, policies, procedures, and budgets that support sustainable growth.
• Train, support, and inspire volunteers and staff to participate in fundraising efforts and foster a culture of philanthropy.
• Represent the YMCA at community events, donor meetings, and organizational functions.
• Monitor fundraising performance and implement strategies to achieve organizational goals.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Philanthropy
• Volunteer Engagement
• Communication & Influence
• Collaboration
• Program & Project Management