Director, Central Region Advancement & Advocacy

Location: York, Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry, or Hybrid

About the Organization

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a trauma-informed and healing-centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of its services. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Benefits

• Hybrid work opportunities
• Extensive orientation program
• Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA)
• Health and wellness programs
• Referral program with rewards for bringing talented individuals to the team
• Tuition reimbursement program

Responsibilities

Advocacy and Public Policy

• Oversee the organization's advocacy and public policy efforts to advance systemic change on behalf of individuals, families, and communities served
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staff, government agencies and regulators, coalitions, and advocacy networks
• Work cross-functionally with programs, leadership, board, and community partners to promote youth issues and represent the agency at community meetings, events, and forums
• Advocate for youth-centric policies and programs at the local, state, and national levels; identify subject matter experts on topics within the advocacy platform
• Monitor legislation, regulations, and administrative policies affecting clients
• Work with the Marketing & Communications team to effectively communicate advocacy efforts, monitor and evaluate impact, and report on outcomes
• Generate $300,000 in annual revenue through policy advocacy initiatives, positioning the agency as a key partner for government funding

Annual Giving and Special Events

• Ensure success ($500,000+ net annually) of at least three annual fundraising events: Golf Tournament, Give.Local.York, and signature Setting the Stage
• Serve as liaison to Events Committees for all special events
• Oversee all aspects of Special Events for the Central Region, including sponsorship materials and promotions
• Ensure accuracy of pledges and gifts and proper receipt of all sponsorships prior to event date
• Recruit, motivate, train, manage, and recognize Events Committee and Staff Volunteers
• Recruit top-level business and community leaders to serve as Co-Chairs, Honorees, and Committee members
• Maintain effective cost control for Special Events to ensure the highest possible return on investment
• Support DonorPerfect database growth and manage database integrity by ensuring 100% of activity is accurately recorded
• Develop and maintain an extensive portfolio in the DonorPerfect database of 100-125 prospects
• Research, identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned giving prospects using Moves Management
• Conduct 10-12 phone and/or face-to-face solicitations per month and document 10-12 weekly donor contacts, including site tours and visitations
• Coordinate closely with Finance to provide accurate event ProFormas
• Actively manage and coordinate all aspects of Annual Requests ($100,000+ net annually), including Major Gifts, Capital Campaigns, Planned Gifts, and honor/memorial gifts from prospects (Corporate, Foundations, individuals, etc.)
• Manage relationships with United Way organizations and other workplace giving campaigns, encouraging brand awareness and revenue generation
• Evaluate effectiveness based on a nine-point performance index and reasonable cost guidelines for all fundraising activities; take action to improve activities that are not producing a reasonable cost of fundraising and return on investment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years of advocacy, government relations, or professional fundraising experience
• Achievement-oriented professional adept at prioritizing, multitasking, and working independently without close oversight
• Team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority both inside and outside of VYH
• Maturity, excellent skills in writing, organization, research, independence of judgement, and ability to work both independently and as a team player
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, take initiative, and interact with top leadership and elected officials in the community
• Tangible experience expanding and cultivating existing relationships over time
• Amenable to a flexible work schedule involving evening and weekend hours, as well as fixed office hours
• Must never have been convicted of any child abuse offenses

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit for prolonged periods at a desk working on a computer
• Ability to navigate stairs
• Occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 35 lbs
• Travel up to 35% of the time to different offices and Advancement-related events

If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire; vacation, sick, and personal time off; 401(k) with 6% match; employer-paid clearances, physical, and training; opportunities for tuition reimbursement; opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.