Director of Development

About the Role

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges (Metro Y) seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of individual donors and major gift prospects to advance the Association's mission and philanthropic priorities.

As a frontline fundraiser, the Director of Development will develop meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders to secure leadership and major gifts in support of the Association's annual fundraising initiatives, capital campaigns, endowment, and strategic priorities. The role serves as the primary development partner for assigned YMCA branches, collaborating with Executive Directors, volunteer leaders, and Association staff to develop and execute fundraising strategies.

Metro YMCA branches are located in Livingston, Maplewood, East Orange, New Milford, Hardyston, and Stillwater, New Jersey. Regular travel throughout the Association's service area, along with occasional evening and weekend commitments, is required.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift & Annual Campaign Fundraising
  • Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for an assigned portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
  • Build, manage, and grow an active portfolio through all stages of the donor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal.
  • Conduct regular face-to-face meetings, discovery visits, and stewardship conversations with current and prospective donors.
  • Personally solicit leadership and major gifts in support of annual operations, capital campaigns, endowment, and other strategic initiatives.
  • Prepare compelling gift proposals, personalized correspondence, impact reports, and other donor communications.
  • Maintain a consistent pipeline of qualified prospects while advancing donors toward meaningful philanthropic commitments.
  • Maintain accurate and timely records of donor activity within the Association's CRM.
  • Utilize wealth screening, prospect research, and donor analytics to identify and prioritize fundraising opportunities.
• Branch Partnership
  • Serve as the lead fundraising partner for assigned YMCA branches.
  • Collaborate with Executive Directors and branch leadership to identify philanthropic priorities and develop annual fundraising strategies.
  • Provide fundraising guidance and support for branch-based campaigns and donor engagement opportunities.
  • Work collaboratively across the Association to maximize donor relationships and fundraising success.
  • Partner with volunteer leaders to strengthen philanthropic engagement within the communities served by the YMCA.
  • Provide fundraising training, coaching, and ongoing support to Executive Directors, branch leadership, staff, and volunteer leaders to strengthen donor engagement, solicitation skills, stewardship practices, and overall fundraising effectiveness.
  • Partner with branch leadership to develop a culture of philanthropy by equipping staff and volunteers with fundraising tools, best practices, and resources that support annual campaigns, major gifts, special events, and community engagement efforts.
• Stewardship
  • Develop and execute thoughtful stewardship plans that recognize donor generosity and demonstrate philanthropic impact.
  • Ensure timely acknowledgements, recognition, reporting, and ongoing engagement that foster long-term donor relationships.
• Community Engagement
  • Represent the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges at community meetings, branch events, fundraising activities, and donor gatherings.
  • Build relationships with community leaders, civic organizations, and select local and regional businesses to identify philanthropic partnerships that support the YMCA's mission.
• Other Responsibilities
  • Support Association-wide fundraising initiatives and special events.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit administration, business administration, communications, or a similar field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in fundraising with proven success in major gifts, annual campaigns, and/or special events.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and cultivate relationships with internal and external constituency groups, including donors, volunteers, staff, members, and community leaders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, build trust, and influence others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers, community partners, YMCA members, and donor prospects.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and purpose of the YMCA.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite and Canva.
• At least five (5) years of experience with donor databases.
• Experience with donor research tools such as databases, project management software, and CRM systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Legal plan, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility.
• 403(b) plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Metro Y program discounts.
• Complimentary use of YMCA facilities.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program (for full-time employees).

Pay

$100,000–$118,000 per year.