Director of Development & Membership

Since 1873 the University YMCA has been a vital part of campus life at the University of Illinois. We develop students into leaders who share a commitment to making the world better by responding to community needs, encouraging faith in action, promoting global engagement, working for social justice, and protecting the environment. Our programs bridge the university and the wider community, giving students real-world opportunities to apply classroom knowledge.

About the role

The University YMCA is seeking a mission-driven professional to elevate our established development program. The Director of Development & Membership will partner with the Executive Director and Board of Governors to design and execute a comprehensive development and membership strategy.

Responsibilities

• Work with volunteer leaders, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to develop and execute Annual Fund campaigns.
• Write fundraising appeal letters, stewardship and recognition communications, and grant proposals.
• Identify major donor prospects and create action plans that lead to new or increased philanthropic commitments.
• Design and produce print, email, and social-media communications, recognition and training materials, and both analog and digital strategies for engaging supporters.
• Identify prospects for planned giving and steward current members of the Y’s planned-giving society, the Heritage Circle.
• Develop new ways to integrate development and program initiatives so supporters can see the impact of our work.
• Oversee and coordinate the Annual Dinner & Auction, Dump & Run®, and other fundraising events.
• Evaluate development activities and make adjustments as needed.
• Maintain and update the donor database and constituent records to ensure good communication and segmentation practices.
• Work with staff and volunteer leadership to record, reconcile, and audit all gifts; produce and analyze reports; ensure accuracy and continuity of development activities; and plan and execute the development budget.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in development or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, working with volunteers, and project management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, donor motivation, and proposal writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Essential computer skills and familiarity with donor databases such as Raiser’s Edge.
• Familiarity, knowledge, and comfort with social media.
• Some evening, weekend, and travel time required as necessary.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Employee and dependent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b)/Roth retirement plan.
• Employer-matched participation in the National YMCA Retirement Fund after two years of employment.

Pay

Hiring range: $50,000 to $55,000. Final salary is based on experience and background, with attention to equity for all personnel.