Director of Development & Membership

About the role

The University Y is seeking a mission-driven professional to take an established development program to the next level. Building upon a strong and successful foundation, the Director of Development & Membership will work closely with the Executive Director and Board in designing and executing a comprehensive development and membership strategy.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the Development program, including the Annual Fund Campaign.
• Develop strategies to cultivate current or new membership and oversee stewardship practices.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, including the Dump & Run program.
• Develop planned gifts and manage and direct major gifts campaigns.
• Support grant application processes and specific programmatic fundraising initiatives.
• Work with key constituencies (volunteer leaders, staff, students, alumni, and community partners) to develop and execute Annual Fund campaigns.
• Write fundraising appeal letters, stewardship and recognition communication, and grant proposals.
• Identify major donor prospects and create action plans with staff and volunteers to secure new or increased philanthropic commitments.
• Design and produce print, email, and social media communication, recognition, and training materials; develop analog and digital strategies for reaching and engaging supporters.
• Identify prospects for planned giving and steward the current membership of the Y’s planned giving society, the Heritage Circle.
• Investigate and develop new ways to integrate development and program initiatives to make the impact of the work more accessible and connected to supporters.
• Oversee and coordinate the Annual Dinner & Auction, Dump and Run, and additional fundraising events as needed.
• Evaluate and assess development activities, making adjustments and modifications as needed.
• Maintain and update the donor database and constituent records to facilitate good communication and segmentation practices.
• Work with staff and volunteer leadership to record, reconcile, and audit all gifts; produce and analyze reports; ensure accuracy, quality, and process continuity of all development activities; and plan and execute an effective Development budget.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• A 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 communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to speak in public, interact with and motivate donors, community leaders, and staff, as well as write compelling letters/proposals for support.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Essential computer skills and familiarity with donor databases such as Raiser’s Edge.
• Comfortable and knowledgeable with social media.
• Experience with grant writing is preferred but not required.
• Some evening, weekend, and travel time will be required as necessary.

Skills

• Philanthropy: Values and supports the many facets of philanthropy as an essential component in achieving the mission.
• Relationships: Builds authentic relationships to enhance individual and team performance.
• Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the audience’s needs.
• Influence: Employs influence strategies that engage, inspire, and build commitment to the cause and overall goals.
• Developing Others: Recognizes and acts on the need to continually develop others’ capabilities to attain the highest level of performance.
• Project Management: Supports goal attainment by prioritizing activities, assigning responsibilities, monitoring progress, and evaluating impact.
• Quality Results: Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides quality experiences.
• Change Capacity: Leads self and others through change by navigating ambiguity and adapting to new situations, obstacles, and opportunities.