Vice President of Philanthropy

Job Description

This is a rare build moment. The YMCA of Greater Nashua is redesigning its philanthropic model from the ground up, moving from a transactional annual campaign to a mission-driven, multi-tiered giving ecosystem. The VP of Philanthropy will be the person who leads that build: shaping the strategy, cultivating the relationships, and owning the results.

Qualifications

• A seasoned fundraising leader ready to own a function completely, from strategy to execution.
• You may be a Development Director ready to step into your first VP role, or a VP looking for a mission and an organization where you can build something meaningful.
• Either way, you have done the work: built donor relationships, made major asks, and moved the needle on a campaign.
• You are energized by a blank page, not intimidated by it.
• Required 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in major gifts, annual campaigns, or corporate sponsorship.
• Experience working with volunteers and board members as fundraising partners.
• Strong relationship skills; you're comfortable in a room with a major donor, a corporate partner, or a community volunteer.
• A builder's mindset: you see systems that don't exist yet and know how to create them.
• Clear, compelling written and verbal communication.
• Familiarity with donor CRM platforms and data-driven donor engagement.
• A genuine connection to the Y's mission and the communities we serve.

Essential Functions

• Annual & Mission-Driven Giving:
• Lead the Y's annual giving campaign under a new model that expands the mission story beyond scholarships to include Healthy Living programs and other high-impact work.
• Develop and manage a tiered giving structure, including a Champions program (major institutional and corporate sponsors at the $10K–$100K level) and the 1887 Society (recurring individual donors).
• Build out donor segmentation and engagement strategies, including gathering data on donor motivation to inform long-term relationship management.
• Maintain and exceed annual goals with a clear path toward closing the Y's full unfunded mission gap over time.
• Major Gifts & Prospect Cultivation:
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, building relationships that lead to multi-year commitments.
• Identify and cultivate corporate partners and program sponsors, connecting businesses to specific mission areas that align with their values.
• Partner with the CEO on top-tier donor relationships and high-stakes asks.
• Capital & Endowment Support:
• Develop and grow the Y's endowment giving program, including planned giving conversations with long-term donors.
• Work with the CEO and CFO to ensure philanthropic strategy aligns with organizational financial planning.
• Seek opportunities to use capital giving to support and grow the endowment.
• Grants:
• Oversee the Y's grants portfolio in partnership with the YMCA’s contracted grant writer and program leaders, identifying opportunities to layer grant funding alongside donor giving.
• Manage key foundation relationships, including Letters of Inquiry, proposals, and reporting.
• Ensure grant opportunities are aligned with the Y's mission priorities and financial needs.
• Board & Volunteer Engagement:
• Serve as a primary staff partner to the Board's Financial Development Committee, supporting board members as ambassadors and fundraisers.
• Co-own board engagement in the philanthropic mission alongside the CEO and FD Committee, equipping board members with the tools, stories, and confidence to make asks.
• Team Leadership:
• Lead and develop a small but mighty development team.
• Build systems, processes, and a culture of accountability within the development function.
• Manage the donor database and stewardship infrastructure to support a growing portfolio.
• Cause-Driven Leadership:
• Innovation – Engaging Community – Project Management – Critical Thinking

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This position operates in both professional office and active YMCA facility environments.
• Regular facility walkthroughs and engagement with members and staff are essential.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed to support membership operations and events.
• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to navigate facilities and be present during peak hours.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.