Director of Philanthropy

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement fundraising initiatives that engage donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders at both the local and association levels.
• Identify new donor prospects and develop cultivation strategies to inspire philanthropic support.
• Design compelling fundraising opportunities tied to YMCA programs and community impact to deepen engagement and increase giving.
• Partner with leadership to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and community needs.

Individual Donor Management

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with the capacity for leadership and major gifts.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through personalized engagement strategies.
• Conduct regular donor meetings, tours, and engagement opportunities to strengthen relationships with the YMCA.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, YMCA staff, and volunteer leaders on strategic donor solicitations.
• Track donor engagement and fundraising activity within the CRM to support effective relationship management and reporting.

Local Center & Camp Fundraising Partnership

• Partner with YMCA center and camp leaders, the Philanthropy Manager, and the Philanthropy Coordinator to develop site-specific fundraising strategies and annual development plans aligned with association-wide campaigns.
• Support Advisory Boards in strengthening their philanthropic engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Identify individual and corporate donor prospects connected to YMCA locations and support relationship-building and storytelling around community impact.

Special Events & Community Fundraising

• Support YMCA locations in maximizing the fundraising potential of local special events.
• Provide strategic guidance and fundraising best practices to increase event revenue, manage expenses and increase donor engagement.
• Assist with sponsorship development, donor cultivation, and stewardship tied to fundraising events.
• Identify opportunities to leverage events as a pipeline for future individual donors and corporate partners.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise the Manager of Philanthropy and Coordinator of Philanthropy.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented development team culture.
• Ensure strong coordination of donor stewardship, campaign execution, and fundraising operations.
• Support team members in implementing effective donor engagement and fundraising strategies.

Development Programs

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to align fundraising strategies across the association.
• Collaborate on annual fundraising appeals, donor communications, and campaign messaging.
• Support the development and promotion of the YMCA’s planned giving program.
• Provide reporting and analysis on donor activity, fundraising performance, and growth opportunities.

Minimum and Required Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, or related field required. Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or development.

• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising and donor relationship management.

• Experience developing fundraising strategies and building donor pipelines.

• Experience working with community partners, volunteers, and corporate sponsors.

• Experience supervising staff or leading development teams preferred.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities

• Strong major gifts and donor relationship management skills

• Strategic thinking with strong execution and follow-through

• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems

• Ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and community leaders

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite products and the ability to adapt to new technology.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required