POSITION SUMMARY:

The Association Director of Development will have primary responsibility for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to increase contributions through the solicitation of major gifts, federal and state grants, special events, corporate and foundation support, annual support and planned giving.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following, other duties may be assigned:

• Directs the development, planning and implementation of Association-wide fundraising initiatives, including special events. Work jointly with related staff on special events to manage relationships with and solicit support from local businesses and corporations, and foundations as applicable. Assist in carrying out duties relative to event success.
• Manage capital campaigns, engaging and overseeing capital campaign firms as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to develop and implement best practices Association-wide with the annual campaign and funding for programs that align with the Y’s mission.
• Produce and deliver reports to internal leadership and Board of Directors, demonstrating prospect and donor movement, annual and major gift goals, and progress on goals-to-date, while creating a Board approved comprehensive Philanthropy plan.
• Work strategically to execute on grant opportunities from government sources, foundations and corporations that are in alignment with strategic priorities and/or annual or campaign requests.
• Expand and diversify the donor base/pipeline and work closely with other team members to secure funding for new initiatives.
• Serves on the Endowment Committee and works closely to ensure continuity of donor intent.
• Represent and promote the YMCA in the local community and develop positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, governmental entities, donors, and prospects.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (MULTI-TEAM OR Branch Leader):

Philanthropy: Promotes and inspires philanthropy among staff and volunteers. Ensures fundraising activities and strategies are sufficient to support the Y’s charitable needs. Initiates and fosters relationships with all constituents through a systematic cultivation plan designed to increase support of the Y.

Change Leadership: Intentionally uses change as a strategy to expand options and opportunities and better leverage YMCA resources and capabilities. Creates successful change by aligning structures, systems, and processes that are linked to the change. Creates a compelling vision for the Y that inspires and motivates others to embrace change.

Communication & Influence: Creates and clearly communicates a compelling cause-driven vision. Creates and implements effective communication strategies with compelling messages that inspire others to accomplish the mission and cause of the Y with maximum impact.

Functional Expertise: Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Uses best practices, guidelines, and industry standards as a framework to improve performance. Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Nonprofit Management, Business, Marketing or equivalent; CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) and/or CFRM (Certified Fundraising Manager) preferred.
• 3+ years in experience in fundraising/fund development, public relations, leadership in the nonprofit sector, or in sales; combination of education and experience considered.
• Experience in a nonprofit organization, demonstrated success in a development function (managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources).
• Proven track record of developing authentic relationships with others with the ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
• Experience in executing grant opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long term relationships.
• A professional and resourceful style; the ability to work independently and collaboratively, to take initiative and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.