Executive Director - Development

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Lead all fundraising and philanthropic strategy for the YMCA, driving sustainable revenue growth through annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate giving, foundation partnerships, capital development and endowment development. This role is responsible for transitioning the YMCA from an event-driven fundraising model to a relationship-based culture of philanthropy, building strong donor engagement, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. This position will supervise an associate position, providing administrative support for the development department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy, including annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate giving, foundation partnerships, capital and endowment development programs.
• Create and manage the YMCA’s annual fundraising plan and calendar, ensuring clear priorities, timelines, and revenue goals.
• Establish measurable fundraising goals and track progress through consistent reporting and analysis.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, building and actively managing a robust donor pipeline.
• Establish and implement a structured donor stewardship plan to ensure consistent engagement, recognition, and retention.
• Utilize CRM systems to track donor activity, monitor pipeline progress, and inform strategy.
• Lead the development and growth of the YMCA’s endowment fund, including creating strategy, identifying prospects, and securing planned and legacy gifts.
• Educate and engage donors, board members, and community stakeholders on the long-term impact of endowment giving.
• Integrate endowment opportunities into donor conversations, campaigns, and stewardship strategies.
• Partner with the CEO to lead board and advisory board development, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and fundraising accountability.
• Support board members in fulfilling their role as ambassadors and fundraisers for the YMCA.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to ensure successful execution aligned with fundraising goals.
• Champion a culture of philanthropy across the organization, ensuring staff at all levels understand their role in donor engagement and storytelling.
• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team contributing to organizational alignment and strategic execution
• Partner with program and branch leaders to identify impact stories, program outcomes, and donor engagement opportunities.
• Promote alignment between programs, marketing, and development to strengthen community impact and fundraising success.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to align messaging, campaigns, donor communications and YMCA branding protocols.
• Provide leadership and direction to development staff, consultants, and volunteers as applicable.
• Represent the YMCA in community, donor, and fundraising settings.
• Ensure accurate gift processing, donor acknowledgment, and reporting in compliance with YMCA policies and standards.
• Maintain integrity and confidentiality in all donor and organizational information.
• Performs other duties as assigned