Director of Development

Director of Development

Position Description

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Director of Development (DoD) serves as a key leadership team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the YMCA’s future. This position is responsible for all fundraising and development activities. The successful candidate will help establish and grow new and existing relationships to build the YMCA’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. The DoD will design and implement a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating individual and philanthropic support.

The DoD will have primary responsibility for forming, managing, and growing the infrastructure necessary to support a $7 million budget through the solicitation of major gifts, foundation and government grants, corporate sponsorships, special events and the ‘Annual Campaign.’

The DoD will expand and diversify the YMCA’s donor base and pipeline while working closely with other YMCA staff, board members and other volunteers to secure funding for operating support, special programs, capital projects and endowment. The DoD will actively support the President/CEO and Board of Directors in fulfilling their fundraising roles. The DoD will persuasively convey the mission of the YMCA and be actively engaged in the community. It is expected that the amount raised by Meadowlands YMCA will increase year over year through the DoD’s leadership and direct efforts.

 Essential Responsibilities

• Support and partner with the President/CEO and board members on all major fundraising initiatives
• Collaborate with the Meadowlands YMCA’s management team to develop and implement the organization’s financial strategy
• Actively work with the President/CEO, senior staff and Financial Development Committee to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to include fundraising goals, strategies, objectives, and tactics for members and individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, and government
• Have primary responsibility for development and delivery of all proposals; write and archive proposals with a long-term relationship-management approach
• Oversee or conduct research into funding sources; exercise sound discretion in protecting confidential, private, or other sensitive information about donors and prospects
• Stay current on fundraising trends and other socio-economic factors impacting philanthropy and charitable fundraising
• Maintain familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations regarding charitable solicitation, and proactively educate colleagues to ensure compliance with fundraising laws and ethics
• Develop process for continually identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects
• Develop and implement a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors
• Develop strategies to increase volunteer involvement in all facets of the financial development program, including stewardship, peer-to-peer fundraising, workplace giving, special event support and general outreach
• Provide education, motivation and feedback to individuals related to best practices in the fundraising process
• Ensure that all staff with access to the donor database have role appropriate training and user permissions
• Ensure that the donor database has appropriate customization, dashboards and reports, and consistent data entry and hygiene practices
• Prepare and coordinate proposals for grants from government sources and private foundations
• Develop systems and manage resources needed to carry out fundraising plans; establish and monitor the financial development department budget for the YMCA
• Maintain appropriate fundraising policies and procedures
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurable fundraising success metrics; regularly track and report statistical data to the board and senior leaders about donors and performance against goals for campaigns, special events, annual appeals, and major and planned gifts
• Track all gifts and pledges by source and purpose and provide reports as needed; ensure timely and accurate gift receipting
• Works collaboratively with the YMCA’s marketing and communications team to plan, implement, evaluate and improve development communications, including annual reports, newsletters, brochures, invitations, appeal letters, email, social media and web site content
• Staff, manage and attend special events, project and committee meetings; in collaboration with committee members and other staff, plan and manage all Annual Campaign fundraising events, including a tricky tray, golf outing and annual gala.
• Identify, mentor and grow the development team.
• Represent and promote the YMCA in the local community and develop positive working relationships with other organizations, businesses, and governmental entities

 Qualifications

• Five or more years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including soliciting gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations
• Three or more years of supervisory experience
• Bachelor’s degree
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships
• Strong critical and strategic thinking skills as well as creative and innovative thinking
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives
• Strong project management skills with timely and consistent attention to follow-up
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment to accomplish team goals
• Ability to create compelling materials to educate potential donors about the YMCA and how they contribute to the achievement of its mission
• Knowledge of the media and its use in gaining exposure for YMCA events and programs
• Demonstrable success securing grants from foundations; government grant writing experience is a plus
• Proficient knowledge of computers and software, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and donor database applications in a PC environment
• Prior YMCA experience is a plus; passion for the YMCA’s mission is essential

 Physical Requirements

• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position.

 Salary and Benefits

$90,000.00 - $120,000.00

Comprehensive benefits package

Meadowlands Area YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants of all backgrounds are welcomed to apply.