Job Description

Under the direction of the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Director of Major Gifts provides leadership and develops strategy for the association major and planned giving program. Partnering with the association financial development team and branch operations, raises funds, develops, implements, and evaluates the branch component of the association major and planned giving program. Provides counsel to branch leaders on individual, business and private foundation prospects, branch capital campaigns and fundraising training. Assists with board development and management of branch board volunteers to position the YMCA as a "charity of choice" within the local community. Plays an important role in ongoing consultative support for branches and branch volunteer leadership in philanthropy.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Seven or more years of professional experience with a background in fundraising in the YMCA or another non-profit preferred with experience in fundraising including annual campaigns, major gifts and capital campaigns.
• Ability to create interpretive materials to enable potential donors to understand the YMCA and how they contribute to the achievement of its mission.
• Demonstrated fund raising strategy development.
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral.
• Ability to relate to branch staff and volunteer leaders.

Essential Functions

BE WELL

Operational Excellence & Accountability
• Creates an environment where staff, volunteers, and donors feel valued, connected, and inspired to support the YMCA's mission.
• Utilizes department-established systems to track donor engagement plans and record within established software tracking system.

DO GOOD

Philanthropic Relationships & Mission Impact
• Champions a culture of philanthropy throughout the Association by empowering leaders, volunteers, and staff to actively participate in fundraising efforts.
• Builds meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, community leaders, corporations, and foundations that result in transformational philanthropic investments.
• Identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift & endowment prospects, donors, and foundation/corporate opportunities.
• Consults with branch leaders to identify, cultivate and solicit major gifts for key program and capital initiatives.
• Clearly communicates the YMCA case for support to all current and prospective donors.
• In partnership with CDO, leads branch stewardship strategies for major and planned giving donors.

LEAD CHANGE

Fundraising Strategy & Organizational Growth
• Assists with development and implementation of financial development plans, policies, and procedures.
• Capitalizes on the branches' capabilities and resources to further major and planned giving programs at branch level.
• Strengthens the YMCA's visibility and reputation as Arizona's nonprofit partner of choice through community leadership and strategic storytelling.
• Assists branch leadership and counsel on campaign readiness and execution of capital projects.
• Ensures responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability for all philanthropic activities while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

This position plays a key leadership role in advancing the Association's strategic direction by:
• Be Well. Foster a culture of purpose, collaboration, and organizational excellence.
• Do Good. Strengthen philanthropy to expand community impact.
• Lead Change. Advance the YMCA's strategic vision through innovation and influence.

Required Certifications
• YMCA Organizational Leader Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• New Hire Orientation.
• Mandatory Compliance Training with a focus on Child Protection and workplace safety.
• CPR, AED, Basic Life Saving, Adult & Pediatric First Aid and Oxygen from an approved agency.

Ymca Careers
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