We are YSS

YSS offers a compelling opportunity to work with one of Iowa's oldest and largest youth-serving nonprofit organizations. Our mission is centered around providing hope and opportunity by putting kids first. With locations across the state and tailored centers in each community, we are deeply committed to addressing the unique needs of the youth we serve. Our diverse leadership team brings together a wide range of specialties and expertise, all dedicated to our mission. With a rich history spanning over four decades, YSS has a strong legacy of making a positive impact in the lives of young people. Join us in creating a brighter future for youth and being part of our 45-year legacy of service.

The role:
The Development Director for YSS of Des Moines' key responsibilities include visiting donors, stewarding gifts, and ensuring consistent records are kept. Every day, you’ll focus on driving fundraising efforts to support YSS’s mission. This includes annual giving through support of the YSS Impact Circle, securing endowment and planned gifts, as well as networking and nurturing existing and new relationships. Ability to prioritize and strategize is required. The Development Director will work closely with the Youth Opportunity Center Director, the IHYC Board, and the CEO via lead referrals and relationship management, collaborating to best ensure a successful close.

What we offer:

• A team of bright, collaborative, dependable, and fun colleagues
• An exciting, welcoming workplace
• A clear, mission-driven purpose to create hope and opportunity by putting kids first
• Employee recognition program
• Retirement offerings
• Opportunities for development
• Programs focused on your personal wellness
• Discounts on pet insurance for your furry family
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Accrued paid time off, plus paid time off for holidays, your birthday, and volunteering
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program


What you will do:

• The Development Director is responsible for implementing a comprehensive annual giving and major gift program with an emphasis on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and securing of gifts.
• Must operate best within a sales team structure, willing to prospect, resistant to rejection, and highly motivated to continual drives toward goals.
• Determines the best means to solicit major and planned gifts. Develops and executes strategies specifically suited for such donors and compatible with the defined case and the financial goals of YSS. Builds and maintains strong and interactive relationships with highest-capacity donors.
• Follows the For Impact model for fundraising, including creates and executes Engagement Tools for private gift support based on funding priorities and develops and implements an annual plan to maximize private gift support.
• Develops and maintains constantly growing Master Prospect List (MPL) to ensure both existing and prospective major gift donors are consistently connected to and stewarded through the gift process. Sets priorities for visits and contacts based on connection, capacity, and philanthropic goals.
• Cultivates strong relationships with potential donors by making visits to learn about their interests and then matching them to the appropriate YSS program, service, and/or needs.
• Leads growth of the YSS Impact Circle, and provides structure for consistent recognition and engagement to the full Development Team.
• Collaborates with the Marketing and Communications team for each quarter’s Donor Digest.
• Supports the Community Engagement Team as needed for recognition events to support donor stewardship.
• Establishes and measures progress on annual productivity goals.
• Maintains complete records of all prospective and current donors’ interactions via Raiser’s Edge.
• Attends and reports progress to Foundation Executive Committee and Foundation Board of Trustees including informational segments on major and planned gifts.
• Directs donors to experts to answer any legal or tax questions.
• Maintains active membership in appropriate professional organizations (MIPG, AFP, SCAP).
• Attends applicable training opportunities for continuing education.
• Keeps abreast in the field through journals, media, professional seminars, and other activities.

What You'll Need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public relations, philanthropic studies or related field along with minimum four years of experience.
• Proven success in sales or fundraising, especially as it relates to planned giving and major gifts.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated while performing job requirements.
• Possess a genuine interest, enthusiasm, and affinity for fundraising.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills necessary to build relationships with donors, volunteers and staff.
• Attention to detail, ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, and basic computer skills necessary.