Director of Major Gifts

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.

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3. RESPONSIBILITIES OF A DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS:

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

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.

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 fund raising 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.

KEY LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

· Strategic Vision

· Relationship building & Influence

· Philanthropic Leadership

· Board & Volunteer Engagement

· Communication & Storytelling

· Financial Stewardship

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.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

A successful Director of Major Gifts:

· Develops transformational relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.

· Builds a strong pipeline of qualified major gift, planned giving, endowment, foundation, and corporate prospects.

· Uses data, donor insights, and organizational priorities to inform fundraising strategies and decisions.

· Contributes to a culture where philanthropy is viewed as a shared responsibility and an essential part of advancing the YMCA’s mission.

· Serves as a key ambassador for the YMCA throughout Arizona.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

· New Hire Orientation.

· Mandatory Compliance Training with a focus on Child Protection and workplace safety. 

· YMCA Organizational Leader Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).

· CPR, AED, Basic Life Saving, Adult & Pediatric First Aid and Oxygen from an approved agency.

FULL-TIME BENEFITS:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Free YMCA Family Membership
• Employee Program Rewards and Discounts
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave (Once Accrued)
• 403b Retirement Savings Account Upon Hire 
• Professional Development Opportunities & Trainings 
• 12% Employer Funded Retirement Plan (Once Eligible)
• Health Benefits Including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance 

OUR YMCA CULTURE:

At the Valley of the Sun YMCA, we are a Beacon in the Desert and serving as Centers for Community Well-Being, where children, families, staff, and communities can thrive. Guided by our mission and values, we create welcoming environments that promote health, belonging, and opportunity for all. Through our commitment to Be Well, Do Good, Lead Change, we prioritize safety, well-being, and excellence; strengthen communities through meaningful relationships and service; and embrace innovation, learning, and leadership to create lasting impact for future generations. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined in our pursuit of stronger children, stronger families, and stronger communities.

Valley of the Sun YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this opening. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.

Our YMCA promotes a safe environment that is free from abuse. No form of abuse will be tolerated. All allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to in accordance with our Abuse Response Process.

This job announcement is not intended to be inclusive of all functions, responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position, however, representative of the essential job functions and typical criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the position.