Development Director

Shape the future of philanthropy at the YMCA—lead major gifts, grow impact, and strengthen community for generations.

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Lead all fundraising and philanthropic strategy for the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, driving sustainable revenue growth through major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual giving, 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5–8 years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts, campaigns, and donor development.
• Experience building or growing a donor base, ideally in a developing or scaling organization.
• Strong relationship-building and donor cultivation and solicitation skills.
• Proven ability to think strategically and execute with accountability.
• Experience working with boards and volunteers in fundraising roles.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and fundraising analytics.
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy, including major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual campaigns, grants, and planned giving.
• 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 Chief Impact Officer to ensure successful execution of marketing collateral 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 Chief Impact Officer to align messaging, campaigns, and donor communications.
• 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
  
  

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Ymca Competencies

Mission & Community Focus: Demonstrates a deep understanding of and commitment to the YMCA mission, values, and programs. Promotes inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging in all interactions. Engages members, donors, volunteers, and the broader community with enthusiasm and integrity. Recognizes opportunities to advance the YMCA’s impact in the community through programs, fundraising, and partnerships.

Professionalism & Ethics: Maintains integrity, honesty, and confidentiality in all aspects of work. Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making, even under pressure. Adheres to organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards. Models accountability, reliability, and consistency in actions and communication.

Leadership & Collaboration: Inspires, motivates, and develops team members to achieve results. Fosters a culture of teamwork, respect, and open communication. Builds effective working relationships across departments, volunteers, and community partners. Leads by example, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and initiative.

Communication & Relationship Management: Communicates clearly, concisely, and persuasively in both verbal and written formats. Listens actively and responds thoughtfully to staff, members, donors, and partners. Builds and maintains strong, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Represents the YMCA professionally at all times, including events, meetings, and public forums.

Results Orientation & Continuous Improvement: Sets measurable goals, monitors progress, and achieves expected outcomes. Uses data and feedback to inform decisions and improve programs, campaigns, and operations. Demonstrates creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in achieving organizational objectives. Maintains focus on priorities and adapts to changing circumstances without losing momentum.