What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Philanthropy position at YMCA?
The Director of Philanthropy is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for expanding philanthropic support across the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role drives revenue growth by strengthening donor relationships, leading fundraising initiatives, and building a culture of philanthropy across YMCA centers, camps and the Association.
In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, this role helps shape annual fundraising initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and programs such as monthly giving and planned giving. The Director also manages a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, leading cultivation and solicitation strategies for leadership and major gifts.
This position supervises the Manager of Philanthropy and the Coordinator of Philanthropy and plays a key role in building a high-performing fundraising team that advances the YMCA’s mission.
Salary range is $95,000-$105,000 per year with full-time benefits and opportunities to grow within the organization!
- Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
- Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
- 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
- Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
- Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.
Scope of Responsibilities:
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Develop and implement fundraising initiatives that engage donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders at both the local and association levels.
- Identify new donor prospects and develop cultivation strategies to inspire philanthropic support.
- Design compelling fundraising opportunities tied to YMCA programs and community impact to deepen engagement and increase giving.
- Partner with leadership to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and community needs.
Individual Donor Management
- Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with the capacity for leadership and major gifts.
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through personalized engagement strategies.
- Conduct regular donor meetings, tours, and engagement opportunities to strengthen relationships with the YMCA.
- Collaborate with senior leadership, YMCA staff, and volunteer leaders on strategic donor solicitations.
- Track donor engagement and fundraising activity within the CRM to support effective relationship management and reporting.
Local Center & Camp Fundraising Partnership
- Partner with YMCA center and camp leaders, the Philanthropy Manager, and the Philanthropy Coordinator to develop site-specific fundraising strategies and annual development plans aligned with association-wide campaigns.
- Support Advisory Boards in strengthening their philanthropic engagement and fundraising efforts.
- Identify individual and corporate donor prospects connected to YMCA locations and support relationship-building and storytelling around community impact.
Special Events & Community Fundraising
- Support YMCA locations in maximizing the fundraising potential of local special events.
- Provide strategic guidance and fundraising best practices to increase event revenue, manage expenses and increase donor engagement.
- Assist with sponsorship development, donor cultivation, and stewardship tied to fundraising events.
- Identify opportunities to leverage events as a pipeline for future individual donors and corporate partners.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervise the Manager of Philanthropy and Coordinator of Philanthropy.
- Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented development team culture.
- Ensure strong coordination of donor stewardship, campaign execution, and fundraising operations.
- Support team members in implementing effective donor engagement and fundraising strategies.
Development Programs
- Partner with the Chief Development Officer to align fundraising strategies across the association.
- Collaborate on annual fundraising appeals, donor communications, and campaign messaging.
- Support the development and promotion of the YMCA’s planned giving program.
- Provide reporting and analysis on donor activity, fundraising performance, and growth opportunities.
Minimum and Required Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, or related field required. Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
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5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or development.
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Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising and donor relationship management.
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Experience developing fundraising strategies and building donor pipelines.
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Experience working with community partners, volunteers, and corporate sponsors.
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Experience supervising staff or leading development teams preferred.
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Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities
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Strong major gifts and donor relationship management skills
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Strategic thinking with strong execution and follow-through
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Excellent communication and storytelling abilities
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Strong organizational and project management skills
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Experience with donor databases and CRM systems
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Ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and community leaders
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite products and the ability to adapt to new technology.
Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:
- Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
- Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
- Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
- Completing all child abuse prevention training as required
Salary : $95,000 - $105,000