Philanthropy Coordinator

The Philanthropy Coordinator provides administrative, operational, and project support to help advance the YMCA’s fundraising initiatives and goals. This position works closely with the Director of Philanthropy and supports donor stewardship, gift management, special events, fundraising appeals, and general development operations. The Philanthropy Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring the fundraising team operates efficiently while helping cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships with individual donors, volunteers, and community partners.

The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Administrative Support
• Provide administrative and scheduling support, including managing calendars, preparing meeting materials, and coordinating internal and external meetings.
• Assist with preparation of reports, presentations, and fundraising updates for leadership, board members, and staff.
• Support internal and external meetings by preparing agendas, materials and pre- and post-meeting notes.

2. Donor Relations & Stewardship
• Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors through coordinated communications and recognition efforts.
• Assist in coordinating donor visits, tours, and engagement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in the donor database.

3. Fundraising
• Provide logistical and administrative support for annual appeals.
• Partner with the Marketing team in the development of print and digital assets for various development initiatives.
• Assist in gift processing to ensure accuracy.

4. Special Events
• Assist with planning and executing Development events including the Chicago Marathon and Unity Breakfast.
• Partner with local site leaders to support fundraising initiatives.
• Coordinate event logistics including registration, invitations, and follow-up communications.
• Support volunteer committees associated with events.

5. Development Operations & Prospecting
• Support moves management tracking and pipeline development.
• Identifying and researching individual donors with affinity to the Y.
• Assist with maintaining fundraising calendars and development project timelines.
• Provide operational support to ensure fundraising processes run efficiently.

Qualifications

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, or related field preferred.

Experience
• 1–3 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit administration, development operations, or related field preferred.
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive donor information.
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills.

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