Director of Development

YMCA of the USA; Williamsport (Lycoming County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA seeks a Development Director to advance the organization’s mission by building philanthropic support and leading a comprehensive development program. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and volunteers to execute strategies across annual giving, major gifts, grants, events, endowment, and other philanthropic opportunities.

The role requires driving annual revenue goals, positioning the YMCA as a charity of choice, and integrating strategic planning with hands-on fundraising,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, or related field.
• CFRE credential preferred.
• Five+ years of fundraising, development, grants, communications, or related experience.
• Experience cultivating donors and securing institutional support.
• Knowledge of annual giving, major gifts, events, endowment, and planned giving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute fundraising strategies across annual giving, major gifts, grants, events, endowment and planned giving.
• Cultivate donors and manage corporate and foundation relations.
• Oversee grants management, reporting, and compliance.
• Lead communications, data analysis, and hands-on fundraising execution.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Grant management

Communications

Data analysis

Project management

CRM software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

CFRE credential preferred

Job description

The Development Director advances the YMCA’s mission by building philanthropic support, strengthening donor and community relationships, and leading a comprehensive development program that sustains and expands the Y’s impact. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, and community partners, this position develops and executes fundraising strategies across annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, grants, special events, endowment and planned giving, sponsorships, and other philanthropic opportunities.

The Development Director is responsible for achieving established annual revenue goals and for positioning the YMCA as a charity of choice within the community. The role combines strategic planning, relationship development, volunteer engagement, grant management, communications, data analysis, and hands‑on fundraising execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. CFRE credential preferred.


• Five or more years of successful experience in fundraising, development, grant management, communications, public relations, human services, nonprofit management, or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies, cultivating donors, securing institutional support, and managing grants and related compliance/reporting.


• Knowledge of annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, special events, sponsorships, endowment, planned giving, and donor stewardship practices.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to research, analyze, write, edit, present, and build relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, volunteers, and community members.


• Strong organizational, project‑management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.


• Proficiency with computers, donor databases/CRM systems, Microsoft Office or comparable productivity tools, and technology used for fundraising and communications.


• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, volunteers, Board members, and community partners.