Director of Development & Major Gifts

YWCA Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with the organization’s mission.

The role directs a team, cultivates major gifts, foundations, and corporate partners, and oversees grant strategy and events to meet ambitious revenue goals. Candidates should have a relevant degree, several years in fundraising, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or similar field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Must pass criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender background checks.
• At least three year experience and proven success in communications, fundraising, marketing, and/or public relations.
• Able to develop and maintain appropriate fund development systems including donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, acknowledgment and recognition
• Maintain accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other electronic platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including editing.
• Must have excellent command of the English language.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Able to effectively work independently, prioritize, multi-task and shift tasks.
• Be able to demonstrate the mission of YWCA Kalamazoo and adhere to it.
• Demonstrated ability to manage others.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects.
• Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback to team members.

Responsibilities

• Executes and supports the development of a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with the organization's strategic goals and financial needs.
• Sets ambitious but achievable fundraising goals and track progress towards achieving them.
• Provides leadership and direction to the Development Team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
• Cultivates and manages relationships with key individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Including oversight of a Major Gifts in partnership with Vice President of Advancement.
• Develop personalized solicitation strategies tailored to each donor's interests and giving capacity.
• Secures major gifts and cultivate long-term relationships with major donors.
• Build strong relationships with grant makers and guide the strategy of grant procurement with support from the Development team.
• Manages and expands the organization's network of supporters.
• Designs and facilitates a team development plan, including preparing donor cultivation activities for the VP, CEO, and other relevant team members.
• Leads the development and execution of email, social media, and mailed fundraising appeals.
• Oversees the Development budget and manage resources efficiently.
• Secures corporate and private sponsorships, maintain relationships, and manage the entire cycle of the donor journey.
• Serves as a liaison for contracted professionals.
• Leads and execute major fundraising events including, but not limited to, Men’s Breakfast, Women of Achievement, and Full Circle.
• Supervises and coaches a team of development professionals, supporting their professional growth and success.
• Directly supports the work of the supervised team as needed, including but not limited to grant writing, grant reports, events, and coordination.
• Supports Vice President of Advancement in budget meetings representing the revenue side of the organization.
• Attend all team and staff meetings, participate in collective team and agency efforts, and comply with all YWCA Kalamazoo policies and practices.
• Remains flexible and manages changing priorities on a continuing basis.
• Knows and adheres to Association policies, procedures, and practices.
• Safeguards confidential information gained because of the position.
• Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
• As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community.
• Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written & verbal communication

English language proficiency

Organizational skills

Time management

Team leadership

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or similar field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

YWCA Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo, MI, seeks a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with the organization’s mission.

The role directs a team, cultivates major gifts, foundations, and corporate partners, and oversees grant strategy and events to meet ambitious revenue goals. Candidates should have a relevant degree, several years in fundraising, and strong leadership and communication skills.