Executive Director of Development

McGaw YMCA; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 122,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

McGaw YMCA in Evanston is seeking an Executive Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts and drive community impact. This critical role involves strategic planning and building relationships with donors and community partners.

The ideal candidate will have extensive fundraising experience, strong leadership skills, and a dedication to enhancing the community through philanthropy. If you are passionate about making lasting impacts, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressive fundraising leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts and annual giving.
• Proven ability to develop and manage fundraising strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising activities and donor engagement efforts.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and community partners.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive philanthropic engagement strategy.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Donor engagement

Community partnership development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

McGaw YMCA is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven Executive Director of Development to help shape the future of philanthropy and community impact in Evanston.

Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the leadership team, this position provides vision, leadership, and direction for all fundraising activities, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, special events, donor stewardship, corporate and foundation relations, and future campaign initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who is passionate about building relationships, inspiring generosity, and strengthening a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

At McGaw YMCA, we believe community is built through relationships, opportunity, and belonging. Every day, people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences come together to learn, grow, connect, and thrive. We are looking for a leader who shares that belief and is excited to help advance our mission and expand our impact throughout the community.

If you are an accomplished fundraiser, community connector, and strategic leader who thrives on building meaningful partnerships and helping others invest in lasting impact, we invite you to explore this opportunity. McGaw YMCA is where community comes together.

Salary Range: $122,000-$135,000 Annually

Department: Development

Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, Hours vary based on the needs of the Department. The position will require some evening and weekend meetings, donor interaction, and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement a comprehensive philanthropic engagement strategy aligned with McGaw YMCA’s strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Lead all philanthropic revenue generation efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, planned giving initiatives, and campaign support.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and mission alignment across the YMCA.

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors, prospects, and strategic community partners.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and transformational gifts.
• Championing a high-touch donor experience reflecting gratitude, responsiveness, stewardship, and meaningful connection to the YMCA’s mission and impact.
• Develop customized donor engagement strategies that strengthen long-term relationships and increase philanthropic investment.
• Support and coach executive leadership, volunteer leaders, and board members in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Corporate & Community Partnership Development

• Develop and strengthen strategic corporate, civic, and community partnerships that advance McGaw YMCA’s mission, increase philanthropic investment, and expand community visibility and engagement.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for McGaw YMCA, building authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and philanthropic partners.
• Engage and steward key community relationships that strengthen McGaw YMCA’s reputation, philanthropic support, and long-term impact.
• Identify opportunities to expand philanthropic support through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and community collaborations.

Development Operations & Team Leadership

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development support to Development staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Strengthening alignment and communication across Development, Marketing, Finance, Programs, and Executive Leadership.
• Develop and manage the annual Development budget, revenue projections, and expense monitoring.
• Monitor fundraising performance against established goals and provide regular reporting, forecasting, and strategic recommendations to the President & CEO.
• Ensure effective fundraising systems, donor stewardship practices, prospect management, and data-driven decision-making.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the YMCA leadership team and contribute to organizational planning and strategic decision-making.
• Help cultivate a mission-driven, inclusive, and relationship-centered culture that reflects the values and community impact of McGaw YMCA.
• Represent McGaw YMCA with donors, community leaders, volunteers, civic organizations, and philanthropic partners.
• Champion the YMCA mission, values, and commitment to strengthening the Evanston community.

Experience/Education/Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of progressive fundraising leadership experience with demonstrated success in major gifts, donor engagement, annual giving, campaign fundraising, corporate partnerships, or institutional giving.
• Demonstrated success securing, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major philanthropic investments.
• Strong executive presence, strategic thinking, and exceptional relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing staff and volunteer leaders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership, board members, donors, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Experience with fundraising CRM systems; Raiser’s Edge preferred.

All McGaw YMCA employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse. In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.