Senior Director of Development

YMCA OF READING & BERKS CO; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Reading & Berks County is seeking a Senior Director of Development to lead philanthropic strategy and fundraising efforts in Reading, PA. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will cultivate major gifts, oversee annual campaigns, and expand corporate partnerships and grants to sustain the Association's mission and community impact.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and 5+ years in fundraising leadership, with strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and five+ years in fundraising leadership.
• Experience across major gifts, annual giving, corporate giving, grants, and donor stewardship.
• Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills; CFRE valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the YMCA's overall development and philanthropic strategy.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and major-gift donors.
• Lead annual giving and fundraising campaigns.
• Grow corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and state/federal program contributions.
• Identify and pursue foundation and grant opportunities.
• Develop planned giving, legacy giving, and endowment strategies.
• Support capital and special fundraising campaigns.
• Build donor pipelines and strengthen stewardship and engagement.
• Represent the YMCA with donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relationship building

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Leadership experience

Donor stewardship

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

CFRE certification preferred

Job description

Senior Director of DevelopmentFull-Time | Exempt | Reading, PennsylvaniaSalary Range: $75,000–$85,000The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Senior Director of Development to lead the Association's philanthropic and fundraising efforts.Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director of Development will develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to grow charitable support for the YMCA's mission and strengthen its long-term sustainability. This position will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, donors, businesses, foundations, and community leaders to build meaningful relationships and expand investment in the Y.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the YMCA's overall development and philanthropic strategy.Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and major-gift donors.Lead annual giving and fundraising campaigns.Grow corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and Pennsylvania EITC contributions.Identify and pursue foundation and grant opportunities.Develop planned giving, legacy giving, and endowment strategies.Support future capital and special fundraising campaigns.Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective donors.Strengthen donor stewardship, retention, recognition, and engagement.Partner with the President & CEO and Board members on donor cultivation and solicitation.Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.Maintain effective donor records, fundraising metrics, and development reporting.Help build an Association-wide culture of philanthropy.Represent the YMCA with donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners throughout Berks County.The successful candidate will be an engaging relationship builder with demonstrated fundraising experience and a passion for connecting people with mission and community impact.A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is preferred, along with five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising, development, or nonprofit leadership experience.Candidates should demonstrate experience in several areas of development, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate giving, grants, donor stewardship, board engagement, and fundraising strategy. Experience with Pennsylvania EITC and planned giving is preferred but not required.Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills are essential. YMCA experience and CFRE certification are valued but not required.Why the YMCA?The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has a long history of strengthening our community through programs and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.This is an opportunity for a development professional to help shape the next chapter of the Y by expanding philanthropic relationships, strengthening community partnerships, and connecting donors with opportunities to make a lasting difference for children, families, and communities throughout Berks County.The YMCA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.