Strategic Development Director

River Valley Regional YMCA; Lock Haven (Clinton County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive annual development plan aligned with the YMCA’s mission, strategic priorities, and revenue goals. Establish goals, timelines, accountability measures, and follow-up processes for annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, grants, endowment, planned giving, sponsorships, capital initiatives, and special events.

Donor Relationship Management & Stewardship

Identify, research, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, and community donors. Develop and maintain meaningful donor relationships and a full stewardship model that encourages continued engagement and converts one‑time supporters into ongoing philanthropic partners.

Major Gifts & Prospect Development

Develop processes for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects; maintain appropriate prospect information and relationship records; coordinate solicitation strategies with the CEO, Board members, volunteers, and other appropriate leaders; and connect donor interests with YMCA community impact.

Grants & Institutional Giving

Research public and private funding opportunities; prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals; coordinate grant budgets and requirements with appropriate staff; monitor compliance; complete timely reports; and steward relationships with institutional funders.

Annual Campaigns, Events & Sponsorships

Direct and coordinate annual giving and year‑end campaigns, fundraising events, sponsorship programs, and other development initiatives. Create year‑round communication and engagement strategies that inform, motivate, and retain donors and volunteers.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

Serve as primary staff support to the Financial Development Committee and other assigned Board committees. Assist the CEO in developing an actively engaged fundraising volunteer Board. Recruit, equip, train, motivate, and recognize volunteers, providing clear expectations, tools, progress updates, and follow‑up.

Case for Support & Communications

Develop and maintain a compelling YMCA case for support that communicates community needs, the Y’s impact, and opportunities for philanthropic investment. Collaborate with communications/marketing staff on donor communications, annual reports, newsletters, brochures, campaign materials, and other mission‑focused messages.

Data Management, Reporting & Analysis

Maintain accurate donor, prospect, gift, pledge, and grant records in designated systems. Track gifts and pledges by source and purpose, monitor fundraising metrics, analyze results, and provide timely reports to the CEO, Board, committees, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

When applicable, lead and develop fundraising staff by providing direction, coaching, training, feedback, and accountability. Collaborate with executive leadership, finance, communications/marketing, program leaders, volunteers, and Board members so fundraising is integrated into the YMCA’s overall strategy and operations.

Policies, Procedures & Compliance

Develop and maintain appropriate fundraising policies, procedures, processes, and controls. Promote ethical fundraising practices, donor confidentiality, accurate records, responsible stewardship, and compliance with applicable organizational requirements.

Community Engagement

Build and nurture strategic relationships with community leaders, businesses, foundations, civic organizations, members, volunteers, and other stakeholders to increase awareness, support, and investment in the YMCA’s mission.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Multi-Team or Branch Leader)

Mission Advancement:

Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCAs efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program, fundraising, and policy leadership levels. Secures resources and support for all philanthropic endeavors.

Collaboration:

Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy‑in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness:

Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures, investment policies and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth:

Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up‑to‑date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.