The Y (YMCA) hiring Director of Philanthropy in Wilmington, Delaware, United States | LinkedIn (2024)

Join the mission to empower youth, foster healthy living, and promote strong communities as the YMCA of DE Director of Philanthropy.

Job DescriptionThe Director of Philanthropy is a pivotal leadership position at the YMCA of Delaware. This role is responsible for shaping and executing strategies that enhance and support the organization's philanthropic goals. This role calls for a strategic thinker with strong fund development, cause-driven communications, donor and volunteer relations, and project management.

Central to this role is the development, organization, and execution of a strategic Annual Giving campaign and other related philanthropic activities. The Director will work closely with the Chief Development Officer, Community Executive Directors, and other key stakeholders to drive the Annual Giving strategy, manage a portfolio of major gift donors, and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

QualificationsEducational and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Minimum of four years' experience in fundraising, with a focus on supporting annual giving campaigns, training, and special events.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce (CRM), Canva (creative management), Classy (donor management), and data management tools.

Leadership And Training Skills

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record in developing and conducting workshops and training modules for staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire volunteer and staff teams.

Fundraising Success

• Proven experience in fundraising and philanthropic engagement
• In-depth understanding of Annual Giving campaign strategies, including organization, stewardship, and marketing tactics.

Project And Volunteer Management

• Skilled in managing multiple concurrent projects, effectively balancing various timelines and stakeholder needs.
• Extensive experience in working collaboratively with volunteers, including staffing and coordinating volunteer committees and events.

Communication Skills

• Strong verbal communication and storytelling skills, with the capacity to effectively present information and respond to inquiries from groups, including director-level staff, volunteers, senior leaders, and the public.
• Experience in content creation, storytelling, and strategic messaging that effectively drive engagement and support fundraising goals.

Commitment To Mission

• A deep understanding of, and enthusiasm for, the mission and values of the YMCA.

Preferred Qualifications

• YMCA Team Leader certification is highly desirable.
• Multi-lingual

Essential FunctionsStrategic Development:

• Partner with the Chief Development Officer, VP of Social Responsibility & Corporate Partnerships, Community Executive Directors, and board leadership to shape and execute the YMCA of Delaware’s Annual Giving strategy.
• Enhance Major Gift prospect management by supporting our Community Executive Directors’ focus on identification, cultivation, interviews, and stewardship.
• Work collaboratively across the organization to embed a culture of philanthropy, ensuring all staff understand their role in donor engagement and feel empowered to contribute to fundraising efforts.

Training & Volunteer Management

• Develop comprehensive workshops and training opportunities for Business Managers, Executive Directors, Program Staff, and Volunteers, focusing on professional development in fundraising relationship-building and event planning in preparation for supporting our seasonal campaigns and major gift fundraising efforts. Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of volunteers from varied backgrounds for the effective implementation of the Annual Giving strategy.

Fund Development And Donor Relations

• Manage and cultivate relationships with a portfolio of major gift donors to secure significant contributions and ensure sustained engagement.
• Develop personalized engagement strategies and conduct regular outreach and updates to maintain donor interest and involvement.
• Streamline processes for prompt and suitable recognition and stewardship of donors.
• Support the execution of branch and association fundraising events and initiatives

Communication And Outreach

• Craft communication and campaign strategies that amplify awareness of our Annual Giving campaign and highlight the YMCA’s mission impact.
• Support the enhancement of the YMCA's website and social media platforms to effectively communicate our impact and encourage giving.
• Lead efforts to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects for branch fundraising efforts, mission-centric stories, and key partnerships.
• Produce and oversee the production of high-quality written and verbal communications that maintain impeccable standards of grammar, vocabulary, and tone suitable for diverse audiences.

Technology, Data Management, And Reporting

• Integrate and optimize the use of technological tools such as Classy, iWave, MatchPro360, Canva, and Salesforce/Traction Rec to enhance fundraising activities.
• Manage the data systems for tracking annual gifts, including regular analysis and reporting of fundraising progress.
• Other duties assigned by the Chief Development Officer