Financial Development Director

Job summary:
Under the direction of the Vice President of Financial Development, the Financial Development Director’s primary responsibility is the solicitation of financial gifts from high level donors. This is done through the leading of community-wide fundraising initiatives including, but not limited to, activating major gifts solicitations and corporate gifts ($1,000+), annual campaigns, planned giving, special events and capital campaigns. He/she identifies and manages relationships with high level donors/prospects, corporations, and foundations who have the capacity to provide financial support, and connects the interests or mission of the YMCA to these funding sources.  The role works closely with the Vice President of Financial Development, branch Executive Director(s), Branch Board of Managers, and key stakeholders in all development and fund raising endeavors.

This position provides fundraising support primarily for our two resident camps – Camp Harrison and Camp Thunderbird.

Essential functions:
• Responsible for Annual Campaign revenue in excess of $300,000 with expectations for significant annual growth in both fund-raising totals and number of donors
• Develop and implement a cause-driven, results-oriented case that aligns with association priorities, and effectively communicate the case to all members, donors and prospects
• Develop an Annual Campaign Action Plan, and work directly with Vice President for Financial Development, Branch Executive Director(s) and Branch Senior Leadership Teams to implement at branch(es)
• Partner with other Financial Development Team members on joint asks of donors with connectivity to multiple branches, ensuring collaboration and efficiencies where possible
• Manage a portfolio of 40+ prospects, identifying opportunities to engage their talents in the campaigns
• Identify, introduce, cultivate and engage key stakeholders in the YMCA’s work near the branch(es). This should include corporations, churches, civic groups, professional societies and foundations
• Work with both Branch Board Chair(s) to identify and recruit campaign leadership and high level volunteers for special event and major gift solicitation teams.
• Create job descriptions to set expectations and hold volunteers accountable
• Responsible for leading board committees and volunteer structures that assist in fund-raising and cultivation. Set meetings, create agendas, and provide timely communication of action steps
• Direct the fundraising activities of volunteers to assure the most effective methods of soliciting and receiving large gifts
• Fully responsible for the creation and facilitation of campaign trainings and producing realistic action plans for staff and volunteers
• Manage campaign data base in Raiser’s Edge and produce donor reports as needed
• Research and identify prospect history for donors, compile data for face-to-face fundraising efforts and track results
• Responsible for confidential and sensitive donor and prospect information (income levels, giving histories, net worth, etc.), ensuring all information is stored securely and shared appropriately
• Responsible for developing retention and growth strategies to increase annual campaign donors and sponsors
• Schedule fundraising and cultivation meetings and make face-to-face asks
• Responsible for reconciling the collection of all campaign pledges and achieving budgeted annual contribution revenues at assigned branch(es)
• In partnership with the Association’s Director of Stewardship, Annual and Campaign Events, develop and implement a comprehensive donor acknowledgement and cultivation calendar, ensuring all donors are thanked multiple times annually, in meaningful ways
• Assist in the development of marketing campaign materials to be used in the Annual Campaign in concert with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte Association office
• Work with the Association’s Director of Stewardship, Annual and Campaign Events to plan, manage and execute cultivation, solicitation and stewardship events with the support of the fundraising committee and board volunteers
• Participate in Association and / or branch task teams as assigned
• Assist with branch board development efforts, identifying, cultivating and submitting board candidates
• Assist Executive Directors with branch operational duties as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

YMCA leadership competencies for “Leaders”
• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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:
• Four-year degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 equivalent years of experience
• 5-7 years experience in fundraising, special events, and the management/recruitment of volunteers
• Experience in grant writing and reporting preferred
• Demonstrates confidence in face-to-face solicitation and has portfolio management experience
• Self starter with drive, motivation and proven history of reaching/exceeding fundraising goals
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop fruitful, sustainable relationships with members, volunteers, and staff
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Possess excellent leadership and organizational skills; capable of developing and executing fundraising strategies
• Professional presence with key stakeholders and possess the ability to influence without authority
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and project initiatives at the same time
• Works well under pressure and possess effective time management skills
• Strong computer skills in all Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook email)
• Working knowledge with Raiser’s Edge database or comparable financial development software or database management tool (preferred)
• Exercise sound judgment with the handling and managing of confidential information

Working conditions:
• Ability to work a 40-hour week with irregular work hours when necessary
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate