The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is responsible for creating the strategy and directing the implementation of annual fund drive, major gifts and capital campaign objectives for the Coal Creek, Bellevue, Sammamish and Snoqualmie branch/es. Responsibilities include working with a portfolio of individuals to acquire, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts of $5,000 or higher, as well as partnering with executive directors and board of advisors to successfully implement the annual fund drive.
DOP is responsible for working with volunteers on a comprehensive and aggressive campaign plan that maximizes annual, capital, major giving and planned giving opportunities. Leads the strategy to assist volunteer leadership and donors. The DOP works closely with the Branch Executive Directors, Board of Directors, Development team and other staff to carry out a comprehensive fundraising plan targeting individuals to support the Eastside branches in their annual giving and capital projects.
- Manage relationships with approximately 125 prospective donors capable of making gifts of $5,000 or more. Will be expected to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward these very important friends of the YMCA.
- Works collaboratively with and in support of volunteers, other development and advancement staff and other Y representatives to cultivate and solicit donors for association-wide priorities. Will work collaboratively and strategically with the President, Branch Executives, other fundraising professionals, volunteers, and other Y leaders.
- Create an expanded pipeline, generate new leads, and qualify major gift prospects from research, prospect tracking tools, fundraising colleagues and prior experience. Work with the Development team to identify and cultivate major prospects for capital, program and endowment support.
- Act as liaison between Director of Annual Giving to support successful implementation of the Annual Fund Drive.
- Develop appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
- Make solicitations when appropriate.
- Provide leadership, coaching and training for select campaign committees, branch boards, and volunteers, including identifying and recruiting volunteers. Schedule and support campaign leadership meetings, and ensure quality engagement and participation.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Five or more years of successful full-time financial development experience. Must possess strong relationship building, communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to listen and ask leading questions which encourage prospects and donors to talk about themselves and their activities.
- Must be highly organized, able to work independently, and have an ability to work under pressure, to coordinate multiple requests and meet competing deadlines.
- Possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with donor databases and development best practices.
- Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.). Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
- Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the six-figure range.