The Development Officer - Major Gifts will foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization and will assure that the organization’s philanthropic culture, systems, standards and procedures are implemented at the Branch level. He/she will also provide leadership and creative input in developing and implementing Association-wide fundraising efforts, as well as provide on-going development-related trainings to support Association and Branch fundraising.
The Development Officer - Major Gifts will work in partnership with Branch Executive Directors to secure Major Gifts for their respective Branches. He/she will also provide thoughtful and detailed input into development of the Annual Fund Campaign strategy. The successful candidate will contribute to the success of the Annual Fund Campaign by maximizing membership participation, Branch Advisory Board, community and Major Gifts potential. Additionally, the Development Officer – Major Gifts will collaborate with the Corporate and Foundations Relations team to support and ensure the success of program-specific fundraising efforts. He/she will manage a Major Gift portfolio and will foster these relationships leading to more robust and targeted support of local Branches. He/she will also support the implementation of the moves-management process, the maintenance of accurate up-to-date note-keeping and tracking and developing comprehensive giving strategies to streamline the solicitation process.
The Development Officer - Major Gifts will report to the Senior Regional Development Manager with Branch-related work, and to the Chief Development Officer for the management of his/her Major Gift donor pool.
Management:
- Ensures philanthropy and fund development are carried out in keeping with the organization’s values, mission, vision and plans to ensure establishment of and compliance with the organization’s own fund development and philanthropic principles, policies and procedures.
- Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintains accountability standards to donors and ensures compliance with AFP code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.
- Helps enforce performance measures, monitors results and aids the Senior Regional Development Officer and Sr. Director of Development evaluate the effectiveness of the organization’s fund development program.
- Participates in Branch special events at a high-level with CEO preparation, prospect management, night-of engagement strategies and follow-up plan of action.
Individual:
- Manage a portfolio of Major Gifts prospects that are connected to their service area.
- Work collaboratively with a cohort of Branches to develop portfolios and community-based strategies for fundraising to support significant growth, retention and stewardship of Annual Campaign supporters in their communities. Where applicable, manage Branch-specific Major Gift relationships.
- Help develop a balanced funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of the organization that will enable it to attract, retain and motivate donors and fundraising volunteers.
- At times, create Association-wide giving strategies to yield supplementary revenue and to enhance the culture of philanthropy in order to promote and solidify the YMCA of Greater Boston as the region’s charity of choice.
- Assure proper planning, including goal setting, strategy identification, benchmarking and evaluation to support fund development.
- Additional tasks as assigned.
Culture:
The Development Officer - Major Gifts will:
- Foster team work and collaboration and lead efforts to enhance organization-wide culture of philanthropy
- Establish and meet deadlines
- Demonstrate initiative and ability to work as a team player
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards in management, governance, and fund development
- Convey a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the organization and the not-for-profit sector
- Demonstrate commitment to continued professional growth and development
- Must have a car – mileage is reimbursed by the Y. Position requires 50% travel in local Boston Area
- Accomplished professional with 3-5 years or more of fundraising experience with specific expertise in major gifts
- Passion and commitment to the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility
- Minimum of three or more years of leadership/supervisory experience with the ability to manage, motivate and develop individuals and teams
- Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices and ability to monitor trends and to adopt best practices, where appropriate, to enhance Mission Advancement efforts.
- Demonstrated track record of setting and meeting/exceeding specific fundraising goals within the expected time period
- Demonstrated capacity to build sustainable, philanthropic relationships with volunteers and donors that directly influence increased giving over time.
- Superior verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to adapt communication to the appropriate audience. Strong writing skills are essential.
- Demonstrated ability to be accountable for results, take initiative, as well as to be adaptable, resilient, highly organized, and detail-oriented
- Demonstrated collaboration and influencing skills with the ability to foster trust both internally and externally
- Ability to travel locally as needed to support mission advancement activities
- Meets any physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.