This position secures significant and major funding from foundations and corporations to support strategic objectives of YMCA of the USA.
The Director, Strategic Philanthropy and Partnerships position is externally focused and will develop and manage a national portfolio of 30 donors and prospective donors capable of making 7 and 8-figure gifts to YMCA of the USA’s strategic priorities. The incumbent will be responsible for designing and driving plans to move each donor through the cycle from qualification to stewardship and for the close partnership with program leadership that drives principal gifts. This position will be accountable for a fundraising target derived from the donor portfolio and so increasing over time as the portfolio grows.
- Manages a small portfolio of current donors and prospective donors capable of 7 and 8-figure giving
- Leads growth of the portfolio of 7 and 8-figure giving to 30 within three years
- Design and manage a plan of action for each donor and prospective donor using best practices in relationship management
- Engage and guide the contributions of colleagues to the strategic cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors and provide project management oversight to the team
- Partner with program leadership at Y-USA to advance their key role with specific donors
- Manage internal relationships with the highest degree of collaboration and professionalism
- Creates and gains buy-in from internal stakeholders for a business case related to the donor portfolio
- Builds strong, collaborative relationships with all stakeholders
- Become broadly knowledgeable about Y-USA strategic priorities and the larger context in which programmatic objective operates
- Minimum 10 years of externally focused fundraising positions is required
- Experience with relationship management processes and protocols is required
- Demonstrated creativity competency in designing strategy to move donors and prospective donors through the cycle from qualification to stewardship is required
- Experience identifying and qualifying prospective donors is required
- Knowledge of the health and/or human services donor community is a plus
- Proven track record closing 7-figure gifts from foundations and other complex donors
- Strong negotiation, facilitation and deal structuring skills are required
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills are required
- Ability to create and convey a case verbally and in writing is required
- Ability to work under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines is required
- Demonstrated ability to influence others in order to achieve objectives is required
- Requires a commitment to the YMCA character development values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility