Engagement Director - Annual Giving

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The purpose of this position is to build and implement YMCA development strategy that engages businesses, individuals, and the community and grows revenues in alignment with the YMCA of Southwestern Indianas mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

The Engagement Director must have the ability to further establish and build upon the organization's internal annual fundraising structure while also codeveloping and executing the organizations fundraising strategy, and building external relationships with community leaders, funders, and philanthropists. The Director will work in collaboration with the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana team to strengthen the culture of philanthropy that will translate into a successful fundraising program including but not limited to major gifts, corporate sponsorship of events, and general support.

The Director must understand and implement annual event logistics and budgeting and ensure that annual events are carried out smoothly. Creativity, organizational skills, and vision will assist our organization in amplifying brand visibility, enhancing member, donor, and staff relations, and support our organization's growth through fundraising events that effectively communicate our brand personality and strategic goals.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Complete required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to manage high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Plan and implement multi-faceted annual fundraising campaign that aligns with leadership's short and long-term goals and activities.
• Coordinate a matrix of communication and solicitation strategies involving email, direct mail, phone/mail, personal visitation and volunteer engagement, all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of annual support.
• Engage in prospect research, donor cultivation, gift solicitation, and ongoing annual stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop appropriate messaging and support materials that align with immediate and long-term organizational needs and priorities.
• Partner with appropriate staff to manage the donor database and timely receipt and acknowledgment of gifts, fulfillment of sponsorship, and other donations.
• Seek new funding sources, maintain, and build relationships with current/past donors including moving donors up the giving ladder.
• Develop, plan, and implement fundraising event objectives, logistics plan, marketing plan, and budget with the support of the Strategic Engagement Executive and manage those approved plans for special events of varying sizes.
• Generate regular analytical reports and updates on all levels of annual giving and other fundraising events/project campaigns, as directed, to inform fundraising strategies and tactics.
• Provide professional quality customer service to donors, volunteers, staff, and other community contacts. (Implement strategies to deepen relationships with guests, staff, volunteers, foundations, and volunteers.)
• Coordinate and manage part-time staff and volunteer recruitment efforts to ensure events and fundraising have confirmed support, as assigned.
• Represent the association as needed regarding media relations and/or attendance at community events.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Philanthropy
• Program/Project Management
• Volunteerism
• Developing Self & Others

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• A minimum of 5 years in event planning and/or fundraising experience with proven track record of raising $300K annually using multiple fundraising strategies.
• 3 years experience working with volunteers and/or groups of people
• Knowledge and familiarity with run/walk/race/triathlon communities preferred
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed to manage fundraising events
• High level of computer proficiency, including all standard business software.
• Possesses good writing skills with experience in content generation and storytelling
• Possesses good follow-through, administrative skills, and proven project management acumen
• Ability to handle diverse responsibilities resourcefully and multi-task effectively