Association Director of Donor Relations

The Association Director, Donor Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategies for the cultivation and stewardship of donors and prospects who are not currently within the portfolios of established YMCA fundraisers. This position plays a key role in building relationships with new and existing donors, focusing on long-term engagement and strengthening their commitment to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s mission. Additionally, the Association Director will serve as a liaison between the financial development and marketing teams, ensuring the creation of compelling stories, impact reports, and content that resonate with both current and prospective donors. The Association Director will work to expand the donor base by generating meaningful connections, creating donor-centric communications, and ensuring that all touchpoints reflect the YMCA’s mission and values.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement strategic plans to identify, cultivate, and solicit assigned donors and prospects.
• Engage assigned donors and prospects through personalized communication, outreach, and relationship-building to increase awareness of the YMCA's mission. 
• Organize cultivation events and initiatives to deepen donor relationships and encourage continued support.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to create strategies for transitioning prospects into donors, and then up the donor pyramid.
• Proactively track and manage donor progress, ensuring high levels of engagement across all donor segments.
• Work with YMCA marketing team to create impactful stories and content highlighting the YMCA’s mission and the impact of donor contributions.
• Partner with marketing team to align donor communications (newsletters, emails, social media, reports) with fundraising strategies.
• Lead the creation of quarterly and annual impact reports, showcasing donor contributions and outcomes. 
• Oversee the creation and delivery of personalized donor communications and impact updates. 
• Utilize the donor management system to track and document interactions, ensuring accurate communication and outreach records.
• Work with the development team to analyze donor data and identify trends or opportunities to further engage prospective donors.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year) in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, or a similar field with demonstrated success in building and managing donor relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a variety of
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling abilities to create impactful donor communications and
• Proficiency in donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce), with the ability to analyze data and generate reports.
• Proven ability to develop and implement donor cultivation strategies and events.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, particularly in partnership with marketing and communications.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Occasional evening and weekend work for donor events and engagement activities may be required
• Ability to travel as needed for donor cultivation activities and events
• Regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Speak concisely and effectively communicate
• Communicate in English, written and oral.

Competencies 

1  ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit

2 PHILANTHROPY: Secures resources and support to advance the Y’s work

3 COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community

4 COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause