Director Of Philanthropy

This individual will work in an energetic, collaborative environment as part of a five-member Mission Advancement Team reporting to the Chief Mission Advancement Officer. The position works closely with volunteers, staff, and the Board to recruit and support the Y community in joint fundraising efforts, creating access to life-changing programming. Ideal candidates will have a strong sense of empathy and a knack for connection and encouragement.

The position is based out of the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Administration Office and will be expected to help cultivate a sense of community among Y members, donors, volunteers, prospects and staff throughout our 3 locations. A commitment to advancing the Y mission and strategic goals is expected, as well as ensuring continued growth to meet the needs of Greater Nashua.

Because of the wide scope and diversity of responsibilities, the position calls for a person of maturity and good judgment with sound human relationship skills, broad vision, organizational abilities, flexibility, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. The position also requires demonstrated experience in developing concepts, collaborations, and resources; articulating a vision; influencing others; and responding to multiple priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of fundraising experience, including annual giving campaigns.
• Experience in working closely with volunteers and volunteer committees/events.
• Successful experience in personal solicitation of gifts.
• Proven experience with donor relations (cultivating and stewardship) strategy
• Excellent writing, organizational and communication skills for appeals, reports, letters, proposals and personal solicitations and trainings.
• Strong computer skills and experience in managing CRMs, online giving, wealth management & other data platforms.
• Experience in researching, planning, organizing, and managing events.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under pressure of tight deadlines and priorities.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred.
• Creativity and flexibility are critical
• Empathy is a must.

• Through strategy, campaign design, and implementation, help our members, staff, volunteers, and Board understand their Y— What brings them here, why they stay, and what it means to help others find their Y through gratitude and giving back.
• Co-create and lead a comprehensive, year-round program to educate donors, potential donors and volunteers, which includes program and site visits to witness “Impact in Action”.
• Work collaboratively with the Advancement Team, as well as staff and volunteers, to build an effective strategy and offer counsel to those who are managing relationships and giving.
• Partner with the Chief Mission Advancement Officer to inform solicitations to the Association Board and Trustees
• Oversee the YMCA's relationship/development management system (CRM), entering all relevant information into the database to more effectively steward donors, including but not limited to data migration efforts, reporting, and analysis.
  Implementation of the Y’s comprehensive donor recognition system for timely acknowledgments (within 48 hours of receipt), which may include automated and personalized acknowledgment processing.
  Use donor records and relationship tracking to help inform impact storytelling and narrative construction across communication channels.
  Co-create and maintain development budgets related to Annual Campaigns and data system management as needed.
• Help strategize appropriate public and private recognition opportunities.
• Support branches in building their individual stewardship strategy plans.
  Ensure accurate and timely entry of all donations and pledges into Y operational software.
  Ensure confidential and sensitive donor and prospect information (income levels, giving histories, net worth, etc.) is stored securely and shared appropriately.
• Campaign Strategy/Planning: Co-create and implement comprehensive annual campaign strategies that:

Align with YUSA Annual Campaign structures and philosophies

• Incorporate multiple solicitation channels (personal, direct mail, electronic, etc.)
• Support branch-level campaign initiatives
• Focus on new donor acquisition and existing donor retention
• Include targeted monthly giving campaigns and regular appeals
• Gift Solicitation Goals: Meet ambitious fundraising targets
• Growing donor portfolio by 20% annually
• Improving donor retention by a minimum 5% per year
• Increasing the giving level of 20% of returning donors annually
• Donor Communication/Materials: Develop and manage all donor communications
• Creating compelling case statements and support materials
• Collaborating with CMAO and Development staff on donor communications calendar
• Implementing direct mail and electronic appeal strategies
• Collecting and promoting impact stories across all platforms
• Supporting branch communication needs

Oversee the coordination of campaign-related events

• Annual Celebration
• Campaign Kick-Off and Wrap-Up events
• Branch event support and guidance
• Other special events as needed

Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.

Innovation: Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.

Quality Results: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Self-Development: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.