Development Director

Job Location:

Ames, IA 50010

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary Range: $25.15 - $41.06 Hourly

Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day

Job Category:
Administrative

At YSS, every gift transforms the lives of youth and families. The Development Director is a front-line fundraising leader responsible for securing major philanthropic support while building deep, mission-driven relationships with donors. This role combines strategic thinking, relationship management, and a passion for philanthropy to connect donors’ interests with YSS programs, services, and long-term goals. The Development Director manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, supports annual and planned giving, and travels regionally to cultivate meaningful partnerships that drive lasting impact.

As part of our Community Engagement Team, you’ll cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, inspire philanthropy, and connect people’s passions to YSS’s life-changing programs. Depending on your experience, you may join us as an Assistant Director of Development, Associate Director, or Director of Development.

• Build and nurture strong, mission-based relationships with individual and corporate donors.
• Lead strategies for major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, and endowments—including the YSS Impact Circle and Icarus Society.
• Partner with YSS leaders and community center directors to align fundraising priorities with donor interests.
• Use Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT to manage a portfolio of prospects and donors through a moves-management approach.
• Create and execute donor recognition events and personalized stewardship experiences.
• Collaborate with marketing, communications, and program teams to tell powerful impact stories.
• Travel locally and regionally to meet donors and share the YSS mission.

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, philanthropy, human services, or related field.
• 4+ years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major or planned giving.
• Strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for YSS’s mission.
• Experience with donor databases (preferably Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT).
• Strategic mindset, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.