Director of Annual Giving

The Director of Annual Giving leads the Bloomington-Normal YMCA’s annual fundraising strategy, building a sustainable, relationship-based culture of philanthropy that supports the Y's mission and community impact. This role is responsible for planning and executing the annual giving campaign, growing individual and corporate donor support, strengthening donor stewardship and retention, and engaging staff, volunteers, and board members as active partners in fundraising.

The position works closely with the CEO, Sr. Director of Marketing and Brand Management, and development team to build a strong, diversified base of annual support that fuels program access, financial assistance, and community initiatives across the association.

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services, and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. At the Bloomington-Normal YMCA we are a team of employees dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the YMCA through service and support of all members in our unique community.

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.

Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work.

Lists and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.

• Develop and lead the YMCA's annual giving strategy, including the yearly Annual Strong Kids Campaign, workplace/employee giving, and direct mail and digital appeals.
• Create and manage the annual giving calendar, ensuring clear priorities, timelines, and revenue goals across all branches.
• Set measurable fundraising goals and track progress through consistent reporting and analysis.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual donors, building and actively managing a donor pipeline.

• Implement a structured stewardship plan that ensures timely acknowledgment, consistent engagement, and meaningful recognition of donors.
• Use the CRM to track donor activity, monitor campaign performance, and identify upgrade and major gift potential within the annual donor pool.
• Segment and personalize donor communications to strengthen retention and grow average gift size.
• Partner with the CEO to identify annual donors with capacity for major or planned gifts.

• Partner with the CEO to engage board members and volunteer campaign leadership in annual giving efforts.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteer solicitors and campaign cabinet members.
• Support board members in fulfilling their role as ambassadors and fundraisers for the YMCA.
• Provide leadership and administrative support to the Fund Development Committee.

• Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to ensure campaign materials,…