Director of Development & Membership

Company Description

The University YMCA has been a vital part of campus life at the University of Illinois since its formation in 1873. Candidates are strongly encouraged to visit our website to understand our unique mission and programming. The Y plays an important role in developing students into leaders who share a commitment to making our world a better place. The University Y has a proud legacy of responding to community needs and serving as a bridge between the university and community by encouraging faith in action, promoting global engagement, working for social justice, and protecting our environment.

Throughout our history, we have worked to address campus and community needs by encouraging student engagement in projects and programs that expand their view of the world, deepen their understanding of community, and integrate the ideas, knowledge, and skills gained in school by applying them to real-world situations.

The University YMCA is seeking a mission-driven professional to take our established development program to the next level. Candidates are encouraged to review our website to understand our unique mission and history. Building upon a strong and successful foundation, the Director of Development & Membership will work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Governors in designing and executing a comprehensive development and membership strategy.

Specifically, the Director will be responsible for managing all aspects of the development program, including the Annual Fund Campaign, developing strategies to cultivate current and new membership, overseeing stewardship practices across the organization, planning fundraising events including the Annual Dinner & Auction and the Dump & Run® program, developing planned gifts, and managing and directing major gifts campaigns. Additionally, the Director will work with staff leadership to support grant application processes and specific programmatic fundraising initiatives.

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in development or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, working with volunteers, and project management is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak in public, interact with and motivate donors, community leaders, and staff, and write compelling letters and proposals for support.
• An ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Essential computer skills and familiarity with donor databases such as Raiser's Edge.
• Familiarity, knowledge, and comfort with social media.
• Experience with grant writing is preferred but not required.
• Some evening, weekend, and travel time will be required as necessary.

The hiring range for this position is $50,000 to $55,000. Final salary will be commensurate with experience and background, and with attention to equity for all personnel. The University YMCA currently maintains less than a 3:1 ratio between its highest- and lowest-paid full-time employees. All University YMCA positions are at-will and contingent on funding and performance.

• paid vacation
• paid sick and parental leave
• employee and dependent health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b)/Roth
• employer-matched participation in the National YMCA Retirement Fund after two years of employment, among other benefits

• Works with key constituencies (volunteer leaders, staff, students, alumni, and community partners) in developing and executing Annual Fund campaigns.
• Writes fundraising appeal letters, stewardship and recognition communications, and grant proposals.
• Helps identify major donor prospects and strategizes with staff and volunteers to create action plans that lead to new or increased philanthropic commitments.
• Works with staff leadership to design and produce print, email, and social media communications, recognition, and training materials, and to develop analog and digital strategies for reaching and engaging supporters.
• Identifies prospects for planned giving and stewards current members of the Y's planned…