Vice President Development

POSITION SUMMARY The Vice President of Development is a strategic, relationship-driven leader responsible for advancing the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver’s philanthropic strategy and growing contributed revenue across fundraising channels, including annual giving, major gifts, foundation and institutional support, and capital campaigns, in support of the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.

Working closely with the CEO, senior leadership, Board of Directors, community partners, and the Development team, the Vice President translates organizational priorities into effective fundraising strategy, operations, donor engagement, and sustainable systems.

The Vice President leads and develops the Development team, provides strategic direction for donor cultivation and institutional giving, personally builds key philanthropic relationships, and partners with the CEO on major donor engagement and solicitations.

The Vice President models the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility and fosters a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive culture that strengthens philanthropy and advances the YMCA’s mission.

OUR PATHFor 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all. Our direction is clear:
Elevate Lives and Rise Together. Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Philanthropic Strategy & Revenue Growth Develops and implements a comprehensive development strategy aligned with the YMCA’s mission, strategic plan, programs, and organizational priorities.

Establishes fundraising goals and strategies that strengthen and diversify philanthropic support through major gifts, annual giving, foundations, corporations, grants, partnerships, and other opportunities.

Monitors philanthropic trends, opportunities, and risks and recommend strategies that support sustainable contributed revenue growth.

Development Team Leadership Provides direct supervision, coaching, and strategic direction to the Director of Annual Giving and Director of Grant & Sponsorship Administration.

Establishes clear goals and expectations, encourages collaboration and shared accountability, and supports the professional growth and effectiveness of the team.

Evaluates department structure, staffing, specialization, and capacity as organizational needs grow and recommends appropriate refinements.

Development Operations, Budget & Performance Develops and manages the Development department budget and allocates resources in alignment with approved priorities.

Establishes and monitors fundraising measures, including revenue performance, donor pipeline activity, retention, acquisition, engagement, and other indicators that support informed decision-making.

Ensures effective fundraising systems and practices, including appropriate use of donor management systems, prospect management, donor records, gift administration, stewardship, and compliance with donor intent.

Uses fundraising data and performance information to identify opportunities, address gaps, and strengthen development strategy and operations.

Major Gifts & Donor Relationships Provides strategic direction to the Director of Annual Giving regarding major donor cultivation, relationship strategy, solicitation planning, and pipeline development.

Personally cultivates and strengthens relationships with key donors and prospects throughout the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado philanthropic community.

Builds meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, civic and community leaders, and other strategic partners.

Partners with the CEO on major donor engagement…