Director of Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships

McGaw YMCA is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Director of Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships to help expand philanthropic support for programs that strengthen the Evanston community. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative development team working to deepen relationships with donors, corporate partners, and community leaders who believe in the power of the YMCA to serve children, families, and individuals across Evanston.

The Director of Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships will lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and strategic partners while helping advance McGaw YMCA’s culture of philanthropy and community engagement. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, CEO, and volunteer leaders, this role plays an important part in expanding philanthropic investment that supports the Y’s programs, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.

Salary Range: $72,000 – $87,000 Annually

Department: Development

Days/

Hours:

Monday – Friday, Hours vary based on the needs of the Department. The position will require some evening and weekend meetings, donor interaction, and other duties as assigned.

• Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and corporate partners
• Cultivate and solicit significant philanthropic gifts that support McGaw YMCA’s mission
• Develop and strengthen corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities
• Grow McGaw YMCA’s planned giving program through the Aiken-Talley Society
• Partner with the CEO, Chief Development Officer, and Board volunteers to engage top philanthropic prospects
• Collaborate across development, marketing, and program teams to align donor engagement strategies
• Serve as a visible ambassador for McGaw YMCA within the Evanston community

• Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of progressive fundraising, partnership development, or equivalent relationship-based experience
• Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure philanthropic gifts
• Experience managing a strategic portfolio of donors and prospects
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Experience working with fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred)
• Passion for community impact and mission-driven work

All McGaw YMCA employees are required to support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention. The YMCA enforces its policies and practices to prevent child abuse. The McGaw YMCA will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of youth in its programs. All reports of suspicious or inappropriate behavior with youth or an allegation of abuse will be taken seriously. Because of our concern for the welfare of children, the McGaw YMCA has developed standards, guidelines, and training to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse.

In addition, employees are screened, and background checks are conducted as a part of the hiring process.