We have a strong commitment to equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Tell me about this job!

As a member of the Financial Development Team, the Director of Philanthropy, Major Gifts and Capital, will be responsible for creating the philanthropic strategy and objectives for major gifts and campaigns. Responsibilities will include working with a portfolio of individuals to acquire, cultivate, solicit, and steward capital and major gifts of $10,000 or higher. Responsible for working with volunteers on a comprehensive and aggressive campaign plan structure that will maximize capital and major giving opportunities. This Director will lead the strategy to future develop a culture of philanthropy to advance major and capital giving programs.

Minimum Compensation: $63,150.00/Annually

What you'll get from working at The Y

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle for you and your household
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance
• Retirement with generous employer contributions
• Free access to mental health resources
• Rapidly-accruing paid time off (PTO) available immediately upon hire
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare and day camp programs

*Some benefits only available to full-time staff

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is committed to providing a positive atmosphere that prioritizes safety and inclusivity for all employees. The YMCA of Greater Seattle has implemented safety standards and protocols related to preventative health measures based on CDC and local health department guidelines.

As of March 12, 2022 COVID Vaccinations Requirements for this role are Highly Recommended. Certain programs at the Y of Greater Seattle may require proof of vaccination, in compliance with local state and federal guidelines. If applicable will be assigned within onboarding. To see requirements for each program within our association, click here.

What you'll be doing

• Manage relationships with well over100 new and current prospective donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 or more annually. Will be expected to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward these very important friends of the YMCA for annual fundraising and capital gifts.
• Support the Financial Development Team in meeting its annual fundraising targets ($20M+) and capital fundraising objectives.
• Works collaboratively strategically with the President & CEO, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Branch Executives, Board Members, other fundraising professionals, volunteers, and other Y leaders to cultivate and solicit donors for association-wide priorities.
• Serve as fundraising lead for assigned programming area(s) (e.g., child care, camp, equity & justice, healthy living, social services, etc.) and/or associated capital projects.
• Renew and rebuild relationships with prior donors who have been dormant in recent years, as assigned.
• Establish new donor relationships and expand pipeline, generate new leads, and qualify major gift prospects from research, prospect tracking tools, fundraising colleagues, and prior experience. Work with the Financial Development Team to identify and cultivate major prospects for capital, program planned/legacy gifts, and endowment support.
• Develop appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers
• Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion towards greater understanding of the mission and impact of the assigned areas and solicitation.
• Make solicitations as appropriate.
• Provide leadership, coaching and training for select campaign committees, branch boards, and volunteers, including identifying and recruiting volunteers. Schedule and support campaign leadership meetings and ensure quality engagement and participation.
• Other duties as assigned.

What we're looking for in an applicant

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, financial development, communication, public relations, human services or equivalent.
  
• Strong and engaging verbal and written communication skills
  
• Five or more years of demonstrated success in raising funds from institutional and individual donors and through grant writing.
  
• Strong relationship building, communication and organizational skills.
  
• Direct experience in relationship building internal and external to an organization with volunteers, senior level community leaders and staff.
  
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of philanthropy within an organization.
  
• Demonstrated skills and abilities to challenge traditional thinking and generate possible new approaches in a manner that is constructive and value-adding
  
• Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of closing gifts in the six and seven-figure range.
  
• Ability to listen and ask leading questions which encourage prospects and donors to talk about themselves and their activities.
  
• Must be highly organized, able to work independently, and have an ability to work under pressure, to coordinate multiple requests and meet competing deadlines.
  
• Possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  
• Familiarity with donor databases and development best practices.
  
• Willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule consistent with the demands and needs of an executive team, volunteers, community leaders, and related special events.
  

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience and demonstrated success in fundraising for childcare, youth development, and equity and justice are preferred.
  
• Advanced fundraising training and certification i.e., CFRE
  
• Background in capital campaign fundraising and planned-giving.
  
• Background in working with and engaging volunteer boards.
  
• Prefer knowledge of and previous experience with diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
  
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English.

At the Seattle Y, we are an inclusive organization of people with a shared commitment to nurture the potential of youth, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility. We also believe in supporting the wellbeing of our employees and offer a free Y membership as a benefit of employment. 

Become a leader on our team at the YMCA of Greater Seattle where we promote a continuous learning environment and career opportunities. 

Our Mission

Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.

YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values

Respect

Responsibility

Honesty

Caring

Passion for Excellence

YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law.

All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.