Development Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Director provides strategic leadership and management of Sherman Lake YMCA’s fundraising efforts, including annual giving, capital campaigns, endowment development, donor relations, and sponsorships. This position also oversees and directs signature fundraising and community events to ensure strong philanthropic support for the YMCA’s mission.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission at the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center puts Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. 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.

Sherman Lake YMCA strives to be a place where acceptance and participation are the same for everyone regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, immigration status, ability or national origin. We believe that everyone deserves to work in a safe and welcoming environment, and will make every reasonable effort to meet the individual needs of all our staff. We are a continuing work in progress and look to review our practices and policies regularly to ensure we remain a place for all to belong.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops and manages a comprehensive fund development plan, including annual, capital, and endowment campaigns.

  • Cultivates, stewards, and maintains strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.

  • Oversees planning, promotion, and execution of special fundraising events (Success for Every Child Dinner, Kids ROAR, Turkey Trot, etc.).

  • Oversees volunteer committees and activities related to fundraising, including recruitment, recognition, and engagement.

  • Prepares donor communications, acknowledgements, and pledge statements.

  • Researches, writes, and submits grants and reports.

  • Collaborates with Marketing & Communications Coordinator to ensure alignment of fundraising and promotional strategies.

  • Attends Board meetings, committee meetings, and prepares related reports and minutes as assigned.

  • Evaluates and recommends partnership and sponsorship opportunities.

  • Participates in Administrative and Management Team meetings.

  • Ensures risk management safeguards are in place for fundraising activities.

  • Attends required abuse risk management training and adheres to YMCA safety and risk policies.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Minimum 3 years professional experience in fundraising, development, or related field.

  • Strong experience with annual, capital, and endowment fundraising campaigns.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

  • Knowledge of donor management software and fundraising best practices.

  • Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field required or equivalent experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and must be able to communicate using a computer and phone. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

COMPENSATION:

$56,597-$71,997

APPLY:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Kathleen Santini at kathleens@ymcasl.org by October 9, 2025.