Vice President of Philanthropy

The Vice President of Philanthropy provides strategic leadership for all philanthropic efforts of the YMCA of Catawba Valley. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the YMCA's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

The VP of Philanthropy leads major gifts, annual giving, endowment growth, planned giving, capital campaigns, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship efforts. As a member of the senior leadership team, this position serves as a key ambassador for the YMCA, building meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, board members, community leaders, and funding partners.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive philanthropic strategy aligned with YMCA strategic priorities.
• Establish annual and long-range fundraising goals.
• Provide leadership for all fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and donor engagement efforts.
• Serve as a member of the YMCA leadership team and contribute to organizational planning and strategy.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and manage a major gifts portfolio.
• Build strong relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
• Ensure exceptional donor stewardship and engagement practices.

• Lead efforts to grow the YMCA endowment.
• Develop and implement planned giving and Legacy Society strategies.

• Provide strategic leadership for annual campaigns, special campaigns, and future capital initiatives.
• Engage volunteers, board members, and community leaders in fundraising efforts.
• Ensure fundraising initiatives align with organizational priorities and community needs.

• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen philanthropic leadership.
• Support Development Committee activities and fundraising engagement.
• Recruit, develop, and support volunteer fundraising leaders.

• Collaborate with Marketing to develop donor communications, impact stories, campaign messaging, stewardship materials, and community awareness initiatives.
• Represent the YMCA at community events, civic organizations, and partnership meetings.
• Serve as a visible advocate for the YMCA mission and community impact.

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for development staff.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Ensure effective fundraising systems, processes, and accountability measures.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Seven or more years of progressive fundraising and philanthropic leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading fundraising initiatives.
• Experience working with volunteer boards and community leaders.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission, values, and cause-driven leadership principles.

The Vice President of Philanthropy must represent the YMCA in a professional manner. The employee must be able to maneuver the grounds and facilities freely and be capable of speaking clearly, including, but not limited to: walking, stooping, carrying a minimum of 50 lbs., sitting, standing, pushing, climbing, kneeling, lifting a minimum of 50 lbs., and crouching.

• Growth in annual philanthropic revenue.
• Increased major gift and donor retention activity.
• Growth of endowment and planned giving commitments.
• Strong volunteer and board engagement in fundraising.
• Enhanced community awareness and philanthropic support of the YMCA mission.

The Vice President of Philanthropy will be responsible for observing the following rules:

• No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job at any time.
• Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.
• Obtain authorization from your supervisor for all non-emergency treatments for accidents.
• Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles.
• Keep the area where you work clean and neat at all times.
• Do not remove or bypass any guards on any machinery at any time.
• Ask your supervisor when you need additional equipment or instructions to get the job done safely.
• Lift with your legs, not your back, and get assistance with loads over 50 pounds.
• Advise your supervisor of any hazardous conditions.
• Follow all other written and spoken safety rules.