Association Director of Donor Stewardship

YMCA
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Job Description

The Association Director, Donor Stewardship is a critical leadership role within the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, responsible for overseeing the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of donor stewardship efforts. This position ensures that all donor relationships are nurtured with a high level of transparency, gratitude, and engagement, aligned with the YMCA’s mission and strategic objectives. The Association Director will work closely with the Senior Director of Donor Services and the development team to ensure the effective management of donor portfolios, grant stewardship, and capital campaign tracking.

The Association Director will lead a team responsible for donor relations, gift processing, and event logistics, while overseeing the integrity of data systems and the accuracy of gift records, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and internal/external audits. The role also integrates grant tracking and capital campaign stewardship into the broader financial development strategy, aiming to strengthen relationships with donors, foundations, and other funding sources.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree (4-year) in a related field
  • Six or more years of experience in donor stewardship, fundraising, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of managing donor relationships, capital campaigns, and grants.
  • Expertise in donor stewardship, major gift cultivation, and capital campaign
  • Strong proficiency with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge), and the ability to manage large datasets and financial records.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrated ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and maintain attention to detail in all aspects of stewardship.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, with the ability to develop and mentor staff.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Working Conditions

  • Regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
  • Frequently required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment. 
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. 
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 
  • Travel as needed. 
  • Sit for extended periods of time. 
  • Speak concisely and effectively communicate. 
  • Communicate in English, written and oral.
  • Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods. 
Essential Functions
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy to engage, recognize, and thank donors in alignment with the YMCA’s mission.
  • Oversee the preparation and distribution of personalized donor acknowledgment communications, ensuring IRS compliance and internal guidelines.
  • Coordinate personalized engagement, recognition, and cultivation plans for major donors.
  • Utilize Raiser’s Edge and other CRM systems for effective donor engagement, tracking communications, and maintaining donor relationships.
  • Supervise gift processing, ensuring accurate entry and tracking of financial data in Raiser’s Edge.
  • Manage the acknowledgment process, ensuring timely tax receipts and appropriate recognition for donors.
  • Monitor pledge reminders and follow up on outstanding donations to ensure timely tax receipts and appropriate recognition for donors.
  • Design and refine systems to enhance efficiencies in gift processing while ensuring accuracy and financial reporting alignment.
  • Oversee grant tracking, ensuring donor and foundation expectations for stewardship, reporting, and compliance are met.
  • Collaborate with the Grants Manager to produce regular impact reports for funders, and ensure accurate documentation of grant agreements.
  • Lead the design and implementation of a stewardship strategy for capital campaign donors, ensuring communication and recognition meet donor preferences.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

1- CHANGE LEADERSHIP: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.

2- CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment

3- PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs

4- ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit