Director of Advancement

YMCA
Salary
$80,000.00
$90,000.00
How to Apply
Apply Online
Resumes Accepted Until
Join our team in sunny Florida! The YMCA of Northwest Florida seeks a Director of Development. Salary $80K–$90K DOE.
Job Description

The Director of Advancement serves as a senior member of the leadership team, responsible for driving the association’s advancement strategy.  This role ensures alignment of advancement initiatives with the YMCA’s strategic plan, cultivates strong donor and partner relationships, and represents the YMCA’s mission in city, state, and federal circles. This person is responsible for a fundraising budget and will serve as an administrative liaison between the Y and the board of directors, task forces, and volunteer and community committees.

Qualifications

The Director of Advancement must understand the basic concepts of nonprofit agencies and the YMCA’s unique partnership between staff and volunteers. This position requires strong relationship-building skills, active listening, effective communication, and the ability to engage a diverse population in meaningful ways. Leadership, diplomacy, and political acumen are essential, as the role involves cultivating relationships with donors, partners, and government officials while managing sensitive internal and external dynamics.

  • Bachelor’s degree in fundraising, communications, or related field.
  • Proven success in fundraising, including donor pipeline management, major gifts, and capital campaigns.
  • Experience in event oversight and community engagement strategies.
  • Demonstrated success in marketing/communications oversight and brand management.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Leadership experience with the ability to grow and mentor staff.
  • Must have the strategic skills and vision to harness the organization’s development capabilities to build and implement an effective and comprehensive fundraising program.
  • Experience in identifying, submitting, preparing, and coordinating grant-funded proposals. 
  • Possess a passion for the mission and values of the YMCA.
  • Excellent personal communication ability, attention to detail, accuracy in reporting and exceptional organizational skills are essential to success in this position.
Essential Functions
  • Lead all aspects of fundraising, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, grants, corporate partnerships, major gifts, and planned giving.
  • Develop and manage a comprehensive donor pipeline and stewardship strategy.
  • Provide leadership, training, and support to advancement staff and volunteers.
  • Manage the donor database (CRM), ensuring data accuracy, timely documentation, and donor recognition. 
  • Analyze fundraising data, track progress, and generate reports for leadership. 
  • Ensure that net assets are spent in accordance with donor-imposed restrictions.
  • Oversee the full lifecycle of grant management—including proposal development, financial tracking, expenditure monitoring, and reporting—to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
  • Prepares departmental budget.
  • Provide financial guidance and support to department directors regarding grant-related matters.
  • Plans, supports and attends special events, i.e. receptions, annual meetings, Corporate Cup, etc.
  • Attends board meetings and relevant monthly committee/task force meetings and serves as secretary for all.
  • Serve as the primary steward of the YMCA brand, ensuring storytelling reflects mission impact and strategic alignment. 
  • On an annual basis, responsible for the association’s non-financial information reporting to YUSA.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
  • Philanthropy
  • Project Management
  • Communication & Influence
  • Developing Self & Others
Required Certifications
  • CFRE certification preferred
  • Minimum of 10 years of fundraising leadership in the nonprofit sector, demonstrated success in securing six-figure gifts
  • Strong knowledge of philanthropy in Northeast Florida with established donor and community relationships preferred