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A dynamic, innovative, and visionary leader who advances the Y’s mission through philanthropy.
Job Description
This is a rare build moment. The YMCA of Greater Nashua is redesigning its philanthropic model from the ground up, moving from a transactional annual campaign to a mission-driven, multi-tiered giving ecosystem. The VP of Philanthropy will be the person who leads that build: shaping the strategy, cultivating the relationships, and owning the results.
The VP of Philanthropy is a dynamic, innovative, and visionary leader who advances the Y’s mission through philanthropy. Dreaming up the strategy while simultaneously rolling up their sleeves, they champion a culture of giving: driving comprehensive fundraising strategies including annual campaigns, capital efforts, major gifts, planned giving, grants, donor stewardship, and strategic communications. Partnering closely with the CEO, board, and community stakeholders, the VP of Philanthropy is responsible for growing and diversifying our philanthropic revenue streams to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.
Qualifications
The right person for this role is a seasoned fundraising leader ready to own a function completely, from strategy to execution. You may be a Development Director ready to step into your first VP role, or a VP looking for a mission and an organization where you can build something meaningful. Either way, you have done the work: built donor relationships, made major asks, and moved the needle on a campaign. You are energized by a blank page, not intimidated by it.
Required:
• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in major gifts, annual campaigns, or corporate sponsorship
• Experience working with volunteers and board members as fundraising partners
• Strong relationship skills; you're comfortable in a room with a major donor, a corporate partner, or a community volunteer
• A builder's mindset: you see systems that don't exist yet and know how to create them
• Clear, compelling written and verbal communication
• Familiarity with donor CRM platforms and data-driven donor engagement
• A genuine connection to the Y's mission and the communities we serve
Preferred:
• Experience with YMCA or similar nonprofit mission fundraising
• Background in health equity, early education, or community services — sectors where the Y does its deepest work
• Grant writing or foundation relations experience
Essential Functions
Annual & Mission-Driven Giving
• Lead the Y's annual giving campaign under a new model that expands the mission story beyond scholarships to include Healthy Living programs and other high-impact work
• Develop and manage a tiered giving structure, including a Champions program (major institutional and corporate sponsors at the $10K–$100K level) and the 1887 Society (recurring individual donors).
• Build out donor segmentation and engagement strategies, including gathering data on donor motivation to inform long-term relationship management
• Meet or exceed annual goals with a clear path toward closing the Y's full unfunded mission gap over time
Major Gifts & Prospect Cultivation
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, building relationships that lead to multi-year commitments
• Identify and cultivate corporate partners and program sponsors, connecting businesses to specific mission areas that align with their values
• Partner with the CEO on top-tier donor relationships and high-stakes asks
Capital & Endowment
• Support capital campaign strategy and stewardship for major capital investments
• Develop and grow the Y's endowment giving program, including planned giving conversations with long-term donors
• Work with the CEO and CFO to ensure philanthropic strategy aligns with organizational financial planning
• Seek opportunities to use capital giving to support and grow the endowment
Grants
• Oversee the Y's grants portfolio in partnership with the YMCA’s contracted grant writer and program leaders, identifying opportunities to layer grant funding alongside donor giving
• Manage key foundation relationships, including Letters of Inquiry, proposals, and reporting
• Ensure grant opportunities are aligned with the Y's mission priorities and financial needs
Board & Volunteer Engagement
• Serve as a primary staff partner to the Board's Financial Development Committee, supporting board members as ambassadors and fundraisers
• Co-own board engagement in the philanthropic mission alongside the CEO and FD Committee, equipping board members with the tools, stories, and confidence to make asks
• Cultivate volunteer leadership around giving campaigns and donor stewardship
Team Leadership
• Lead and develop a small but mighty development team
• Build systems, processes, and a culture of accountability within the development function
• Manage the donor database and stewardship infrastructure to support a growing portfolio
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (Organizational Leader)
Innovation – Engaging Community – Project Management – Critical Thinking
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position operates in both professional office and active YMCA facility environments. Regular facility walkthroughs and engagement with members and staff are essential. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed to support membership operations and events.
Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively
Ability to use standard office equipment and technology
Ability to navigate facilities and be present during peak hours
Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor