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Drive philanthropy that changes lives. Join the YMCA as a strategic fundraising leader connecting donors to meaningful community impact.
Job Description
Consistent with the mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, and in collaboration with YMCA staff, the Executive Director of Mission Advancement serves as the lead fundraising professional for an assigned territory of YMCA centers. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, this position is responsible for building and managing a comprehensive portfolio of leadership and major gift donors.
This role develops and executes strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals capable of making significant financial contributions to the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.
Qualifications
Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the YMCA
Experience supervising or leading staff, volunteers, members, and participants, with the ability to support engagement and effective service delivery across YMCA centers
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of 6–8 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing major gifts (5- and 6-figure contributions)
- Experience working with volunteer boards and fundraising committees
- Experience collaborating across departments and leadership levels
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities across a defined geographic territory
- Experience with capital campaigns, endowment fundraising, or planned giving
- Experience with donor management systems and fundraising analytics tools
- Microsoft Office 365 experience preferred
- Ability to travel; reliable transportation required
Essential Functions
Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
- Board Development & Volunteer Leadership
- Support Executive Directors of assigned centers in advisory board development and engagement
- Assist with recruitment and ongoing coordination of advisory boards and philanthropy committees
- Support board members in fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement activities
- Facilitate advisory board engagement through mission-related communication, giving opportunities, and community involvement
- Leadership-Level Fundraising & Donor Strategy
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects capable of making significant financial contributions
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 125–150 major gift prospects and donors
- Conduct regular donor meetings and relationship-building activities
- Collaborate with Executive Directors and cross-functional teams to develop and execute donor strategies
- Maintain accurate donor records, pipeline reports, and fundraising projections
- Incorporate planned giving strategies into donor engagement and long-term giving plans
- Pipeline Development & Donor Growth
- Develop and implement strategies to expand the base of individual, family, and institutional donors
- Build and maintain a donor pipeline from first-time contributors to major gift donors
- Use volunteer engagement and program storytelling to support donor retention and growth
- Mission Advancement & Strategic Collaboration
- Represent the YMCA in the community and across partnerships to support fundraising and engagement efforts
- Align fundraising strategies with program priorities to support organizational impact
- Collaborate with marketing, program, and executive staff on capital campaigns and organizational goals
Required Certifications
- Prior to first day: Complete New Hire onboarding requirements
- Within 90 days: Complete New Hire Orientation including Mental Health First Aid Certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing