Director of Mission Advancement

YMCA
Salary
$45,000.00
$70,000.00
Resumes Accepted Until
Resume Contact
[email protected]
This position exists to inspire generosity and grow the resources necessary to transform lives across the Reservation and beyond  
Job Description

The Director of Mission Advancement is more than a fundraiser. They are the storyteller, relationship builder, and ambassador of the YMCA Seven Council Fires mission. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, volunteers, staff and community partners, this individual will lead all aspects of philanthropy, donor engagement, grants strategy, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate partnerships while helping communicate the incredible impact occurring every day through Camp Marrowbone, Morning Star Village, youth development, feeding programs, and community initiatives.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent experience).
  • Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in:
    • Nonprofit development
    • Philanthropy
    • Major gifts
    • Advancement
    • Relationship management
  • Demonstrated success securing major gifts.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience using donor CRM systems.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to travel throughout South Dakota and nationally as needed.
  • Passion for serving Native communities and advancing equitable opportunities.
  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
  • Ability to pass background check and drug/alcohol screening
  • Ability to lift 35–40 lbs
Essential Functions

Philanthropy & Fundraising Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive Mission Advancement strategy that increases annual philanthropic support.
Lead fundraising efforts including:

    • Annual Campaign
    • Major Gifts 
    • Leadership Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Endowment Growth
    • Capital Campaigns
    • Monthly Giving
    • Special Appeals

Build a sustainable donor pipeline from first-time donor through transformational gifts.

Major Donor Relationships
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors.
Conduct regular donor visits both virtually and in person.
Partner with the CEO on six- and seven-figure gift opportunities.
Create personalized stewardship experiences that deepen donor engagement.
Maintain accurate donor records and moves management.

Foundation & Corporate Partnerships
Research and develop relationships with regional and national foundations.
Coordinate grant opportunities alongside program staff.
Expand partnerships with businesses and YMCA associations across North America.
Develop sponsorship opportunities for programs and events.

Storytelling & Mission Communication
Work collaboratively with the Communications team to ensure donor-centered storytelling.
Collect stories, photos, videos, and testimonials that demonstrate measurable impact.
Translate program outcomes into compelling donor communications.
Ensure every donor understands how their generosity changes lives.

Board & Volunteer Engagement
Support the Board of Trustees in fundraising leadership.
Recruit and train volunteer fundraising ambassadors.
Develop donor cultivation events and community engagement opportunities.
Assist committees responsible for philanthropy and campaign strategy.

Campaign Management
Lead annual fundraising campaigns including:

  • YMCA Annual Campaign
  • Campership Campaign
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Endowment initiatives
  • Capital Campaigns
  • Matching gift challenges

Track campaign metrics and adjust strategies for success.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Innovation

Communication

Relationships

Philanthropy