Chief Philanthropy Officer

How you will contribute to our Cause:

The YMCA of Austin is a social enterprise focused on providing innovative approaches to empowering youth and families, improving quality of life and health for all, and leading social responsibility. The Y is recovering from the pandemic stronger and ready to adapt to change and growth.

As the future of work evolves, so do we. The Chief Development (Philanthropy) Officer has the opportunity to follow our hybrid model (business office/remote).

The Chief Development (Philanthropy) Officer is a strategic leader driving the successful execution of an ambitious development strategy and fostering a strong culture of philanthropy. As a member of the executive leadership team, you are responsible for providing leadership in philanthropy to support the overall mission and strategic direction of the organization. You lead and oversee the development and implementation of policies, plans, and programs in the areas of individual and family philanthropy, including major lifetime gifts for programs and capital, endowed and planned gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate giving, and donor relations.

You ensure the effective coordination of fundraising efforts at the organizational and local YMCA center level (branches and programs); working with the Board of Directors and committees, the CEO, branch executives, and volunteer groups to achieve fundraising targets. You effectively mobilize to achieve positive relations with the community; optimize revenue from fundraising activities; and create and manage information management systems and infrastructure to maximize the donor experience.

Salary: $160,00 - $190,000 per year, depending on experience. Full benefits package including dental, vision, health insurance, and employer-matched retirement plan upon reaching eligibility.       

What are the details?

Strategic Leadership & Management (50%)

• Participate in strategic planning for the Association ensuring that philanthropy and development support the YMCA's values, mission, vision, and strategic plan
• Provide leadership and coordination to all development activities including major and capital gifts, annual campaign, endowment, foundations, and corporate giving and special events
• Establish working priorities, prepare and manage associated budgets
• Develop and implement strong donor communications and cultivation plans
• Cultivate prospects, major donors, foundations, and strategic partners to resource and increase the impact of the YMCA to meet community needs
• Manage donor and partner experiences to create long-lasting relationships between the donor and the YMCA. Represent and articulate YMCA’s mission and programs to its potential constituents, members, and supporters
• Oversee creation and operation of a prospect and donor management system to ensure accuracy, legal, institutional, and ethical compliance with donor intent, and to improve the overall operation and effectiveness of Association fundraising efforts
• Ensure a successful grant writing plan for the association and communities served by the Y, growing year over year funding
• Ensure proper stewardship of all gifts through development and enforcement of tight administrative procedures for recording gifts, tracking pledges, and managing stewardship plans
• Foster innovation through collaboration and forward-thinking

Community & Board Engagement (25%)

• Work in partnership with the marketing and communications department to enhance the YMCA’s brand, partner and donor experience and advocacy among board and community leaders
• Develop and maintain a strong volunteer base to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the Association
• Develop and guide an actively engaged fund development committee of the Board of Directors
• Provide counsel, support, and coordination to Association wide staff concerning the development

Performance Achievement & Results (25%)

• Hold team accountable for achieving at high levels to meet strategic goals and objectives
• Models inclusive leadership behaviors and embraces all dimensions of diversity – building strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to our mission
• Responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports and ensuring alignment with association people practices for all positions within their organizational structure
• Conducts Cycle Check-ins and the Annual Check-In with direct reports to ensure progress with OKRs, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and discuss development opportunities
• Responsible for successful Strategic Plan metrics, and Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)
• Implements a goal-based leadership approach (OKR methodology) and ensures the development department is actively working towards supporting organizational level objectives and key results
• Other duties as assigned. 

What you bring to the Cause:

You have demonstrated success in significantly growing contributed revenue as well as implementing groundbreaking strategies and innovative approaches to fund development, i.e. executing best practices and creating new practices. You also have a track record of success in designing and applying innovative approaches to strategic partnerships, corporate giving, and sponsorships. You possess an entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to lead strategically but also perform hands-on work in a “roll up your sleeves” culture.

Education & Experience:

• You have a bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible and successful executive leadership experience in fundraising, development, or advancement management (required). Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) is highly preferred, but not required
• Demonstrated success in developing and leading a comprehensive philanthropy program including major and planned gifts, annual giving, and foundation, corporate and government grants, and institutional support is required
• Track record of success in raising a minimum of $10 million in contributed funds annually and working effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders
• Possess knowledge and understanding of fund-raising technology and software support and demonstrated ability to select, implement, and effectively manage the technology. 

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The YMCA of Austin provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. YMCA of Austin complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.