Senior Director, Development

Why Your Role Matters

The Senior Director of Development is a pivotal leadership position responsible for driving significant philanthropic growth to support the Greater Austin YMCA’s mission and community impact. By leading special appeals, driving a region for the annual giving campaign, managing individual donor portfolios, and cultivating strategic corporate sponsorships, this role directly contributes to expanding access to vital programs and services. Serving as a lead for center leadership and volunteer boards, the Senior Director of Development shapes donor engagement and stewardship strategies that deepen relationships, increase giving levels, and secure sustainable funding. Through these efforts, the Senior Director of Development helps fuel positive change and strengthen the organization’s long-term financial health and community presence.

What You Bring to the Y  

• 4-6 years of progressive nonprofit development or fundraising experience, with demonstrated success managing individual donor portfolios and corporate sponsorships that drive revenue growth.
• Proven track record in leading special appeals and donor stewardship initiatives that increase donor retention, upgrade giving levels, and expand community support.
• Strong experience cultivating and soliciting a diverse donor base, including corporate partners, major donors, and sustaining givers.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders to advance philanthropic goals.
• Experience developing compelling sponsorship proposals, marketing materials, and stewardship plans that align with organizational priorities and funding needs.
• Skilled in project management with the ability to manage multiple fundraising campaigns and partnerships simultaneously, ensuring timely and impactful execution.
• Proficient in donor management software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and data-driven fundraising strategies to analyze trends and inform decision-making. 

How You Will Make an Impact 

• Drive growth of sustaining giving, leading a region for the Annual Giving Campaign (AGC) with center leadership to elevate donors to Triangle Society status, increasing long-term donor retention and revenue.
• Lead special appeals campaigns (Send a Kid to Camp, Veterans Day, Mental Health Awareness, Safety Around Water, Giving Tuesday, etc.) that raise critical funds and awareness to support community programs and mission impact.
• Manage and grow an individual donor portfolio with targeted retention and upgrading goals, increasing donor lifetime value, and advancing donors through giving levels.
• Elevate minor donors to major donor status through a tiered stewardship structure that leverages Chief Development Officer engagement, resulting in higher giving and stronger relationships.
• Develop and execute comprehensive donor stewardship plans (including stewardship events) and produce engaging donor newsletters, enhancing donor satisfaction and deepening engagement.
• Create and maintain a dynamic association sponsorship deck aligned with funding priorities, enabling successful solicitation and stewardship of corporate partnerships that expand resource streams.
• Collaborate on YMCA Youth & Government (YG) initiatives to cultivate the next generation of donors and supporters, ensuring sustainable future funding.
• Lead and grow sponsorship programs in Mental Health, Youth Sports, Early Education, and Sustainability & Resiliency, driving targeted funding to key organizational priorities.
• Prospect, solicit, and steward corporate sponsorships that contribute significant financial support and strengthen community partnerships.
• Identify and coordinate corporate volunteerism opportunities linked to giving, enhancing corporate partner engagement, and community impact.
• Drive growth of corporate membership opportunities to expand YMCA’s reach and resources within the business community.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with Center Advisory Boards (CAB), funneling qualified donor prospects to senior leadership to maximize philanthropic potential.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Development Department and the strategic priorities of the YMCA of Greater Austin.