The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is looking for its next dynamic Executive leader.
Job Description
The Vice President of Advancement serves as the strategist for all philanthropic and mission advancement efforts of the Association. This role leads a comprehensive advancement program including: annual giving, major and planned gifts, capital campaigns, grants, and special initiatives to drive sustainable revenue growth and deepen community impact. The Vice President provides strategic leadership for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Partnering closely with colleagues across the Association, align fundraising priorities with organizational and community needs, securing capital and grant opportunities that advance key strategic initiatives. They also provide direction for branch and Association-wide fundraising events that enhance visibility, engagement, and donor relationships.
Working directly with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership team, the Vice President of Advancement develops and executes short and long-term strategies to achieve the Association’s financial development goals. The Vice President ensures that all fundraising and mission advancement activities reflect the Association’s values, foster a culture of philanthropy, and strengthen the Association’s presence, reputation, and relationships within the community.
EOS Accountabilities:
- Leadership, Management, & Accountability (LMA)
- Marketing & Communications Alignment
- Branch Fundraising Support & Compliance
- Donor Management & Stewardship
- Fund Development & Revenue Growth
- Capital Campaign Strategy & Execution
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's Degree (BA) from a four-year college or university in a related field
- Experience: 10+ years of direct experience in successful major gift/capital campaigns. Non-profit management experience preferred.
- Proven Expertise: Demonstrated success in the solicitation of annual and major gifts and knowledge of planned giving strategies. Ability to communicate professionally and persuasively both orally and in writing to convey credibility and expertise in advising donors on confidential and sometimes complex financial matters. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles is essential. Able to think creatively and strategically, to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups.
- Mission-Driven Leadership: Commitment to the mission and purpose of the YMCA and ability to communicate and motivate others about the YMCA, its mission, and programs.
Essential Functions
- Lead Comprehensive Fund Development - Designs and executes an integrated fund development program, including annual giving, major and planned gifts, grants, and capital campaigns to achieve Association financial development goals.
- Build and Steward Key Donor Relationships - Systematically cultivates long-term, strategic relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations; manages all stages of the gift cycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) with a focus on major and transformational gifts.
- Oversee Advancement Systems, Data, and Budget - Develops and manages the systems, processes, and resources needed to support effective fundraising, including department budgeting, CRM/donor database integrity, gift processing, reporting, and analytics.
- Ensure Meaningful Donor Recognition and Communications - Establishes and maintains systems to ensure donors receive timely acknowledgment, consistent recognition, and clear accounting of the impact of their gifts; partners with marketing team to develop brand-aligned donor materials and campaigns that elevate the Association’s profile.
- Develop a Culture of Philanthropy and Team Excellence - Provides leadership, coaching, and training for staff, board members, and volunteers to strengthen fundraising capabilities and embed a culture of philanthropy across the Association; directs and evaluate the Development and Grants teams to ensure achievement of goals.
- Represent the Association in the Community - Serves as a visible ambassador for the Association by preparing and delivering presentations, participating in community initiatives, and cultivating strategic partnerships that advance mission and fundraising objectives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure the success of the YMCA and its mission-driven work.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Agility - Develop and execute strategies that align with overall business objectives while anticipating and adapting to industry trends.
- Collaborative Leadership - Build and nurture strong relationships with executive leadership, HR teams, and business partners to drive cross-functional alignment and influence change.
- Effective Communication - Clearly articulate initiatives, policies, and vision to all levels of the organization, ensuring transparency and alignment.
- Change Management - Lead transformative initiatives and manage organizational change, using data-driven insights to guide decisions and smooth transitions.
- Inclusion & Belonging – Fosters an equitable, diverse, and welcoming culture, ensuring all individuals feel valued and respected.
- Financial & Business Acumen – Ensures fiscal responsibility, strategic growth, and operational excellence across all levels of the organization.
Required Certifications
Background Check: State of Michigan criminal clearance (ICHAT). Safety Training: Bloodborne Pathogen training upon hire. Emergency Certifications (within 60 days): CPR, First Aid, AED-Oxygen
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