Vice President of Philanthropy

The Vice President of Philanthropy provides strategic leadership for all philanthropic efforts of the YMCA of Catawba Valley. This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the YMCA's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.

The VP of Philanthropy leads major gifts, annual giving, endowment growth, planned giving, capital campaigns, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship efforts. As a member of the senior leadership team, this position serves as a key ambassador for the YMCA, building meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, board members, community leaders, and funding partners.

Philanthropic Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive philanthropic strategy aligned with YMCA strategic priorities.
• Establish annual and long-range fundraising goals.
• Provide leadership for all fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and donor engagement efforts.
• Serve as a member of the YMCA leadership team and contribute to organizational planning and strategy.

Major Gifts & Donor Development

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects and donors.
• Develop and manage a major gifts portfolio.
• Build strong relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community leaders.
• Ensure exceptional donor stewardship and engagement practices.

Endowment & Planned Giving

• Lead efforts to grow the YMCA endowment.
• Develop and implement planned giving and Legacy Society strategies.

Campaign Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for annual campaigns, special campaigns, and future capital initiatives.
• Engage volunteers, board members, and community leaders in fundraising efforts.
• Ensure fundraising initiatives align with organizational priorities and community needs.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen philanthropic leadership.
• Support Development Committee activities and fundraising engagement.
• Recruit, develop, and support volunteer fundraising leaders.

Marketing & Community Relations

• Collaborate with Marketing to develop donor communications, impact stories, campaign messaging, stewardship materials, and community awareness initiatives.
• Represent the YMCA at community events, civic organizations, and partnership meetings.
• Serve as a visible advocate for the YMCA mission and community impact.

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for development staff.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Ensure effective fundraising systems, processes, and accountability measures.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Seven or more years of progressive fundraising and philanthropic leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading fundraising initiatives.
• Experience working with volunteer boards and community leaders.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission, values, and cause-driven leadership principles.

Expected Outcomes

• Growth in annual philanthropic revenue.
• Increased major gift and donor retention activity.
• Growth of endowment and planned giving commitments.
• Strong volunteer and board engagement in fundraising.
• Enhanced community awareness and philanthropic support of the YMCA mission.

Physical Requirements:

The Vice President of Philanthropy must represent the YMCA in a professional manner. The employee must be able to maneuver the grounds and facilities freely and be capable of speaking clearly, including, but not limited to: walking, stooping, carrying a minimum of 50 lbs., sitting, standing, pushing, climbing, kneeling, lifting a minimum of 50 lbs., and crouching.

Safety Policy:

The Vice President of Philanthropy will be responsible for observing the following rules:

• No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job at any time.
• Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.
• Obtain authorization from your supervisor for all non-emergency treatments for accidents.
• Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles.
• Keep the area where you work clean and neat at all times.
• Do not remove or bypass any guards on any machinery at any time.
• Ask your supervisor when you need additional equipment or instructions to get the job done safely.
• Lift with your legs, not your back, and get assistance with loads over 50 pounds.
• Advise your supervisor of any hazardous conditions.
• Follow all other written and spoken safety rules.

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Contributions

Child Abuse Prevention: All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment. This includes following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members. This position should ensure that all staff and volunteers understand and comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, actively monitor staff interactions with participants, address boundary violations, and ensure prompt reporting of concerns in accordance with YMCA policy and state law.