Director of Philanthropy

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago • Chicago, IL

1d • $95,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropy is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for
expanding philanthropic support across the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role drives revenue growth by
strengthening donor relationships, leading fundraising initiatives, and building
a culture of philanthropy across YMCA centers, camps and the Association.

In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, this role helps shape annual
fundraising initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and programs such as
monthly giving and planned giving. The Director also manages a portfolio of
individual donors and prospects, leading cultivation and solicitation strategies
for leadership and major gifts.

This position supervises the Manager of Philanthropy and the Coordinator of
Philanthropy and plays a key role in building a high-performing fundraising team
that advances the YMCA’s mission.

Salary range is $95,000-$105,000 per year with full-time benefits and
opportunities to grow within the organization!

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills,
knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact
in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and
benefits, including:
Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees,
plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life
balance.
403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years
of service.
Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored
events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, or related field required.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or development.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Experience developing fundraising strategies and building donor pipelines.
• Experience working with community partners, volunteers, and corporate sponsors.
• Strong major gifts and donor relationship management skills
• Strategic thinking with strong execution and follow-through
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems
• Ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and community leaders
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite products and the ability to adapt to new technology.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Experience supervising staff or leading development teams preferred.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising initiatives that engage donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders at both the local and association levels.
• Identify new donor prospects and develop cultivation strategies to inspire philanthropic support.
• Design compelling fundraising opportunities tied to YMCA programs and community impact to deepen engagement and increase giving.
• Partner with leadership to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and community needs.
• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with the capacity for leadership and major gifts.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through personalized engagement strategies.
• Conduct regular donor meetings, tours, and engagement opportunities to strengthen relationships with the YMCA.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, YMCA staff, and volunteer leaders on strategic donor solicitations.
• Track donor engagement and fundraising activity within the CRM to support effective relationship management and reporting.
• Partner with YMCA center and camp leaders, the Philanthropy Manager, and the Philanthropy Coordinator to develop site-specific fundraising strategies and annual development plans aligned with association-wide campaigns.
• Support Advisory Boards in strengthening their philanthropic engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Identify individual and corporate donor prospects connected to YMCA locations and support relationship-building and storytelling around community impact.
• Support YMCA locations in maximizing the fundraising potential of local special events.
• Provide strategic guidance and fundraising best practices to increase event revenue, manage expenses and increase donor engagement.
• Assist with sponsorship development, donor cultivation, and stewardship tied to fundraising events.
• Identify opportunities to leverage events as a pipeline for future individual donors and corporate partners.
• Supervise the Manager of Philanthropy and Coordinator of Philanthropy.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented development team culture.
• Ensure strong coordination of donor stewardship, campaign execution, and fundraising operations.
• Support team members in implementing effective donor engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to align fundraising strategies across the association.
• Collaborate on annual fundraising appeals, donor communications, and campaign messaging.
• Support the development and promotion of the YMCA’s planned giving program.
• Provide reporting and analysis on donor activity, fundraising performance, and growth opportunities.
• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Benefits

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees