Director of Annual Giving
Company: YMCA
Location: Madison
Posted on: November 29, 2025
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Job Description:
Position Summary Under the supervision of the Senior Director of
Development, the Director of Annual Giving leads initiatives to
increase donor participation and engagement in support of the
Madison Area YMCA’s Annual Campaign. This role is responsible for
developing and executing campaigns and events that highlight the
organization’s mission, with the goal of expanding the donor base
and raising awareness of our impact in the community. Through
personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts,
the Director of Annual Giving builds meaningful relationships with
local individuals and families. The role strengthens donor
engagement by connecting supporters with events and volunteer
opportunities that deepen their connection to our cause.
Additionally, the Director plans and manages select strategic
special events, collaborating directly with staff, Board members,
leadership volunteers, top-level donors, community members, and
other key stakeholders. The position requires a high level of
confidentiality, discretion, teamwork, and collaboration.
Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent
experience. Three or more years of fundraising communications and
relationship-building experience. Knowledge of the YMCA’s position
in the community. Previous non-profit experience is a plus. Ability
to work appropriately and effectively with a variety of important
and high-level constituents. Maturity, judgment, diplomacy, and
discretion are required. Excellent written and verbal communication
skills, with the ability to write reports, letters, and business
correspondence. Competent with numbers, basic math, cash handling,
and entry-level bookkeeping practices. Proficient in Microsoft
Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiar with internet navigation,
research, and online giving. Detail-oriented with a strong work
ethic and integrity. Ability to prioritize competing demands.
Flexibility and adaptability required. Models relationship-building
skills in all interactions. Essential Functions Spends
approximately 40–50% of time engaging with current donors and
prospects, championing the Madison Area YMCA’s mission, encouraging
giving, reporting on impact, and connecting constituents with
volunteer and event opportunities. Solicits annual giving prospects
for first-time donations, renewals, and increased contributions.
Provides personalized stewardship throughout the year to strengthen
donor retention. Leads the strategic planning, coordination, and
execution of high-impact fundraising events that inspire donor
engagement, elevate organizational visibility, and generate
significant philanthropic support. Partners with the Development
Operations Manager to implement a comprehensive moves management
system for gifts under $1,000, including identifying new annual
giving prospects. Builds the pipeline to major gifts by cultivating
and introducing leadership-level donors to the Senior Director of
Development, President and CEO, and Board members. Oversees
volunteer committees and fundraising activities, including
recruitment, recognition, and ongoing engagement. Trains membership
and program staff to confidently communicate the YMCA’s mission and
impact during tours and daily member interactions. Leads the Staff
Campaign in collaboration with staff volunteers and HR, developing
and executing strategic activities to educate staff about the
YMCA’s impact and maximize staff participation in annual giving.
Collaborates with the Director of Strategic Communications and
cross-departmental colleagues to amplify the case for support and
ensure impact stories are shared effectively—both personally and
broadly—within the community. Partners with competitive teams and
affinity groups to foster cultures of philanthropy through targeted
communications and active participation in campaign activities.
Serves as a visible philanthropic ambassador at the Family Center,
FM Kirby Center, and throughout the community, maintaining a
consistent front-facing presence. Child Protection Adhere to
policies related to boundaries with youth. Attend required abuse
risk management training. Adhere to procedures related to managing
high-risk activities and supervising youth. Report suspicious or
inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated
abuse reporting requirements. Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA Leadership Competencies: Team Leader Mission Advancement:
Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service
with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with
orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates
relationships to support fundraising. Collaboration: Champions
inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds
relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens
and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing
with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the
appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching,
guidance, and support. Operational Effectiveness: Provides others
with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to
support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans
and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively
creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for
high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change, and
models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change.
Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and
inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and
technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best
practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in
technology.
Keywords: YMCA, West Orange , Director of Annual Giving, Customer Service & Call Center , Madison, New Jersey
