Vice President of Advancement at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

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

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 evaluates 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.

 Compensation:  Annual Salary: $105,000 - $120,000; Full Time; Salary Exempt

• Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
• 20% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network. 
• Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 4 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child. 
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan. 
• Paid Disability Leave – short & long term disability coverage. 
• Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family. 
• Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
• Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

Requirements

• 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.

Certificates and Licenses

• 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

YMCA 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.

Work Environment: 

This role requires strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills to effectively execute strategic initiatives. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to support individuals with disabilities.

• Advanced Communication – Reads and interprets complex documents, responds to sensitive inquiries, and delivers compelling speeches and presentations.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Collects and analyzes data to define challenges, develop solutions, and drive informed decision-making.
• Public Engagement – Persuasively communicates with leadership, community partners, staff, and board members on complex or high-impact topics.
• Clear & Concise Expression – Ensures alignment across stakeholders through effective communication.
• Travel Requirements – Regular travel within Grand Rapids and Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel for conferences and training.