Director of Advancement Operations (Full Time) na The Summit Area YMCA

Description

Inspire generosity, build community, and grow impact—join the Summit Area YMCA as our next Advancement Director.

Working closely with the VP of Advancement, the Director of Advancement Operations leads our Annual Campaign and related fundraising efforts. This role leads the full donor journey—from identifying new prospects to cultivating relationships, securing gifts, and ensuring meaningful stewardship. The Director also manages campaign strategies, special events, and grant applications, while serving as a visible ambassador of the Y’s mission and values.

You May Be the Right Fit If You…

• Enjoy building relationships and connecting people to causes that matter.
• Can tell a compelling story that inspires generosity.
• Feel energized by setting goals—and achieving them.
• Balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.
• Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Are adaptable and willing to pitch in at events, even if it means an early morning or weekend.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the strategy and execution of the Annual Campaign.
• Manage the full donor lifecycle: research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee major campaign pushes (spring, year-end, staff campaign) as well as targeted appeals.
• Maintain a prospect portfolio and personally engage with donors and prospects.
• Manage and utilize the Bloomerang database for gift entry, reconciliation, reporting, and donor segmentation.
• Draft creative appeals and stewardship communications, partnering with Marketing for brand alignment.
• Collaborate with branch leadership to strengthen fundraising and campaign strategies.
• Manage the Annual Campaign budget, community fundraising events (including the 5K), and the Annual Celebration.
• Research, prepare, and manage grant applications and reporting.
• Recruit and steward volunteers to support outreach and donor engagement.

Salary & Benefits

This full-time, exempt-level position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $95,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen the community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential, and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.  

Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years or more of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
• Proven ability to identify key issues and manage a project from conception to execution.
• Experience with fundraising systems, preferably Bloomerang and Blackbaud.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and initiative skills, with excellent written, verbal, and storytelling communication abilities.
• Proven ability to meet goals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Experience building relationships and networking to further advancement goals.
• Self-motivated with a collaborative work ethic and the ability to effectively engage constituents.
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for the mission of the Summit Area YMCA.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong overall technology proficiency, including fundraising and campaign management platforms.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in donor and campaign matters.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends to support events, donor meetings, and campaign activities.

About the Summit Area YMCA:

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.