Annual Giving and Donor Engagement Manager na YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Annual Giving and Donor Engagement Manager is responsible for leading the YMCA’s Annual Campaign as part of the overall Annual Giving strategy. This position builds and manages donor relationships, provides strategic stewardship, and ensures effective donor management systems. The role partners closely with Executive Directors, branch boards, and the Mission Advancement team to drive donor engagement, retention, and growth in support of the YMCA’s mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Annual Giving:

o Lead and advise branch Executive Directors and Board Members in executing the Annual Campaign the Y Way, ensuring each campaign is relationship-driven, mission-focused, and volunteer-led.

o Provide training, resources, and encouragement to campaigners, staff, and volunteers to confidently share the Y story and ask for support.

o Work with branch leaders to set campaign goals, timelines, and volunteer structures that align with best practices.

o Consistently improve branch fundraising communication through hands-on collaboration and strategic alignment.

o Lead and manage all annual fund solicitation strategies to meet budgeted goals

o Assist in branch recruiting, training and motivating volunteers while providing recognition of their fundraising activities as they relate to the annual campaign and events (campaign kick-off, mid-point celebrations, end of the year celebrations, awards ceremonies) 

o Ensure campaigns incorporate storytelling that highlights the impact of YMCA programs and services on individuals, families, and the community.

o Foster a culture of philanthropy across the Association by engaging staff at all levels in donor cultivation, stewardship, and campaign participation.

o Develop tools and strategies to increase donor participation, campaigner effectiveness, and year-over-year growth in annual support.

o Celebrate and recognize campaign successes across branches, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing the YMCA mission.

Stewardship:

o Develop and implement annual stewardship plans to enhance donor retention and satisfaction.

o Coordinate regular communication with donors through newsletters, impact reports, donor walls, and personalized updates.

o Plan and execute donor recognition events and activities to express appreciation and build relationships.

Data Management and Reporting:

· Generate and distribute acknowledgment letters and receipts in a timely manner.

o Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to ensure proper allocation and reconciliation of funds.

o Conduct thorough research on prospective donors to identify potential funding opportunities.

o Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

o Analyze donor data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.

· Prepare regular reports on donor engagement activities and outcomes for branch and senior leadership.

· Maintain the gift dashboard that reports monthly touchpoints, campaign progress, donor retention, and stewardship

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. 

COMPENSATION

$58,000 - $71,000 annually; Full Time; Exempt 

BENEFITS

· Free YMCA Family Membership and discounted program fees including licensed childcare

· LinkedIn Learning access 

· Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

· Paid Time Off, beginning at 4 weeks per year

· 9 Paid Holidays per year 

· 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.

· 403(b) retirement savings account

· The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More information can be found here.

· Paid Parental Leave

· Long term disability, basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family

· Community Discounts, and more! 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

· Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field (preferred).

· 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, annual giving, or a related role.

· Demonstrated ability to build and manage donor relationships with professionalism and integrity.

· Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Experience with Daxko or donor databases/CRM systems and strong data management skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Passion for the YMCA mission and ability to convey that passion to donors and stakeholders.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

· Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within the first 60 days

· First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days

· Blood Borne Pathogen training

· State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT) 

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Functional Expertise

· Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.

· Uses best practices, guidelines, and industry standards as a framework to improve performance.

Program/Project Management

· Organizes program or project resources, space, or deliverables to best meet intended goals and outcomes.

· Delivers a high-quality experience to members, participants, or project teams.

Communication & Influence

· Interprets messages and body language effectively.

· Listens with the intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions.

· Responds to the individual needs of the other person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. 

· Ability to speak effectively over the phone and in person with customers, board members and employees. 

· Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL:

5% of local travel within the West Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.