Divisional Development Director - Southwest Division
About The Position
Young Life is seeking a Divisional Development Director for its Southwest Division. This role is responsible for partnering with the divisional SVP to bring strategic fundraising value to the overall divisional strategy. The Director will oversee, plan, and execute all supporting activities for fundraising campaigns, including timeline management, donor events, communication strategies, and stewardship. A key aspect of this role is managing a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, moving them through a relationship-centered engagement pipeline, with a focus on donor discovery, qualification, and bringing new major gift prospects into the division. The position also involves coordinating with the YL Foundation to utilize current and planned giving structures, partnering with volunteer Executive Campaign Committees (ECC), and maintaining data integrity within Young Life systems. The role requires a strong commitment to Young Life's mission, values, and spiritual disciplines, viewing development as a form of ministry.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a job related major field of study.
- 5+ years of fundraising experience with a proven track record of managing a portfolio and closing major gifts ($50k+).
- Must demonstrate a relational development approach where meeting metrics never compromises authentic, pastoral care for the donor.
- Proven ability to understand, embody, and deeply articulate the ministry and the heart of the Young Life mission today.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, including leading and managing complex initiatives or programs with outcome-focused deliverables.
- Minimum 3 years of direct or indirect management experience overseeing, coaching, and inspiring teams of staff or high-level volunteer committees.
- Exceptional communication skills. The ability to speak, listen, and care for high-level donors, alumni, executives, and volunteers in a way that establishes a deep, authentic connection.
- A gifted communicator who can passionately and authentically convey the heart of Young Life, translating how the mission is adapting and changing to meet the needs of today’s kids.
- Tested and proven in environments that demand high proactivity, and strict deadline management, balanced with a collaborative team spirit.
- Ability to research prospects, build comprehensive presentation materials, and accurately manage campaign budgets.
- Experienced in utilizing CRM databases to track metrics and drive strategic decisions.
- Absolute commitment to maintaining donor confidentiality and practicing spiritual integrity in fundraising, viewing development as a form of ministry.
- Must profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.
- Must subscribe to the statements and policies required of all Young Life staff, including the Young Life Statement of Faith.
- Shall during working and nonworking hours be ready, willing and able to fulfill such ministry functions as may be required by the organization.
- Shall during working and nonworking hours refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by Young Life.
- Shall during working and nonworking hours abide by all policies and practices of Young Life including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities.
Nice To Haves
- Residing within the specific division(s) assigned, working remotely.
Responsibilities
- Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life.
- Ensure all Young Life work is designed and carried out in alignment with Young Life’s Values and Methods.
- Develop strong spiritual disciplines and accountability.
- Partner closely with the divisional SVP to bring strategic fundraising value to the overall divisional strategy.
- Oversee, plan, and execute all supporting activities for the campaign, including timeline management, donor events, communication strategies, and stewardship.
- Oversee the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an up-to-date campaign “Case for Support,” ensuring it includes both “give now” and “give in the future” options.
- Provide strategic counsel to regional and area directors in their local campaigns, building trust and alignment between development and field ministry.
- Actively manage a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, moving them through the relationship-centered engagement pipeline.
- Focus on donor discovery, qualification, and bringing new, untapped major gift prospects into the Southwest Division pipeline.
- Plan travel and schedule appointments for discovery, qualification, and major gift asks.
- Coordinate with the Executive Director of YL Foundation and partners to utilize both current and planned giving structures to meet donor needs and campaign goals.
- Partner directly with any active volunteer Executive Campaign Committee (ECC) and its Chair to shape, refine, and align divisional ministry priorities with overarching fundraising strategies.
- Establish a robust feedback loop for the ECC; design and deliver comprehensive impact reports that transparently communicate how investments are advancing the division and achieving campaign milestones.
- Maintain strict data integrity within Young Life systems.
- Ensure all visits, calls, and next-step strategies are logged immediately.
- Design and implement a timely stewardship program to ensure all donors are thanked and recognized appropriately.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
