Divisional Development Director - Southwest Division

Young Life•Colorado Springs, CO

2d•$91,750 - $118,250•Remote

About The Position

The Divisional Development Director works in close collaboration with the divisional SVP, Regional Directors, Area Directors, and volunteer committees to expand private philanthropic support across the division. The role is a strategic partner to the field, leading the development, management, and successful funding of the division’s campaign vision. The director independently manages a major-gift portfolio of $50,000+ prospects, using a relationship-centered approach to identify, connect with, solicit, and steward donors. The position connects field ministry needs with donor passions and represents divisional needs and Young Life Mission Priorities to individual donors. The role requires commitment to Young Life’s Christian purposes, Statement of Faith, Values, and Methods. Employees are expected to profess belief in Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, fulfill ministry functions as required, and abide by Young Life policies and practices. The position is remote, with a preferred location within the assigned division, and requires travel across the division for face-to-face donor visits and regional events. The anticipated salary range is $91,750 to $118,250, depending on relevant experience and education, work location, and scheduled weekly hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; a job-related major is preferred.
At least 5 years of fundraising experience, with a proven record of managing a portfolio and closing major gifts of $50,000 or more.
At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including leading and managing complex initiatives or programs with outcome-focused deliverables.
At least 3 years of direct or indirect management experience overseeing, coaching, and inspiring staff teams or high-level volunteer committees.
Ability to understand, embody, and clearly articulate Young Life’s ministry and mission.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with donors, alumni, executives, and volunteers.
Ability to communicate Young Life’s mission authentically and explain how it is adapting to meet the needs of today’s kids.
Proven ability to work proactively, manage strict deadlines, and collaborate effectively.
Ability to research prospects, prepare comprehensive presentation materials, and manage campaign budgets accurately.
Experience using CRM databases to track metrics and inform strategic decisions.
Commitment to donor confidentiality and spiritual integrity in fundraising.
Ability and willingness to travel across the division for donor visits and regional events.
Must profess belief in Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord and subscribe to Young Life’s Statement of Faith and required staff policies.

Nice To Haves

Reside within the assigned division(s).
A job-related major field of study.

Responsibilities

Develop a yearly personal growth plan that supports a vibrant spiritual life through solitude, retreat, reflection, study, prayer, and worship.
Ensure Young Life work is designed and carried out in alignment with Young Life’s Values and Methods, and maintain spiritual disciplines and accountability in light of distance supervision and travel.
Partner with the divisional SVP to align fundraising strategy with the overall divisional strategy.
Oversee, plan, and execute campaign activities, including timeline management, donor events, communications, and stewardship.
Oversee the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an up-to-date campaign Case for Support that includes current and legacy giving options.
Provide strategic counsel to regional and area directors on local campaigns in partnership with Global Field Development, building trust and alignment between development and field ministry.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects through a relationship-centered engagement pipeline, focusing on donor discovery, qualification, and identifying new major-gift prospects.
Plan travel and schedule donor appointments for discovery, qualification, and major-gift asks.
Coordinate with the Executive Director of YL Foundation and partners to use current and planned giving structures to address donor needs and campaign goals.
Partner with active volunteer Executive Campaign Committees and their chairs to shape and align divisional ministry priorities with fundraising strategies.
Establish feedback processes for the Executive Campaign Committee and prepare impact reports communicating investment outcomes and campaign milestones.
Maintain data integrity in Young Life systems and promptly log visits, calls, and next-step strategies.
Design and implement a timely donor stewardship program to ensure donors are appropriately thanked and recognized.
Maintain donor confidentiality and practice spiritual integrity in fundraising.