Divisional Development Director - Southwest Division

Young Life•Colorado Springs, CO

3d•Remote

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. They will also be responsible for creating and maintaining an up-to-date campaign “Case for Support” and providing strategic counsel to regional and area directors in their local campaigns. A key aspect of this role involves actively managing a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, focusing on donor discovery, qualification, and bringing new major gift prospects into the pipeline. The Director will also coordinate with the Executive Director of YL Foundation and partners to utilize current and planned giving structures, and partner directly with any active volunteer Executive Campaign Committee (ECC) to shape fundraising strategies. Maintaining data integrity within Young Life systems and designing a timely stewardship program are also crucial responsibilities. This position requires a Bachelor's degree, a proven track record in relational fundraising with experience in managing portfolios and closing major gifts, and a deep understanding of the Young Life mission. Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including 3 years of management experience, is required. Exceptional communication, storytelling, strategic, and technical skills are essential, along with absolute commitment to spiritual integrity and confidentiality.

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—ensuring partners feel valued for who they are, not just what they can give.
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.
Travel required across the division to conduct face-to-face donor visits and attend regional events.

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 including time for solitude, retreat, reflection, study, prayer, and worship.
Ensure that all Young Life work is designed and carried out with an awareness of and in alignment with Young Life’s Values and Methods.
Develop strong spiritual disciplines and accountability considering possible distance supervision and travel schedule.
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” (current) and “give in the future”(legacy) options.
In partnership with Global Field Development, 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.