VP - Fundraising & Government Relations

YMCA Buffalo Niagara•Buffalo, NY

13d

About The Position

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday priorities are a reflection of the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to practicing inclusion. Applications must include a cover letter and resume to be considered. POSITION SUMMARY: The Vice President of Fundraising and Government Relations provides strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of the Association’s philanthropic and government relations efforts. This role establishes and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies to advance the Y’s mission through annual giving, capital and endowment campaigns, planned giving, government and foundation grants, and special events. The Vice President is instrumental in building and sustaining strong relationships with community, business, philanthropic, and government leaders, and serves as a key member of the Y’s senior management team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business management, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in major gifts and campaign management.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior community leaders and diverse populations.
Working knowledge of charitable giving vehicles and philanthropic best practices.
Demonstrated expertise in foundation and government grant writing and management.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate the YMCA’s charitable purpose and impact.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement and oversee comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, endowment, and planned giving programs.
Establish long- and short-term financial development goals aligned with the Association’s strategic plan.
Develop and maintain fundraising policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effective and ethical fundraising practices.
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Financial Development Committee and other Board committees as assigned.
Partner with volunteer leadership to increase engagement and effectiveness at all levels of financial development.
Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in fundraising initiatives.
Actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
Develop and implement donor stewardship strategies to strengthen long-term relationships and donor retention.
Create interpretive and case-for-support materials that clearly communicate the Y’s mission, impact, and funding priorities.
Identify, prepare, and coordinate grant proposals and reports for government agencies, private foundations, and YMCA of the USA.
Build and maintain relationships with government and community leaders to advocate for the Y and advance public funding opportunities.
Coordinate with branch executive directors to schedule community events, legislative visits, and advocacy activities.
Develop communication strategies to ensure members, participants, donors, and the broader community understand the Y’s impact and case for support.
Oversee the development of outcome measurements and impact reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of YMCA programs and services.
Plan and oversee the Association’s key fundraising and donor engagement events.
Represent the Association at community, donor, and government events as assigned.
Develops and manages the department budget, ensuring effective use of resources.
Monitors fundraising performance and prepares regular progress and outcome reports for senior leadership and the Board.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff.
Provide ongoing coaching, training, and performance feedback to staff.
Educate, motivate, and support staff and volunteers engaged in fundraising activities.
Serves as a member of the YMCA management team and supports the overall objectives and strategic priorities of the Association.
Performs other duties as assigned.