VP of Advancement (Full Time)

The Summit Area YMCA•Summit, NJ

114d•$102,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Ready to lead bold fundraising and lasting partnerships? Bring data, storytelling, and heart to advance our mission. As our Vice President of Advancement, you’ll be the chief architect of a modern, community-powered philanthropy program that fuels the Summit Area YMCA’s mission. You’ll partner with the President & CEO, an engaged Board, and leaders across programs to set bold fundraising goals, cultivate transformational major gifts, and deepen support from foundations and corporate partners. You’ll lead a talented team, build a best-in-class advancement operation (from pipeline strategy and grantmaking to stewardship and analytics), and serve as our chief storyteller—translating program outcomes into compelling cases for support that inspire generosity and long-term partnership. What makes this role exciting: the scale of impact in our communities, the chance to shape strategy at the executive table, and the mandate to innovate—integrating data, digital engagement, and inclusive fundraising practices to broaden who gives, how they give, and why they stay involved.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred.
Minimum of 6 years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gifts, capital campaigns, annual campaigns, and special events.
Proven success identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donors, corporations, and foundations.
Experience leading and mentoring a development team.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft persuasive donor communications.
Strong organizational, time-management, and project-management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
Proficiency with fundraising software (Bloomerang preferred) and reporting tools.
Extensive foundation grant writing experience required.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead our philanthropy engine: Oversee the planning and execution of the Annual Campaign, planned giving, grant strategy, special events, and donor stewardship programs.
Drive major gifts & partnerships: Build a robust pipeline; identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Activate board & volunteers: Serve as staff liaison to the Advancement Committee; equip leaders and volunteers to champion philanthropy.
Tell the story: Collaborate with Marketing to develop compelling cases for support, reports, and donor communications.
Run a high-performing shop: Supervise the Development Team; manage the department budget; ensure accurate CRM use (Bloomerang), gift processing, acknowledgments, reporting, and compliance.