Director of Development & Strategic Engagement
Department: Office of Advancement
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Status: Full-Time | Exempt
Supervises: Development & Engagement Coordinator (upon hire)
Position Summary
YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (YWCA-GCR) is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven leader to serve as our Director of Development & Strategic Engagement.
This position is responsible for leading the organization's philanthropic fundraising strategy, strengthening community partnerships, expanding donor engagement, and increasing the visibility and sustainability of YWCA-GCR.
The Director will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community partners to cultivate meaningful relationships that inspire investment in our mission.
This position is responsible for leading all philanthropic fundraising efforts outside of grant writing and government contracts, with an emphasis on individual giving, corporate sponsorships, annual campaigns, major gifts, community engagement, and special events.
The Director will also lead the continued development of YWCA-GCR's Office of Advancement, creating systems, partnerships, and engagement opportunities that position the organization for long-term growth.
About YWCA-GCR
For more than 140 years, YWCA of the Greater Capital Region has worked to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Today, YWCA-GCR provides supportive housing, wellness programming, workforce development, community engagement, and advocacy that impacts more than 100 women and dozens of children every day.
We believe that meaningful relationships strengthen communities and that philanthropy creates opportunities for lasting change.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy that supports the long-term sustainability of YWCA-GCR.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop annual fundraising plans and measurable goals.
- Lead annual giving initiatives.
- Grow individual donor giving.
- Cultivate major gifts.
- Expand corporate sponsorship opportunities.
- Strengthen annual campaigns.
- Identify new philanthropic revenue opportunities.
- Develop stewardship strategies that encourage long-term donor investment.
- Analyze fundraising performance and recommend improvements.
Community & Strategic Engagement
Serve as one of YWCA-GCR's primary ambassadors throughout the Capital Region.
Responsibilities include:
- Build meaningful relationships with community leaders.
- Cultivate corporate and civic partnerships.
- Represent YWCA-GCR at community meetings and events.
- Develop engagement opportunities that increase visibility.
- Strengthen relationships with elected officials, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners.
- Create opportunities that connect new supporters with the organization's mission.
Board Engagement
Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen a culture of philanthropy.
Responsibilities include:
- Support Board fundraising initiatives.
- Prepare fundraising reports for the Board.
- Assist Board members with donor cultivation.
- Support Board committees related to advancement and fundraising.
- Engage Board members in sponsorship and donor activities.
Special Events
Provide strategic leadership for YWCA-GCR's annual fundraising and community engagement events.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop fundraising goals for events.
- Secure corporate sponsorships.
- Expand donor participation.
- Support event committees.
- Evaluate event performance.
- Identify opportunities for growth and increased revenue.
The Development & Engagement Coordinator will provide operational and logistical support for events under the Director's leadership.
Philanthropic Revenue Growth
The Director will lead YWCA-GCR's philanthropic fundraising efforts by developing and executing strategies that meet or exceed annual fundraising goals established by the CEO and Board of Directors.
Fundraising responsibilities include revenue generated through:
- Annual giving
- Individual donations
- Corporate sponsorships
- Major gifts
- Special events
- Workplace giving
- Community partnerships
- In-kind contributions
The Director will be expected to continually strengthen philanthropic revenue while building sustainable donor relationships and expanding community investment in YWCA-GCR.
Grant writing and management of government funding are coordinated separately in collaboration with program leadership.
Leadership & Department Development
Lead the continued development of YWCA-GCR's Office of Advancement.
Responsibilities include:
- Supervise the Development & Engagement Coordinator.
- Develop systems and procedures that strengthen fundraising operations.
- Foster collaboration across departments.
- Build a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
- Mentor and support advancement staff.
- Continuously evaluate and improve advancement strategies.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, philanthropy, fundraising, business development, communications, or related leadership.
- Demonstrated success cultivating donors, securing sponsorships, or leading fundraising initiatives.
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred
- Experience supervising staff.
- Experience working with nonprofit boards.
- Experience managing donor databases.
- Knowledge of donor stewardship best practices.
- Familiarity with the Capital Region philanthropic community.
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strategic thinking
- Relationship building
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- Emotional intelligence
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Performance Expectations
Success in this position will be measured by the Director's ability to:
- Meet or exceed annual philanthropic fundraising goals established by the organization.
- Increase donor engagement and retention.
- Expand corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
- Strengthen individual giving and major gift programs.
- Increase community awareness and organizational visibility.
- Build meaningful relationships that advance the mission of YWCA-GCR.
- Support the continued growth of the Office of Advancement.
- Develop and supervise a high-performing Development & Engagement Coordinator.
Why Join YWCA-GCR?
This is more than a fundraising position. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the Capital Region's oldest and most respected nonprofit organizations.
You'll join a leadership team committed to innovation, collaboration, and community impact while helping secure the philanthropic resources that create safe housing, opportunity, and hope for women and families throughout our community.
If you believe relationships change lives and philanthropy strengthens communities, we invite you to join us in advancing our mission.
To Apply:
Please submit cover letter, resume, three professional references and one writing sample to:
[email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
