Development Director

Join a Mission That Changes Lives

For generations, YMCA Camp Coniston has inspired young people through transformative camping experiences, leadership development, and lifelong community. We are seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts during an exciting phase of philanthropic growth.

The Development Director will build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, volunteers, board members, and staff while developing the systems and infrastructure necessary to support long-term fundraising success. Major gifts, endowment growth, and donor relationship management will be primary areas of focus.

The successful candidate will serve as an ambassador for YMCA Camp Coniston and help strengthen awareness of the organization's mission, impact, history, and leadership in youth development and camping.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, grant writing, and grant management.
• Experience in donor stewardship, relationship management, and community building.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze fundraising data and use results to inform strategic decisions.
• Experience with, or ability to quickly learn, fundraising platforms such as Bloomerang and CampMinder.
• Ability to learn and apply concepts related to charitable gift planning, estate planning, trusts, and wills.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining relationships with donors, volunteers, alumni, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Experience in fundraising, sales, business development, communications, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership Competencies

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to establish fundraising goals, measure results, identify opportunities, and create sustainable growth that benefits campers and the broader community.

Major Gifts, Endowment & Philanthropic Leadership

Lead major gift, planned giving, and endowment initiatives through donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management. Inspire generosity in support of YMCA Camp Coniston's mission.

Annual Fund & Donor Engagement

Develop and execute annual giving strategies that increase participation, retention, and long-term philanthropic support.

Grants & Institutional Giving

Secure and manage foundation and corporate funding through prospecting, proposal development, compliance, reporting, and stewardship.

Relationship Building & Community Engagement

Build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors, volunteers, staff, board members, and community partners while strengthening engagement across the Coniston community.

Communication & Influence

Serve as a passionate ambassador for YMCA Camp Coniston by effectively sharing the organization's story and impact through written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.

Board & Volunteer Partnership

Collaborate with board members, campaign volunteers, and alumni leaders to expand fundraising capacity and cultivate donor relationships.

Development Operations & Strategic Management

Oversee fundraising systems, donor database management, reporting, and performance tracking. Use data to improve fundraising effectiveness and support organizational growth.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Inclusion

Work closely with program, marketing, and administrative staff to communicate impact, align fundraising efforts, and advance organizational goals while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.

Developing Self & Others

Promote personal and professional growth while creating an environment where staff, volunteers, and stakeholders can learn, contribute, and succeed together.

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

Cultivate and maintain strong donor relationships through thoughtful stewardship, recognition, and engagement practices that inspire long-term investment in YMCA Camp Coniston's mission.