Development Director-International Services

at  YMCA of Greater Houston

Serves as a member of the Philanthropy Team with primary responsibility for leading community focused fundraising efforts and supporting the organization’s philanthropic growth for YMCA International Services. The Director of Development will secure financial support, network and build community awareness, as well as cultivate and steward donor relationships. The process of identifying, qualifying and educating new prospects to sustain and expand the philanthropic support for YMCA International Services programs and impact, as well as for the Alief Family YMCA will be a primary focus for this position.
YMCA International Services was founded in 1978 to provide client-centered programs to refugees, immigrants and other vulnerable populations in the Houston area. As the years have gone by, client demographics may have changed but one thing has stayed the same; the YMCA is still providing support for refugees, immigrants and vulnerable populations in the Houston and surrounding areas.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Functions as a key member of the philanthropy team to elevate a donor-driven philanthropy model.
• Conducts donor and prospect identification, education, cultivation, and solicitation to grow a portfolio of donors and increase awareness of the programs and impact of the YMCA International Services in the community.
• Works a portfolio of 80-120 donor/prospect relationships for funding annual programs, special initiatives, capital and special events. Goal will be to raise $1-2 MM for International Services in 2025.
• Maintains gift and prospect records, including accurate reports of all donor/prospect meetings, donor/prospect information, and moves within the donor management system (Blackbaud NXT).
• Clearly communicates the YMCA case for support to all current and prospective donors.
• Networks and develops relationships within targeted communities to broaden the reach and awareness of YMCA International Services.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with partner organizations to create joint funding requests where and when applicable and appropriate.
• Represents the Association within community collaborations as required.
• Works with the staff leadership and volunteer leadership (advisory board members) on fundraising efforts.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent;
• Five or more years of professional experience with fund raising including annual campaigns, major gifts and capital.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborations within a community as well as relate well to community leaders.
• Previous experience with working with diverse populations.
• Ability to multi-task and problem–solve.
• Demonstrated fund raising strategy development.
• Working knowledge of giving and charitable vehicles.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Strong organizational, planning, project management, and time management skills