Annual Gift Director - Higher Ed. jobs in Nashville, TN

Consistent with the mission and vision of the YMCA of Middle TN, and in cooperation with other YMCA staff, under the direction of the Senior Director of Major Gifts, the Director of Annual Giving will support a comprehensive year-round program to promote best practices for face to face, volunteer-led fundraising throughout all areas of financial development for the Association. The primary responsibility of the Director of Annual Giving role is the planning, oversight and implementation of the YMCA’s $4.5 million annual giving campaign (grants managed separately). Working in a team environment, the Director of Annual Giving will work closely with all members of the philanthropy team, Center Directors and operational/systems support leaders.

Passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to the mission and cause of the YMCA

Enthusiastic personality with the desire to serve members, volunteers, guests, participants and staff to create a culture of service within our Centers

Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills and the ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community

• Must present a professional image and possess conflict resolution skills, and demonstrate sound judgment and initiative
• Must be detail oriented and highly organized with the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information
• Demonstrated leadership ability, team management, and interpersonal skills
• Possess excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software programs, as well as the ability to use most office equipment is required
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills; works comfortably with broad concepts and complex issues at individual, team, and organization-wide levels
• Ability to travel to multiple locations and maintain a flexible schedule to meet with donors and attend special events
• Minimum 18 years of age
• Minimum of three years of fundraising experience leading campaigns
• Proven experience in cultivation and soliciting face to face gifts
• Familiarity with the principles of annual campaign organization and communications
• Experience with, and understanding of, Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Office, SGC and related programs is preferred
• Multilingual a plus

• Model the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
• Model and put into practice behavior that supports inclusion and diversity
• Implement fundraising strategies with a primary focus on best practices for face to face fundraising with limited reliance on special events
• Develop and implement a comprehensive Annual Giving Campaign plan including case development, goal setting/budgeting, training of staff and volunteers, donor communications and stewardship and reporting/assessment of goals and key metrics
• Collaborate with the major gifts team to ensure that the major gifts program is fully integrated with all of the campaign functions and processes
• Provide direct fundraising and leadership support to assigned YMCA centers accompanying staff and volunteers, as needed, on face-to-face solicitations in order to assist and coach, helping build confidence and effectiveness
• Provide ongoing training to YMCA staff on campaign best practices and donor engagement
• Oversee the identification, recruitment and ongoing communications for campaign volunteer leadership
• Oversee the clearance and assignment of campaign prospects
• Work with the systems support team to ensure accurate data is provided and is in alignment with finance team
• Work with Director of Donor Stewardship to ensure an effective year-round donor cultivation, recognition and stewardship plan is in place based on best practices including items like donor acknowledgements, recognition, impact reports, etc.
• Represent the philanthropy department in association-wide meetings and with operational teams as needed.