Development Associate

DescriptionFund Development Associate

Department: Development
Reports To: Vice President of Fund Development
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Join Our Mission

The YMCA is more than a place—it is a cause dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are seeking a relationship-focused, organized, and mission-driven Fund Development Associate to help advance philanthropy and community engagement across our organization.

In this role, you will support annual campaigns, donor stewardship, fundraising events, sponsorships, and development operations while helping cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners, and Board members. If you enjoy connecting people to a mission they care about and thrive in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

Fundraising and Campaign Support

Assist with annual giving campaigns, year-end appeals, and special fundraising initiatives.
Coordinate campaign calendars, mailings, donor communications, pledge forms, volunteer assignments, and follow-up activities.
Prepare campaign reports and track fundraising progress.
Support gift processing, donor segmentation, and tracking systems in partnership with Finance and Development leadership.
Maintain accurate records and documentation to support reporting, planning, and continuous improvement.

Donor Stewardship and Events

Prepare timely donor acknowledgements and stewardship communications.
Assist in planning and executing fundraising, cultivation, and community events.
Coordinate invitations, guest lists, RSVPs, sponsorship tracking, volunteer communications, and event logistics.
Serve as a point of contact for donors, sponsors, volunteers, and guests during events.
Partner with Marketing to ensure meaningful donor and sponsor recognition.

Donor Engagement and Community Relations

Build and maintain positive relationships with donors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and Board members.
Represent the YMCA at community events and fundraising activities.
Conduct donor and prospect research and assist with preparing donor profiles and campaign materials.
Share the YMCA story using mission-centered messaging that inspires engagement and support.

Database Management and Reporting

Serve as a primary user of Blackbaud eTapestry or the YMCA’s donor management system.
Maintain donor records, gifts, pledges, event participation, and communication history.
Generate reports, mailing lists, giving histories, and campaign analyses.
Help identify opportunities to improve fundraising processes, reporting, and donor engagement strategies.
Ensure donor confidentiality and maintain high standards of data integrity.

Board and Internal Support

Prepare materials and reports for Board and committee meetings.
Track Board member fundraising engagement.
Collaborate with Finance to reconcile gifts and grants and with Marketing to support donor recognition and storytelling.
Participate in cross-functional initiatives that support organizational goals.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
One to three years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, event coordination, nonprofit administration, community engagement, or a related field.
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with donor databases or CRM systems such as Blackbaud eTapestry, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while working both independently and collaboratively.
Professional judgment, discretion, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with a YMCA or other mission-driven nonprofit organization.
Experience supporting annual campaigns, sponsorships, donor stewardship, special events, or corporate partnerships.
Knowledge of ethical fundraising practices and donor stewardship principles.

YMCA Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Mission Advancement
Collaboration
Communication & Influence
Inclusion
Critical Thinking
Functional Expertise
Program and Project Support
Developing Self
Emotional Maturity

Working Conditions

This is a full-time exempt position that requires occasional evening and weekend hours to support events, meetings, donor engagement activities, and community functions. The role may involve lifting and carrying materials up to 25 pounds with assistance as needed.

Why Join the YMCA?

Make a meaningful impact in your community
Lead innovative and growing youth programs
Be part of a mission-driven organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility

As well as a range of Benefits!

We offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work–life balance:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance at a very low premium cost
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with company contribution
Retirement Benefits, including Pension (401a) and 403(b) plans with company match
Six (6) Paid Holidays per year
Two (2) Weeks of Paid Vacation
128 Hours of Paid Personal Time
Free Family YMCA Membership, including access to our newly renovated fitness center, pools, and facilities
Program Discounts of up to 50% off on eligible YMCA programs
Advancement and Growth Opportunities
Gain valuable experience working with children of all ages while developing behind-the-scenes knowledge of nonprofit management and program operations.