Director of Advancement Services - Strategic Giving

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Advancement Services, the Director of Advancement Services – Strategic Giving is responsible for leading fundraising operations, systems, and specialized giving initiatives that support the YMCA's philanthropic goals. This role partners across the Association to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen donor engagement, and support long-term philanthropic growth. 

The position directly supports the Association's mission by strengthening philanthropic operations that help ensure equitable access to programs and services for all members of our community. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Advancement Operations  

• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of Capital, Endowment, Planned Giving, workplace giving, and sponsorship administration processes, including pledge management, gift processing, campaign billing, revenue tracking, and donor stewardship activities. 
• Establish and maintain operational procedures that support fundraising effectiveness, donor engagement, compliance requirements, and long-term philanthropic growth. 
• Oversee donor recognition administration, including naming opportunities and stewardship commitments, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and fulfillment of donor expectations. 
• Collaborate with Finance and Advancement staff to ensure accurate processing, reconciliation, reporting, and documentation of fundraising-related transactions and electronic payments. 

Data Management 

• Establish and maintain data governance standards that support the integrity, accuracy, and strategic use of donor, campaign, and fundraising information. 
• Direct donor and campaign data management processes, including gift administration, pledge tracking, reporting, auditing, reconciliation, and fundraising analytics. 
• Define, create, and maintain fundraising database structures, campaign codes, appeals, products, and related system configurations that support accurate reporting and operational effectiveness. 
• Analyze fundraising and donor data, identify trends, and provide recommendations that strengthen campaign performance, stewardship efforts, and operational efficiency. 

Operational Improvement 

• Lead administration and continuous improvement of fundraising technology platforms and software integrations, ensuring accurate data flow, gift processing, reporting, and donor experience. 
• Partner with Information Technology, Finance, vendors, and fundraising staff to evaluate system needs, resolve operational issues, and implement enhancements that support organizational goals. 
• Develop and implement processes that support sponsorships, fair market value giving opportunities, workplace giving initiatives, matching gifts, and other specialized fundraising programs. 
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, donor intent, and fundraising policies by maintaining documentation and coordinating responses to audit and reporting requests. 

Organizational Partnership 

• Lead donor acknowledgment, recognition, planned giving, and stewardship processes that strengthen donor relationships, encourage continued engagement, and support long-term philanthropic investment. 
• Manage and enhance legacy giving and donor engagement programs that cultivate meaningful relationships with current and prospective planned giving donors. 
• Collaboratively support shared Advancement Services communication channels, ensuring responsive, accurate, and customer-focused service. 
• Provide operational and project support to the Director of Grants and other members of the Advancement team as needed. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Completion of all required annual trainings related to safety, compliance, and child protection as assigned. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Degree in related field preferred and 1+ years of related experience.  
• Experience supporting fundraising operations, donor data management, reporting, database administration, system integrations, and specialized giving initiatives.  
• Demonstrated commitment to building community and fostering meaningful relationships through mission driven work and cross department collaboration.  
• Experience supporting organizational initiatives and staff development within a team based, service oriented environment.  
• Ability to coordinate projects, workflows, and schedules effectively in a dynamic setting.  
• Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and public-facing interactions.  
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, strong organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail.  
• Ability to analyze data, manage complex processes, and provide recommendations that support fundraising effectiveness, compliance, and operational improvement.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders while managing multiple priorities and maintaining confidentiality.  
• Builds inclusive, mission-driven relationships with youth, families, donors, volunteers, and community members from diverse backgrounds.  
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, but not required. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The work environment and physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.    
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.   
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.   
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.   
• The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderate.   
• Must be able to provide valid identification for employment eligibility verification.    
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.    
• A clean driving record is required to meet YMCA insurance standards.    
• Travel between branch locations or to off-site meetings and events may be required.    
• Must reside in the YMCA of the Triangle service area (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill and surrounding areas).  
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.