Sr. Director of Strategic Partnerships

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships serves as the primary relationship builder and business development leader for the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, responsible for advancing partnerships, funding opportunities, and strategic collaborations that strengthen YMCA impact across North Carolina.

This position leads the development and stewardship of relationships with corporations, foundations, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other key stakeholders. The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for identifying and securing new revenue opportunities, managing grants and sponsorships, and advancing initiatives that benefit North Carolina’s YMCAs.

As a statewide organization serving 28 independent YMCA Associations, the Alliance operates in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and relationship-driven environment. The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships plays a critical role in connecting resources, partners, and opportunities to YMCAs across the state.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, exceptional communicator, and skilled relationship manager who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about advancing the YMCA mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Partnerships & Business Development

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward funding and collaboration opportunities that advance the Alliance’s strategic priorities across multiple sectors.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for statewide contracts, reimbursement arrangements, and strategic collaborations with healthcare organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, and other partners.
• Develop partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, and customized engagement opportunities that create value for both partners and participating YMCAs.
• Monitor emerging funding, partnership, and business development opportunities aligned with Alliance priorities.
• Represent the Alliance at meetings, conferences, events, and stakeholder engagements throughout North Carolina.
• Achieve annual partnership, sponsorship, grant, and revenue development goals established by the President & CEO.

Grant & Resource Development

• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from local, state, regional, and national funding sources.
• Lead the development, writing, submission, and management of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Oversee grant administration, compliance, reporting, invoicing, and funder stewardship.
• Coordinate grant implementation activities with Alliance staff, participating YMCAs, and external partners.
• Maintain a pipeline of prospective funding opportunities and strategic investments. 

Statewide Initiatives & Program Management

• Manage assigned statewide initiatives, contracts, and strategic projects that advance the Alliance’s priorities.
• Coordinate implementation activities among Alliance staff, participating YMCAs, funders, and external partners.
• Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and accountability systems to ensure successful implementation.
• Track project outcomes, performance metrics, and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities to scale successful initiatives across the state.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop presentations, reports, and other materials that communicate the impact of Alliance initiatives and partnerships.
• Coordinate communications with funders, sponsors, partners, and participating YMCAs.
• Support partner recognition, stewardship, and fulfillment activities.
• Assist in developing success stories, impact reports, and other materials that demonstrate outcomes and strengthen stakeholder engagement.

Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with YMCA leaders, Alliance partners, funders, sponsors, consultants, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Lead and support assigned statewide Peer Communities, facilitating meetings, fostering engagement, coordinating resources, and advancing identified priorities.
• Provide exceptional customer service and support to member YMCAs.
• Represent the Alliance professionally in meetings, events, and other engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• 7-10 years of experience in fundraising, grants management, partnership development, public affairs, business development, healthcare partnerships, nonprofit management, or related fields
• Demonstrated success securing grants, sponsorships, contracts, or strategic partnerships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and grant writing experience
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously
• Experience working independently and exercising sound judgement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other cloud-based collaboration tools
• Valid identification for employment eligibility verification
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout North Carolina and occasionally outside the state

Preferred

• Experience working within the YMCA movement or a nonprofit membership organization
• Experience managing grants funded by government agencies or large foundations
• Experience working with healthcare organizations, insurance providers, or community health initiatives

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, including:

• Using a computer for extended periods of time
• Communicating using a computer and/or phone/smart device
• Sitting, reaching, and moving around the work environment
• Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 20 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
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• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

This is a remote position and may be based anywhere within North Carolina. Regular travel throughout North Carolina is a required component of this role and is necessary to support member YMCAs. Travel to Raleigh, NC will be required periodically for staff meetings, planning sessions, and organizational activities.

Limited overnight travel and occasional national travel are also required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $68,000-$77,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Alliance offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; an annual YMCA membership; and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund, including a 12% employer contribution once eligibility requirements are met.