Director of Annual Giving

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Development, the Director of Annual Giving leads initiatives to increase donor participation and engagement in support of the Madison Area YMCA’s Annual Campaign. This role is responsible for developing and executing campaigns and events that highlight the organization’s mission, with the goal of expanding the donor base and raising awareness of our impact in the community.

Through personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts, the Director of Annual Giving builds meaningful relationships with local individuals and families. The role strengthens donor engagement by connecting supporters with events and volunteer opportunities that deepen their connection to our cause.

Additionally, the Director plans and manages select strategic special events, collaborating directly with staff, Board members, leadership volunteers, top-level donors, community members, and other key stakeholders. The position requires a high level of confidentiality, discretion, teamwork, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Spends approximately 40–50% of time engaging with current donors and prospects, championing the Madison Area YMCA’s mission, encouraging giving, reporting on impact, and connecting constituents with volunteer and event opportunities.
• Solicits annual giving prospects for first-time donations, renewals, and increased contributions. Provides personalized stewardship throughout the year to strengthen donor retention.
• Leads the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of high-impact fundraising events that inspire donor engagement, elevate organizational visibility, and generate significant philanthropic support.
• Partners with the Development Operations Manager to implement a comprehensive moves management system for gifts under $1,000, including identifying new annual giving prospects. Builds the pipeline to major gifts by cultivating and introducing leadership-level donors to the Senior Director of Development, President and CEO, and Board members.
• Oversees volunteer committees and fundraising activities, including recruitment, recognition, and ongoing engagement.
• Trains membership and program staff to confidently communicate the YMCA’s mission and impact during tours and daily member interactions.
• Leads the Staff Campaign in collaboration with staff volunteers and HR, developing and executing strategic activities to educate staff about the YMCA’s impact and maximize staff participation in annual giving.
• Collaborates with the Director of Strategic Communications and cross-departmental colleagues to amplify the case for support and ensure impact stories are shared effectively—both personally and broadly—within the community.
• Partners with competitive teams and affinity groups to foster cultures of philanthropy through targeted communications and active participation in campaign activities.
• Serves as a visible philanthropic ambassador at the Family Center, FM Kirby Center, and throughout the community, maintaining a consistent front-facing presence.

Philanthropy:

• All YMCA staff are accountable for understanding the organization’s charitable status and mission to assure access for all through fundraising and philanthropy.
• Responsible for identifying and recruiting volunteers for the annual campaign, building strategic relationships with members for year-round member cultivation to increase the number of member donors, and directly and personally participating in campaign efforts and ongoing fundraising.
• Hold staff accountable for participating in the annual campaign and identify and recruit member volunteers.

Benefits of Working at the Y