Development Director

For generations, Coniston has inspired young people through transformative experiences, leadership development, and lifelong community.

Job Description

The Development Director will build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, volunteers, board members, and staff while developing the systems and infrastructure necessary to support long-term philanthropic growth. Major gifts, endowment growth, and donor relationship management will be primary areas of focus.


The successful candidate will serve as an ambassador for YMCA Camp Coniston and help strengthen awareness of the organization's mission, impact, history, and leadership in youth development and camping.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, including: major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, grant writing and management.
• Skilled in donor stewardship, relationship management, and community building.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze fundraising data and use results to inform strategic decisions.
• Experience or the ability to quickly master platforms such as Bloomerang and CampMinder.
• Ability to learn and apply concepts related to charitable gift planning, estate planning, trusts, and wills.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining relationships with donors, volunteers, alumni, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Experience in fundraising, sales, business development, communications nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic leadership for YMCA Camp Coniston's fundraising program by partnering with the CEO and Board to establish goals, measure results, and engage volunteers in advancing philanthropic support.


Major Gifts & Endowment Development: Lead major gift, planned giving, and endowment initiatives by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors while expanding fundraising relationships across alumni, volunteers, and board leadership.


Annual Fund & Donor Engagement: Develop and execute annual giving strategies and donor engagement opportunities that increase participation, retention, and sustainable philanthropic support.


Grants & Institutional Giving: Secure and manage foundation and corporate funding through prospecting, proposal development, compliance, and stewardship.


Development Operations: Oversee fundraising systems, donor data management, reporting, and cross-department collaboration to support effective development operations and organizational growth.


Community & Constituent Engagement: Build and strengthen meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners to advance engagement, philanthropy, and mission impact.


Board & Volunteer Partnership: Partner with Board members, campaign volunteers, and alumni leaders to expand fundraising capacity, cultivate donor relationships, and serve as ambassadors for YMCA Camp Coniston.


Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborate closely with program, marketing, and administrative staff to communicate organizational impact, align fundraising efforts, and support the achievement of institutional goals.


Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management: Foster a culture of philanthropy through thoughtful donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and ongoing relationship management that inspires long-term support.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Relationship Building
Build meaningful relationships that make people feel valued, connected, and invested in the Coniston family.


Communication & Influence
Share the camp’s story with authenticity and heart, inspiring others to believe in the mission and support its future.


Strategic Thinking
Look ahead with purpose, turning ideas and opportunities into lasting growth for campers and the community.


Developing Self & Others
Encourage growth in others and yourself, create a culture where people learn, contribute, and succeed together.


Inclusion & Collaboration
Bring people together, respect different perspectives, and build a stronger community through partnership and trust.


Philanthropic & Mission Leadership
Lead with a deep commitment to youth development and inspire generosity that helps YMCA Camp Coniston change lives for generations to come.

Ymca Careers
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