Director, Central Region Advancement & Government Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Dauphin, York, Perry, Lancaster Counties

The Organization:

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a trauma-informed / healing-centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of its services. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Should You Apply?

• Hybrid opportunities.
• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
• Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.

Essential Functions of the Director, Central Region Advancement & Government Relations: 

Annual Giving and Special Events Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain an extensive portfolio in DonorPerfect database of 75-100 prospects. Research, identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned giving prospects using Moves Management. Conduct 8-10 phone and/or face-to-face solicitations per month and document 8-10 weekly donor contacts. Support DonorPerfect database growth and manage the integrity of the database by ensuring that 100% of activity is accurately recorded.
• Actively manage and coordinate all aspects of Annual Requests ($100,000+ net annually), Major Gifts, Capital & Endowment Campaigns, and Planned gifts from prospects (Corporate, Foundation, individuals, etc.) 
• Manage relationships with United Way organizations and other workplace giving campaigns, encouraging brand awareness and revenue generation. 
• Plans, implements, tracks, monitors, and manages Agency Annual Donations ($100,000+ net annually) including, but not limited to, honor/memorial gifts, third-party fundraising events, and LYBUNTS.

Special Events Responsibilities:

• Ensure success ($500,000+ net annually) of at least three annual fundraising events for the agency – Central PA Golf Tournament , Give.Local.York. and signature Setting the Stage. Liaison to Events Committees for all special events. 
• Oversee all aspects of Special Events for the Central Region. Oversee event sponsorship materials and promotions. Ensure accuracy of pledges and gifts and proper receipt of all sponsorships prior to event date. Recruit, motivate, train, manage, and recognize Events Committee and Staff Volunteers. Recruit top-level business and community leaders to serve as Co-Chairs, Honorees, and Committee members. Maintain effective cost control for Special Events to ensure highest possible return on investment. Coordinate closely with Finance to provide accurate event ProFormas.
• Evaluate effectiveness based on nine-point performance index and reasonable cost guidelines for all fundraising activities. Take action to improve activities that are not producing a reasonable cost of fundraising and return on investment.

Government Relations: 

• Build relationships and areas of opportunities with elected officials and their staff, government agencies and regulators, coalition and advocacy networks, and become familiar with public policy efforts to advance systematic change on behalf of the individuals, families, and communities that VYH serves.
• Generate $300,000 in annual revenue through policy advocacy initiatives, positioning the Agency as a key partner for government funding.
• Work cross-functionally with programs, leadership, board and community partners to promote youth issues and represent the agency at community meetings, events, and forums.
• Become familiar with agency advocacy for youth-centric policies and programs at the local, state, and national levels as well as identify subject matter experts on topics within the advocacy platform.
• Monitor legislation, regulations, and administrative policies affecting clients. Track and analyze legislation relevant to youth services, housing, behavioral health, and funding streams.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications team to effectively communicate advocacy efforts, monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy activities and report on outcomes. 

Minimum Qualifications for the Director, Central Region Advancement & Government Relations:

• A Bachelor's degree.
• 5-8+ years of advocacy, government relations, and professional fundraising experience.
• A professional who is achievement-oriented and adept at prioritizing, multitasking, and working independently without close oversight.
• A team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority both inside and outside of VYH.
• Requires maturity, excellent skills in writing, organization, research, independence of judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as a team player.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines and have the ability to take initiative and interact with top leadership and elected officials in the community.
• Tangible experience of having expanded and cultivated existing relationships over a period of time.
• Must be amenable to a flexible work schedule involving evening and weekend hours, as well as fixed office hours.
• The candidate must be an individual who has never been convicted of any child abuse offenses.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk, working on a computer.
• Ability to navigate stairs
• Ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 35 lbs.
• Travel up to 50% of the time to different offices, Advancement-related events, and visiting donors and government officials in the 4-county region of Central PA.

If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire; vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match; employer-paid clearances, physical, and training; opportunities for Tuition reimbursement; opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.

Full position details!