Director of Development and Communications

Job Details

• Job Location: Yonkers, NY 10701
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: 4 Year Degree
• Salary Range: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 Salary/year
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category: Other
• YMCA of Yonkers

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development and Communications leads the YMCA of Yonkers fundraising, external relations, and communications strategy. This role is responsible for generating new revenue, strengthening a sustainable donor base, and increasing organizational visibility and community engagement.

This is a senior leadership role focused on building and operationalizing the YMCA’s development function. The position drives strategy, systems, and relationships necessary to support long-term financial sustainability and growth.

The Director oversees fundraising efforts across grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and special initiatives, while also leading communications and public-facing strategy. This role works closely with the President and CEO and Board of Directors to advance development priorities and expand the YMCA network of supporters.

This position requires a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach with a strong focus on relationship building, revenue generation, and measurable outcomes.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

• Achievement: Empowering youth and families to build skills and long-term success
• Relationships: Strengthening connections among residents, families, and community partners
• Belonging: Creating inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and supported

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Fundraising and Revenue Development

• Lead the organization's fundraising strategy, execution, and performance outcomes
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities
• Oversee fundraising across grants, individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and special initiatives
• Drive an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 to $750,000 in new revenue
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, funders, and partners
• Build and manage a pipeline of funding opportunities
• Establish systems and processes to support long-term development growth
• Monitor performance and ensure progress toward revenue targets

Grants Strategy and Oversight

• Lead identification and pursuit of funding opportunities
• Provide strategic oversight of grant development and submissions
• Ensure alignment between funding opportunities and program priorities
• Coordinate with internal teams to support successful grant applications and renewals

Communications, Media, and Public Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for external communications and media relations
• Develop and oversee organizational messaging and branding
• Lead creation of marketing materials, reports, and storytelling initiatives
• Supervise the Marketing Associate in executing communications strategies

Board Development Committee and External Relations

• Serve as staff lead for the Board Development Committee
• Support planning, execution, and accountability of fundraising initiatives
• Engage Board members in donor cultivation and fundraising efforts
• Prepare reports and materials for Board and committee meetings

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise the Housing and Grants Manager and Marketing Associate
• Establish expectations for data tracking, reporting, and communications
• Ensure alignment between fundraising strategy and program reporting
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment

External Partnerships and Representation

• Represent the YMCA in meetings with funders, partners, and stakeholders
• Build and maintain relationships with community organizations and leaders
• Expand the YMCA's visibility and presence in the community

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Communication and Influence
• Fundraising and Relationship Management
• Strategic Thinking and Execution
• Program and Project Management
• Leadership and Team Development

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred or equivalent experience
• 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or communications
• Proven success in securing funding and meeting revenue targets
• Experience building or expanding fundraising systems or donor pipelines preferred
• Experience working with donors, institutional funders, and corporate partners
• Experience working with Boards or Board committees preferred
• Experience with CRM systems (Daxko Core or similar preferred)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to represent the organization effectively in external settings
• Experience supervising staff and managing cross-functional initiatives
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work performed in office and community settings
• Attendance at meetings, events, and external engagements required
• Occasional evening or weekend work required

JOIN OUR TEAM

This role is central to advancing the YMCA of Yonkers mission by building the relationships, systems, and resources needed to support long-term growth and community impact.