Essential Functions

The GM will lead and develop a culture of philanthropy with the following key individuals and groups; the senior leadership team, the management team, Association Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Northern Alberta Foundation in charting the Association’s course in fund development by:

• Ensuring that philanthropy and Fund Development are carried out in keeping with the Association’s values, mission, vision and plans.
• Helping leadership identify and address internal and external forces on the Association that challenge and/or support philanthropic effectiveness.
• Developing an effective mix of donor sources and solicitation programs in the greater Edmonton, Wood Buffalo, Red Deer and Grande Prairie regions.
• Establishing fundraising infrastructure, policies, procedures, and performance measures. Monitoring results and assist the CEO, Board and Management evaluate the effectiveness of the Association’s fund development program.

Design, lead and manage fund development programs, including annual campaigns, major gifts, endowment and planned giving, sponsorship, fundraising events, capital campaigns and donor management. This means:

• Lead the annual and long-term fund development planning including goal setting, strategy identification benchmarking and evaluation to support financial development.
• Working with the Communications & Marketing Team, develop communication plans to ensure members, participants, and the community understand the case for support. Who we are, Why we do it, and Why it matters.
• Enhance the philanthropic culture by assisting board members, senior leadership, other volunteers and staff to identify, cultivate, steward and solicit charitable gifts using fundraising best practices.
• Direct and coordinate all aspects of the Association’s annual fundraising, including:
  • YMCA Giving Annual Campaign, (greatest need)
  • YMCA Giving Program Support;
  • YMCA Giving Global Connections;
  • YMCA Giving Foundation Fund, (Planned Giving/Endowment); and
  • Capital Campaigns.
• Ensure design and implementation of cultivation, acknowledgement, recognition and stewardship programs.
• Support the management of operating grants from the orders of government and other organizations.

Lead the administration of fund development activities, including managing the day-to-day operations and ensuring proper stewardship of all gifts through development and enforcement of administrative procedures. This involves:

• Managing sound fiscal operation of development function including timely and accurate budgets, reporting, monitoring and implementation.
• Designing and ensuring maintenance of donor and prospect records, gift management systems and informational reports and remaining up-to-date with current financial development technology and software support.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulations and laws, maintain accountability to donors and being compliant with standards of the association and professional conduct for fundraising executives.
• Supporting the management of the grant application process of identifying, preparing and applying for new and existing grant opportunities while ensuring reporting requirements are complete, accurate and timely.

Select, develop, motivate and evaluate the human resources needed, both professional and volunteer, for fund development. Identify, cultivate, recruit, develop and retain volunteer leaders, and design and/or oversee training programs in fundraising for staff and volunteers.

Serve as a key staff to the Association Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Directors and other established fund development committees/task forces, as required.

Develop strategies to increase volunteer involvement at all levels of fund development.

Represent YMCA of Northern Alberta and its Boards to donors, prospects, volunteers, community members and staff with a positive, professional image.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field, or equivalent educational credentials.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is preferred.
• Extensive fundraising experience and a proven track record in demonstrating success in developing and delivering a comprehensive philanthropy program including annual giving, capital campaigns, foundation and corporate grants and planned giving.
• Ability to create a vision, clarify roles and responsibilities for members of the Funds Development Team.
• Demonstrated success in large campaign and major gifts fundraising.
• Extensive knowledge and experience is required in the following areas:
  • The nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering
  • Research and cultivation practices
  • Standard financial development techniques
  • Face-to-face solicitations
  • Proposal writing
  • Special events
  • Administration specifically with gift processing, prospect and donor histories and fundraising reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and mobilize critical stakeholders in support of the YMCA. Exceptional relationship management skills are required.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Excellent skills in all methods of communication.
• Change management experience.
• Commitment to the mission of the YMCA, and uphold its values.
• Appreciation, knowledge of, and commitment to, the not-for-profit sector.

What the Y Brings You

• A meaningful career with opportunities to grow while building your community.
• A culture of honesty, respect and pride in what we do.
• Colleagues who bring diverse perspectives and talents to the workplace.
• A competitive compensation package including an attractive base salary.
• A comprehensive benefits package.
• Membership to our health, fitness & aquatics facilities for you and your family
• Reduced fees in YMCA programs such as child care and day camps (depending on availability and employment status).

Disclaimer

We appreciate your interest in YMCA of Northern Alberta. However, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. YMCA of Northern Alberta is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. Only those candidates permissible to work in Canada are applicable to this position.