Development Director

MISSION & VISION

In partnership with nature, YES nurtures leaders who champion the well-being of our community. Our vision is for Richmond youth, adults and families to lead healthy, connected lives; motivate change in their neighborhoods; and inspire a safe, thriving community. YES removes the barriers that keep underrepresented Richmond youth and their families from accessing the outdoors; deepens individuals' relationships with nature, themselves, their families, and their community; and provides pathways for Latinx and Black individuals to establish careers in outdoor and environmental fields. Learn more at www.yesfamilies.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

YES seeks a leader who will increase awareness of and commitment to the organization’s mission and work through relationship-based fundraising and communications strategies at an exciting time in the organization’s evolution. YES’s team has grown from 7 to 20 in the past four years and launched a capital campaign to expand our center in Richmond. The Development Director is a key organizational leader charged with leading the Development and Communications Team, consisting of a Development & Communications Specialist and a Grants Specialist, to raise $2.7 million in 2024-25 for operating expenses and $1 million for the YES capital campaign.

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with the YES Board, staff, and volunteers, the Development director will be a key organizational leader. The ideal candidate is strong in both the art and science of fundraising with an ability to build warm, genuine relationships, building reliable processes and systems, and managing projects and data with close attention to detail. The candidate thrives on collaboration in a small team, leads by example and supports others generously, and has a strong connection and commitment to place-based work and racial equity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Relations & Board Engagement (25%)

• Manage a portfolio of 100 donors and funders who give $500+ a year, coordinating with and providing support to the Executive Director, as well as personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding these donors.
• Develop and implement a Major Donor moves management strategy that aligns with the public phase of the capital campaign and builds from YES's existing relationship-building and donor stewardship practices.
• Oversee and work with the Resource Development Committee (RDC) of the Board to set and achieve fundraising goals and build the board’s engagement in fundraising.
• Work one-on-one with board members to establish their annual fundraising goals and engagement.

Strategy & Capital Campaign (20%)

• Develop and activate a fund development plan, create fundraising benchmarks and measures of success through quarterly plans, and ensure implementation of the team’s strategies and actions to meet YES's annual and 3-year strategic funding goals.
• Alongside the Executive Director and Campaign Consultant, oversee the successful implementation and completion of the YES capital campaign (75% of funds raised to date).
  • Manage capital campaign contract assistant
  • Participate in weekly strategy meetings with Executive Director and Campaign Manager to identify next steps and track progress
  • Participate in monthly Campaign Leadership Committee (CLC) meetings and support CLC members in their fundraising efforts
  • Draft content for quarterly newsletters to campaign supporters
  • Participate in donor asks
  • Set annual and quarterly goals, priorities, and track progress via a funding map

Events & Appeals (20%)

• Lead the visioning, strategy, content, and production and distribution timeline for fundraising campaigns and in-person events alongside the Development and Communications Specialist.
• Identify and cultivate corporate sponsors and secure sponsorships and in-kind support
• For events, manage the budget, program, and fundraising elements of the event, and coordinate board and staff engagement
• Review and analyze campaign progress and results and adjust strategies to achieve goals

Foundation, Corporate, and Government Grants (15%)

• Direct institutional giving strategy and conduct outreach to new funders in collaboration with Executive Director, board members, and YES program staff
• Review and refine grant proposals and reports to ensure they are clear and compelling
• Collaborate with Director of Finance to inform complex proposal and report budgets
• Oversee the Grants Specialist’s work in submitting grant applications and reports

Communications & Brand Visibility (10%)

• Support the Development and Communications Specialist to create a communications plan and strategy to increase brand awareness, organizational visibility, and in support of the organization’s mission and values
• Oversee and provide vision for all institutional communications including annual report, collateral, videos, etc., ensuring brand and mission alignment
• Oversee donor stewardship communications
• Elevate YES’s profile and brand through comprehensive strategies including relationships with press and develop a program to send out regular press releases to local and regional media outlets

Organizational Leadership and Team Management (10%)

• Supervise and manage the full-time Development and Communications Specialist, Grants Specialist and a Capital Campaign Assistant.
• Engage in organization-wide activities including board engagement, strategic planning, strategic decision-making, senior staff and all-staff meetings, and staff committees for special projects as appropriate
• Participate in fundraising affinity/networking groups to keep informed of trends and current issues in the development field.
• Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to prepare fund development budgets and reports, forecast annual revenue, and support financial tracking and reporting on restricted grants
• Continue to support and operationalize organizational and departmental racial justice work plans and practices

“MUST HAVE” QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years’ experience serving in a nonprofit development leadership role with emphasis on major gifts, event fundraising, and communications
• A proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising targets
• The ability to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with a range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, volunteers, and staff
• Commitment to a personal and professional exploration of power and privilege, including a willingness to self-reflect and experience discomfort in difficult and transformative conversations. Previous organizational and personal DEI work required.
• A demonstrated commitment to asset-based fundraising that advances racial justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity
• Great organization skills and detail-orientation, and capable of managing multiple projects and priorities effectively
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• At least two years of experience managing one or more staff
• Ability to work on-site in Richmond at least 2 days or 16 hours per week, and remotely nearby for the remainder of the week, following YES’s hybrid guidelines.