Description of Responsibilities:
The Vice President of Fundraising is a senior, results-driven leader who combines hands-on fundraising with strategic oversight of the organization’s development efforts. This role is responsible for directly generating revenue by cultivating donor relationships, leading solicitations, writing proposals, and supporting fundraising events, while also designing and guiding a comprehensive development strategy. Working in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff, the Vice President of Fundraising fosters a strong culture of philanthropy and ensures sustainable, long-term revenue growth for the organization

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute annual and multi-year fundraising plans with clear revenue targets.
• Track fundraising performance, donor pipelines, and campaign progress; adjust tactics as needed.
• Partner closely with the CEO to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a key advisor to leadership on revenue growth and donor engagement strategies.

• Actively engage Board members in fundraising activities, including donor introductions and solicitations.
• Prepare fundraising reports and dashboards for Board and committee meetings.
• Coach and support Board members in understanding their fundraising role.

• Actively manage and solicit a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Lead donor meetings, cultivation activities, solicitations, and stewardship efforts.
• Write and oversee grant proposals, donor appeals, sponsorship requests, and fundraising communications.
• Lead and support fundraising events, including planning, donor outreach, sponsorship sales, and follow-up.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.

• Lead, mentor, and support development staff while remaining directly involved in day-to-day fundraising work.
• Establish systems, timelines, and accountability for fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee donor database, ensuring accurate data, reporting, and follow-up.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

• Develop, oversee, and execute signature fundraising events.
• Responsible for coordinating all event-related logistics and operations, including selection and management of venue, audio/visual services, staffing, development of speaker content, fundraising and event marketing materials.
• Coordinate the efforts of event committees of the YWCA’s board of directors.
• Provide recommendations and tools to support YWCA board members to meet fundraising goals

• Ensure donors receive timely, personalized acknowledgements and impact reports.
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop fundraising materials and campaigns.
• Maintain strong, ongoing relationships with donors, funders, and community partners.

Organizational Budget:
$6.6 million

Organization's Financial Sources:

• Contributions
• Foundation and Corporate Grants
• Special Events
• United Way
• Government Grants
• Interest Income

Benefits: 

• Professional membership dues in AFP paid by organization
• Performance Review Policy
• Vacation and Holiday Policy (please specify how much PTO)
• Medical, Dental, Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred

Experience/Personal Qualifications:

• 8–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including hands-on major gift solicitation.
• Demonstrated success meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Strong experience writing grants, appeals, and donor communications.
• Experience working closely with Boards of Directors and senior leaders.

• CFRE certification.
• Experience leading capital campaigns or major growth initiatives.
• Strong familiarity with donor databases and fundraising analytics.

Specific Requirements of Position:

• Annual Campaigns
• Major Gift Solicitation
• Annual Report/Brochure Production
• Planned Gifts
• Capital Campaigns
• Special Events Planning
• Computer - Database
• Computer - Spreadsheets
• Donor Research

Special Requirements of Position: Personal Automobile

Position Reports to:
Dr. Myra Henry
Chief Executive Officer

Send Correspondence to:
Netsanet Gebregzibher

Email:
[email protected]

On-Line Application Link (if Applicable): https://www.ywcarochester.org/careers

Include with Correspondence:
Resume
Cover Letter