Development Assistant (Grants & Donor Relations)

Description

The Southern District YMCA is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Development Assistant to support the growth of philanthropy across the organization. This position plays an important role in helping the YMCA secure grant funding while providing administrative support for donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and development operations.

Working closely with the Director of Development and Marketing, the Development Coordinator helps manage the grant lifecycle—from researching opportunities and preparing applications to tracking awards and completing reports. The position also supports donor database management, fundraising communications, stewardship activities, events, and department administration.

This is an excellent full-time opportunity for someone who enjoys a balance of project coordination, relationship building, and administrative work while making a meaningful impact in the community.

OPTIONAL BENEFITS 

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 403b Savings Account
• Roth Savings Account

YMCA PROVIDED BENEFITS

• Free YMCA family membership with program discounts
• Generous PTO plan
• 1 Floating Day Off per quarter
• 401(a) Plan after 1 year (the Y will match 10% of your earnings)
• Group Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Development Training

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Development Administration (Approximately 60%)

• Maintain and support the donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring accurate donor records and gift documentation.
• Generate donor lists, reports, mailing lists, and fundraising data as needed.
• Coordinate donor acknowledgements, thank-you letters, and stewardship communications.
• Assist with annual fundraising campaigns, appeals, and donor communications.
• Coordinate development calendars, project timelines, and stewardship activities.
• Assist in planning and executing donor recognition events and cultivation activities.
• Work collaboratively with program staff to collect impact stories, participant data, financial information, and program outcomes.
• Prepare reports and administrative materials for the Development Director, CEO, and Board committees.
• Assist with donor newsletters and other development communications.
• Provide general administrative support to the Development Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Grants Management (Approximately 40%)

• Research prospective government, corporate, foundation, and community grant opportunities that align with YMCA priorities.
• Maintain the organization's grants calendar, ensuring deadlines for applications and reports are met.
• Prepare, write, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with program and finance staff to gather required information for applications and reports.
• Prepare grant award documentation and maintain complete grant records within Bloomerang.
• Monitor grant deliverables and reporting requirements to ensure compliance.
• Assist in developing compelling narratives that communicate the YMCA's community impact.
• Track grant outcomes and provide regular status updates to the Director of Development.

Characteristics of a Successful Candidate

• The ideal candidate will be:
• Highly organized and dependable with exceptional attention to detail.
• An excellent writer who can communicate compelling stories with accuracy and professionalism.
• Curious and resourceful in researching funding opportunities and solving problems.
• Collaborative and able to build positive working relationships across departments.
• Customer-service oriented when interacting with donors, volunteers, community partners, and staff.
• Able to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Positive, flexible, and eager to support a variety of development initiatives.
• Passionate about strengthening the community through the YMCA's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Business, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to three years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, grant writing, communications, project coordination, or administrative support preferred..
• Experience working with donor databases or CRM systems (Bloomerang experience is a plus).
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze information, compile data, and present information clearly and accurately.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization or YMCA is preferred.
• Understanding of and commitment to the YMCA's mission and values.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move throughout YMCA facilities and outdoor program areas, some with rough terrain for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of fundraising materials, event supplies, signage or equipment.
• Ability to travel between YMCA locations and community event sites.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in person, on phone and via email.

Compensation

• Part-time, hourly, with potential full-time option in 2027.
• Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

WHY JOIN THE YMCA?

• At the YMCA, you'll help inspire healthier lives, stronger families, and a more connected community. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who believe in collaboration, innovation, and making a meaningful difference every day. We offer a flexible work schedule, with some evening and weekend event participation required. You must be willing to travel between program locations as necessary with mileage reimbursement available.
• This position offers significant opportunity for professional growth and leadership development as the YMCA continues to expand its community engagement efforts. 

Southern District YMCA is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of SDYMCA to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.