Grant Writer/Development Associate Job at MYSTIC VALLEY YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASS

MYSTIC VALLEY YMCA

Job Title: Fundraising Development Specialist

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

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Mission Statement

Founded in 1881 and serving the communities of Everett, Malden and Medford, Mystic Valley YMCA’s mission is to strengthen our communities with relevant, continually evolving programs and services that enrich the lives of all people in spirit, mind and body.

Our vision is to achieve positive, transformational results that support community impact by being an inclusive and exceptional place to belong, grow and work.

Position Summary

The Fundraising Development Specialist manages the year-round annual campaign effort, encompassing individual giving and special events. Responsibilities also involve communications and marketing to support fundraising messaging and highlight the impact of the Y’s mission, along with the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors.

Essential Function

Under direction of the Chief Development Officer, responsible for developing and executing fundraising initiatives to achieve the organization's annual giving goals including strategies to inspire giving from new donors, increase retention rates, re-engage lapsed donors, and increase average gift amounts.

Specific Functions

The ideal candidate is passionate about nonprofit work, driven to serve others, and willing to go beyond their defined role to support the team and advance the mission.

Annual Campaign

• Create and implement annual campaign fundraising and communication plan to ensure consistent philanthropic messages to external audiences, donors and community stakeholders.
• Implement direct mail, social media and other campaign appeals.
• Data management for annual gifts and regular analysis and reporting of annual campaign progress.
• Ensure accuracy of donor information in database.
• Manage donor recognition and stewardship plan and ensure that all acknowledgments and stewardship activities required to support healthy donor relationships are completed in a timely fashion.
• Work in conjunction with Y-USA guidelines for implementation of the Y brand.

Special Events

• Coordinate planning and implementation of several fundraising special events per year.

Marketing

• Create or customize digital and social content for all activities in the development department.
• Create or customize content for annual campaign and special event collateral materials.
• Support YMCA programs with Y branded marketing materials.

Other

• Administrative onboarding for new volunteers. Responsible for tracking new volunteer interest, providing instructions to register, obtaining information needed for background checks, and communicating when an individual has been cleared to begin.
• Attend and participate in all committee, staff and organizational meetings as needed.
• Adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) Code for Ethical Standards for responsible fundraising practices.
• Follow all Human Resources Policies and procedures of the organization.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3+ years of professional fundraising experience with a proven track record of success.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical abilities and keen attention to detail; self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experienced with donor database platforms.
• Professional, collaborative, and positive demeanor with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and managing sensitive donor information with discretion.