Development Specialist

BE PART OF SOMETHING GREAT

Job Description

The Development Specialist advances the mission and philanthropic priorities of the YMCA of Greater Louisville by driving strategic coordination, data-informed reporting, and proactive development support in collaboration with the Development team and Chief Development and Philanthropy Officer (CDO). This role provides timely, accurate, and donor-centric communications to internal and external stakeholders throughout the Annual Campaign cycle, with a strong emphasis on sponsorship development and execution. The Specialist helps implement strategies that enhance communication integrity, donor engagement, and organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and brings a high level of professionalism, initiative, and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal communication skills are essential, including the ability to engage warmly and effectively with donors and constituents in person, by phone, and via email.

• Generous employer-funded retirement plan with 12% contributions
  
• Opportunity to save for the future through 403(b) savings plans & Roth savings
  
• Complimentary YMCA communitywide membership for you and your immediate family members
  
• Ample paid time off to support work-life balance and personal well-being
  
• Extensive professional development opportunities to foster career growth and advancement
  
• A dynamic, collaborative, and creative work environment where you can thrive alongside talented and diverse colleagues
  
• Discounted rates for childcare and a wide array of Y programs and services
  
• Exclusive access to health and wellness programs designed to improve the well-being of you and your family
  
• Employer-provided life insurance for added peace of mind
  
• A wide selection of voluntary benefit plans including critical illness insurance, legal insurance, enhanced vision plans, and family life insurance
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit, development, marketing, or related field
  
• Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising coordination, donor stewardship, CRM management, or sponsorship development
  
• Proven track record of relationship building and stewarding donors that build sustainable and long-term partnerships
  
• Experienced staff and volunteer management and support
  
• Ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, think on your feet and make informed decisions
  
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and build lasting relationships with internal and external partners
  
• Dedicated to an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and experience
  
• Unwavering passion for our mission and deep commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve
  

Essential Functions

• Play a critical role in creating sponsorship packets, identifying corporate targets, and aligning sponsorships with appropriate fundraising events and initiatives
  
• Maintain a portfolio of small- to mid-sized corporations with targeted sponsorship interests; serve as the primary contact for sponsorship agreements, invoicing, payment tracking, and auditing benefit fulfillment
  
• Provide annual campaign and philanthropy reporting to the Chief Development Officer, Development team, and branch executives, as directed by the Director of Annual Campaign and Special projects.
  
• Prepare and maintain branch gift tracking reports, support branch staff with CRM training and best practices
  
• Branch customization, print, and distribute pledge cards and other annual fund materials to branches and campaign teams as needed in collaboration with Director of Annual Campaign
  
• Create and deliver staff onboarding solicitation materials and presentations related to philanthropy and annual campaign
  
• Build and maintain donor and prospect biographies in the CRM; streamline information for the CDO, CEO, and Development team
  
• Execute timely and appropriate pledge reminders to donors
  
• Support stewardship efforts, including donor acknowledgment, event planning, donor wall recognition, and Chairman's Round Table, Triangle Giving Society, and Heritage Club recognition
  
• Serve as back-up for gift processing and Sr. Director of Development Operations and Major Gifts and act as a problem-solving expert for complex or unusual CRM issues
  
• Provide direct project and administrative support to the Chief Development Officer
  
• Assist with the creation of presentation materials and strategic documents for internal and external audiences
  
• Lead communication, scheduling, and materials preparation for the Financial Development Committee re-launch with on-going support
  
• Perform all other duties as assigned