Position Summary
The Development Associate supports the organization’s fundraising, partnership development, grant, sponsorship, and strategic growth activities.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the leadership team, the Development Associate will help identify and advance opportunities that strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability, community impact, and external relationships.
This position is well suited to a highly organized, motivated, and relationship-focused individual who is interested in developing experience in non-profit leadership, fundraising, business development, and community partnerships.
The Development Associate will support donor and sponsor engagement, funding proposals, grant research, strategic initiatives, special projects, and the coordination of development activities across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Development and Strategic Growth
- Support the CEO and leadership team in identifying fundraising, partnership, sponsorship, and organizational growth opportunities.
- Conduct research and prepare background information to support strategic discussions, proposals, and business cases.
- Assist with the development and implementation of fundraising and revenue-development initiatives.
- Help identify opportunities for new programs, service agreements, community partnerships, and other sources of sustainable revenue.
- Support special projects and strategic priorities led by the CEO and leadership team.
- Track development opportunities, commitments, timelines, and follow-up activities.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement
- Assist with fundraising campaigns, donor appeals, and donor engagement activities.
- Support donor research, prospect identification, cultivation, recognition, and stewardship.
- Prepare donor correspondence, thank-you letters, briefing materials, presentations, and impact updates.
- Maintain accurate and confidential donor and fundraising records.
- Assist with tracking donations, pledges, sponsorships, and campaign results.
- Coordinate timely follow-up with donors and prospective supporters.
Grants, Sponsorships, and Proposals
- Research grant, sponsorship, funding, and partnership opportunities that align with organizational priorities.
- Assist with the preparation of grant applications, sponsorship packages, expressions of interest, proposals, and funding reports.
- Gather program information, organizational statistics, budgets, outcomes, and supporting documentation.
- Maintain a calendar of application deadlines, reporting requirements, renewals, and funding commitments.
- Support relationships with foundations, corporations, government representatives, and community funding partners.
Leadership Team Support
- Work collaboratively with members of the leadership team to gather information and coordinate development-related initiatives.
- Prepare reports, presentations, briefing notes, meeting materials, and background research for the CEO and leadership team.
- Attend selected leadership or project meetings and document decisions, action items, and follow-up requirements.
- Support cross-departmental projects that contribute to organizational growth, sustainability, and community impact.
- Assist in monitoring progress toward fundraising, partnership, and strategic development goals.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
- Assist in building and maintaining relationships with businesses, community organizations, government representatives, educational institutions, and other non-profit organizations.
- Coordinate meetings, presentations, tours, and engagement opportunities with prospective partners and supporters.
- Represent the organization professionally at community, networking, fundraising, and stakeholder events.
- Help identify opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, shared programming, and community investment.
- Maintain organized records of partnership discussions, agreements, and follow-up activities.
Communications and Events
- Assist with the development of fundraising and partnership content for proposals, newsletters, presentations, social media, and promotional materials.
- Work with internal teams to gather and communicate stories demonstrating the organization’s impact.
- Support the coordination of fundraising events, donor meetings, community events, and recognition activities.
- Coordinate event logistics, invitations, registrations, materials, volunteers, and post-event follow-up.
Administration and Reporting
- Maintain organized and confidential files related to donors, grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and strategic projects.
- Prepare basic fundraising, partnership, and activity reports.
- Schedule meetings and coordinate internal and external development activities.
- Ensure development activities follow organizational policies, privacy requirements, financial controls, and ethical fundraising practices.
- Perform other related duties that support the CEO, leadership team, and organizational priorities.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in business, marketing, communications, public relations, non-profit management, political studies, public administration, or a related field.
- Previous experience in fundraising, business development, customer service, sales, administration, research, marketing, events, or community engagement is considered an asset.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong research, writing, and information-gathering abilities.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments.
- Demonstrated professionalism and confidence working with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Ability to build positive relationships with donors, sponsors, colleagues, community partners, and volunteers.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- Experience with donor databases, customer relationship management systems, or project-management tools is considered an asset.
- Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and community impact.
Competencies
Initiative and Resourcefulness
Takes ownership of assigned work, conducts thoughtful research, identifies possible opportunities, and follows through with limited supervision.
Strategic Thinking
Understands how individual projects and development activities contribute to the organization’s broader goals and long-term sustainability.
Relationship Building
Develops positive and professional relationships with colleagues, donors, sponsors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Communication
Prepares clear, accurate, and professional correspondence, reports, presentations, proposals, and verbal updates.
Organization and Attention to Detail
Maintains accurate records, coordinates multiple activities, and manages deadlines effectively.
Collaboration
Works effectively with the CEO, leadership team, employees, volunteers, and external partners to advance shared priorities.
Professional Judgment and Confidentiality
Handles sensitive information responsibly and demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
Mission and Values Alignment
Demonstrates a strong commitment to the organization’s charitable purpose, values, and impact in the community.
Why Join Us?
The Development Associate will have a unique opportunity to work directly with the CEO and leadership team while gaining broad experience in fundraising, partnerships, grants, strategic planning, community engagement, and non-profit leadership.
This role provides meaningful professional development and the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that strengthen the organization and the communities it serves.
Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
The successful candidate must support and model the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and commitment to child safeguarding, inclusion, and community wellbeing.
