Development Officer: Capital and Major Giving

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City has an immediate opening for a Development Officer focusing on capital campaign and major giving.
Job Description

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City seeks a driven fundraising professional to support the philanthropic work of YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, a nonprofit serving Central Oklahoma for over 130 years. The YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body FOR ALL. 

The Development Officer for Capital and Major Giving will drive philanthropic support through robust capital campaigns and a major giving program. This role is responsible for developing strategies to secure major gifts and philanthropic support for large-scale projects and operational needs, such as new facilities, infrastructure expansion, endowment, or programmatic growth. 

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City engages with over 180,000 Central and Western Oklahomans annually through a variety of programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We offer incredible benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life, and after two years of service we contribute 12% to your retirement. In addition we offer sick leave and personal time off so you can personally live out the mission of a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Visit ymcaokc.org/giving to learn more about the philanthropic efforts of the Y.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Donor Strategy & Pipeline Development:
    • Identify, qualify, and manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors for capital campaigns and major giving.
    • Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor.
    • Conduct face-to-face meetings and make direct asks for major and capital gifts.
    • Support CEO and Vice President of Financial Development in solicitations as needed.
    • Collaborate with branch executive directors as needed for local capital campaigns and major donors.
    • Prepare and submit grant applications for capital campaign requests.
  • Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
    • Build meaningful, long-term relationships with donors and prospects.
    • Ensure personalized stewardship and donor engagement, including acknowledgment and reporting on gift impact.
  • Plan and Manage Campaigns:
    • Facilitate volunteer recruitment/engagement for capital campaigns.
    • Work directly with branch executives and volunteers to develop strategies for meetings and solicitations.
    • Collaborate with Vice President of Financial Development on campaign strategies, fundraising goals, timelines, and benchmarks in alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Donor Communications:
    • Prepare personalized proposals, campaign materials, and impact reports.
    • Develop and maintain strong donor relationships with consistent follow-up and recognition.
  • Collaboration and Leadership:
    • Work closely with executive staff, board members, and campaign committees to advance fundraising goals.
    • Train and guide volunteers or staff engaged in capital fundraising efforts.
    • Leverage executive and volunteer relationships to enhance donor engagement.
  • Event Coordination:
    • Plan and execute campaign-related events such as cabinet meetings, kickoffs, donor briefings, and appreciation events.
  • Reporting and Recordkeeping:
    • Maintain accurate records of donor contacts and proposals using donor management system.
    • Track performance metrics, including donor visits, proposals submitted, and gifts secured.
    • Provide regular updates to leadership on campaign status and metrics.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
  • 5+ years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on capital campaigns or major donors.
  • Demonstrated success securing five- to seven-figure gifts.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficiency with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce).

This position will report to the Vice President of Financial Development.

Essential Functions
  • Help our donors accomplish their philanthropic goals through a relationship with our organization
  • Secure major gifts at the $5,000 to $50,000 level with the goal of raising a minimum of $500,000 annually by the end of the third year in new dollars
  • Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including our donor database and wealth screening tools
  • Manage existing portfolio of donors and prospects
  • Increase donor portfolio by 20% annually
  • Implement stewardship plan in coordination with the financial development team
  • Create and implement moves management plans
  • Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications)
  • Assist branch executives with major donor solicitations
  • Acknowledge major donors through public and private recognition
  • Track and report progress using specific metrics
  • Manage special events, projects and committees as needed.