Join the Y Development Team!

Be the spark! Join our passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others. The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada, offers settlement services to newcomers to Canada, operates two overnight camps and 16 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario, and we have been making a positive difference in the communities we serve for 167 years!
Why the Y?
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to the development of healthy communities and welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential. We offer meaningful employment and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.


Position: Senior Development Officer Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Location: Hybrid (Wortley YMCA / remote work from home)

Start Date: April 2024

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000

Included as part of your total compensation:

A complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs.
10 paid vacation days, and up to 12 paid personal days annually.
A benefits package and pension applicable with position.
Being part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed.
Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services.


Position Summary

The Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts, is a full-time position dedicated to supporting fundraising efforts through major gifts and enhancing our planned giving program. Reporting directly to the VP of Development and collaborating closely with the development team, this role will play a pivotal role in securing essential funding for projects benefiting children, families, youth, health, and capital needs, in coordination with area-specific YMCA VPs.


Key Responsibilities:


1.Major Gifts Fundraising: Lead efforts to secure major gifts from individual donors, corporations, and foundations, aligning with the organization's strategic priorities and funding needs.

2. Planned Giving Program: Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and steward planned giving donors year-round, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other planned giving vehicles.

3. Donor Pipeline Development: Identify, cultivate, and nurture relationships with potential major donors, building a robust donor pipeline to support ongoing fundraising initiatives. Further develop donor recognition and stewardship programs within the team.

4. Collaboration: Work closely with area-specific YMCA VPs to align fundraising priorities and strategies with local community needs and opportunities. Work with the Manager of Grants to generate 10 proposals a year for major gift grants.

5. Team Support: Provide guidance and support to the fund development team, sharing expertise and best practices in major gifts fundraising and planned giving. Support annual giving program and donor recognition events and activities.


Qualifications and Experience

University or College degree in related field (e.g., nonprofit management, fundraising, communications).
5 years of progressive Major Gifts experience, with demonstrated success in soliciting gifts in the $50K+ individual range.
Strong understanding of planned giving vehicles and strategies, with experience in developing and executing major and planned giving programs.
Advanced skills in MS Office applications are required.
Fundraising-related training such as AFP, CAGP and or CFRE are a plus.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate and steward relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.


Must be able to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Knowledge of Revenue Canada rules around donation receipting and general Fund Development topics.
Superior problem-solving and organizational skills; effective time management and ability to meet deadlines; ability to manage a flexible schedule.
Must provide a current criminal record check as per the Association’s policy.
Must hold a valid driver’s license and have own vehicle or Reliable transportation to facilitate travel between branches regularly.


To Apply

At the YMCA, we are committed to strengthening our community through programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Join our dynamic team and make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in Southwestern Ontario.

If you are passionate about fundraising, have a strategic mindset, and are dedicated to making a positive impact, we invite you to apply for the Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts position.

To apply, please use the link on this job posting.

The deadline to apply is April 5, 2024, at 4 p.m.


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and its associated standards and regulations.