Divisional Development Director - Southwest Division

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Because of Young Life’s exclusive Christian purposes of evangelism and discipleship as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation and in these Bylaws, and to reflect what has always been and will continue to be the position of Young Life, specifically the Christian belief that each and every employee and volunteer of the corporation should minister as a servant of God with the primary responsibility of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and, as such, is an integral part of the Christian mission and ministry of the corporation,
Young Life shall only employ individuals or enlist volunteer leaders who: (a) profess a belief in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord; and (b) subscribe to the statements and policies required of all Young Life staff, including the Young Life Statement of Faith. Therefore, employees and volunteers of Young Life, during working and nonworking hours, shall: (i) be ready, willing and able to fulfill such ministry functions as may be required by the organization; (ii) refrain from conduct and statements that detract from the biblical standards taught and supported by Young Life, and (iii) abide by all policies and practices of Young Life including, without limitation, those related to religious belief or ministry activities.

The Divisional Development Director works in close, collaborative partnership with the divisional SVP, Regional Directors, Area Directors, and volunteer committees to expand private philanthropic support across the division. Serving as a strategic partner to the field, this role drives the development, management, and successful funding of the division’s campaign vision. This leader will independently manage a major gift portfolio ($50,000+), using a relationship-centered approach to identify, connect, ask, and steward prospects. Central to this role is the ability to bridge field ministry needs with donor passions, demonstrating a clear ability to represent both divisional needs and Young Life Mission Priorities to the unique philanthropic hearts of individual donors.

Essential Duties & Core Responsibilities

Spiritual Development

• Develop a yearly personal growth plan that fosters a vibrant spiritual life including time for solitude, retreat, reflection, study, prayer, and worship.

• Ensure that all Young Life work is designed and carried out with an awareness of and in alignment with Young Life’s Values and Methods.

• Develop strong spiritual disciplines and accountability considering possible distance supervision and travel schedule.

Campaign Leadership

• Divisional Alignment: Partner closely with the divisional SVP to bring strategic fundraising value to the overall divisional strategy.

• Campaign Management: Oversee, plan, and execute all supporting activities for the campaign, including timeline management, donor events, communication strategies, and stewardship.

• Case for Support: Oversee the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an up-to-date campaign “Case for Support,” ensuring it includes both “give now” (current) and “give in the future”(legacy) options.

• Field Collaboration: In partnership with Global Field Development, provide strategic counsel to regional and area directors in their local campaigns,building trust and alignment between development and field ministry.

Portfolio Management; Relational Fundraising

• Major Gift Solicitation & Pipeline Growth: Actively manage a portfolio of approximately 125 prospects, moving them through the relationship-centered engagement pipeline. This includes an intentional focus on donor discovery, qualification, and bringing new, untapped major gift prospects into the Southwest Division pipeline.

• Donor Engagement: Plan travel and schedule appointments for discovery, qualification, and major gift asks.

• Gift Planning: Coordinate with the Executive Director of YL Foundation and partners to utilize both current and planned giving structures to meet donor needs and campaign goals.

Volunteer Committee Management

• Strategic ECC Partnership: Partner directly with any active volunteer Executive Campaign Committee (ECC) and its Chair to shape, refine, and align divisional ministry priorities with overarching fundraising strategies.

• Impact Accountability & Reporting: Establish a robust feedback loop for the ECC; design and deliver comprehensive impact reports that transparently communicate how investments are advancing the division and achieving campaign milestones.

Database, Analytics & Reporting

• CRM Accountability: Maintain strict data integrity within Young Life systems. Ensure all visits, calls, and next-step strategies are logged immediately.

Donor Stewardship & Community Culture

• Stewardship Strategy: Design and implement a timely stewardship program to ensure all donors are thanked and recognized appropriately.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a job related major field of study.

• Relational Fundraising Track Record: 5+ years of fundraising experience with a proven track record of managing a portfolio and closing major gifts ($50k+). Must demonstrate a relational development approach where meeting metrics never compromises authentic, pastoral care for the donor.

• Ministry & Cultural Fluency: Proven ability to understand, embody, and deeply articulate the ministry and the heart of the Young Life mission today.

• Professional Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience, including leading and managing complex initiatives or programs with outcome-focused deliverables.

• Leadership Experience: Minimum 3 years of direct or indirect management experience overseeing, coaching, and inspiring teams of staff or high-level volunteer committees.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Communication & Relational Excellence: Exceptional communication skills. The ability to speak, listen, and care for high-level donors, alumni, executives, and volunteers in a way that establishes a deep, authentic connection—ensuring partners feel valued for who they are, not just what they can give.

• Mission Storytelling: A gifted communicator who can passionately and authentically convey the heart of Young Life, translating how the mission is adapting and changing to meet the needs of today’s kids.

• Proactive Execution: Tested and proven in environments that demand high proactivity, and strict deadline management, balanced with a collaborative team spirit.

• Strategic & Financial Acumen: Ability to research prospects, build comprehensive presentation materials, and accurately manage campaign budgets.

• Technical Proficiency: Experienced in utilizing CRM databases to track metrics and drive strategic decisions.

• Spiritual Integrity & Confidentiality: Absolute commitment to maintaining donor confidentiality and practicing spiritual integrity in fundraising, viewing development as a form of ministry.

Travel & Working Conditions

• Travel Required: Travel required across the division to conduct face-to-face donor visits and attend regional events.

• Preferred Location: Residing within the specific division(s) assigned, working remotely.

Job Specific Working Conditions:

The anticipated salary rate for this position can range from $91,750.00 - $118,250.00 depending on relevant experience and education, working location, and scheduled weekly hours.

Originally posted on Himalayas