Vice President, Mission - Individual Giving & Major Gifts

Overview

Position Summary
The Vice President of Mission Advancement (VPMA) serves as the senior leader responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive individual giving and major gifts strategy to advance the mission, equity commitments, and long-term sustainability of the YMCA of Greater San Francisco. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & Strategic Partnerships Officer, the VPMA oversees all aspects of donor engagement for individual contributors—including annual leadership giving, mid-level giving, major gifts, transformational gifts, and legacy giving.

The VPMA also manages a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors, leads a team of gift officers, and collaborates with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Branch Executives, and Board members to cultivate philanthropic relationships across the region. With a strategic, donor-centered approach, the VPMA drives revenue, deepens donor loyalty, and builds a strong pipeline for future campaigns and initiatives.

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
  • Develop and execute a multi-year individual giving and major gifts strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Partner with the Chief Advancement & Strategic Partnerships Officer to set revenue goals, forecast projections, and track performance.
  • Lead strategic planning for major gifts, leadership giving, legacy giving, and individual donor stewardship.
  • Strengthen organizational readiness for future comprehensive or capital campaigns.
• Major Gifts & Individual Giving Portfolio Management
  • Manage a high-value portfolio of major donors and prospects capable of significant annual and multi-year investments.
  • Conduct donor discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with a strong moves management approach.
  • Create compelling cases for support and fundraising materials tailored to donor interests.
  • Work closely with the CEO, board members, and volunteer leadership to facilitate donor engagement and solicitations.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing individual giving and major gifts team.
  • Provide coaching, professional development, and portfolio strategy guidance to gift officers and advancement staff.
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, donor-centered culture grounded in excellence, equity, and shared impact.
  • Oversee hiring, onboarding, and performance management for team members.
• Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Communications
  • Oversee a robust stewardship program that recognizes donor impact and increases retention.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to enhance donor storytelling, impact reporting, and recognition programs.
  • Design and support donor engagement events—such as cultivation gatherings, program site visits, leadership briefings, and Heritage Club events.
  • Ensure a seamless and personalized donor experience for individual contributors at every giving level.
• Organizational Collaboration & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Partner closely with Branch Executives to align donor strategies with branch priorities and community needs.
  • Work with program leadership to translate mission outcomes into compelling donor engagement opportunities.
  • Collaborate with Finance and Operations to ensure accuracy in budgeting, forecasting, data management, and gift reporting.
  • Support organization-wide fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and strategic projects as needed.

• This position operates in a professional office setting and requires regular interaction with internal teams, donors, and external partners.
• Occasional travel within the Bay Area for meetings, events, and site visits.
• Standard business hours with flexibility for evening or weekend events as needed.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., working at a computer).
• Frequent communication via phone, email, and in-person meetings.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 20 pounds for event setup.

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable…