American Youth Foundation
Who We Are
American Youth Foundation programs welcome people to discover their own best selves, the richness of living a balanced life, and the power of creating inclusive, caring communities. We are a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission has provided the foundation for all we do since 1925.
Thousands of youth engage in programs year-round at our beautiful properties at Merrowvista in New Hampshire and Miniwanca in Michigan. People from across the country and around the world come to AYF facilities for community and school programs, summer camps, and leadership conferences. Our programs inspire individuals and groups to put their best into action and make a difference in big and small ways each day.
Position Purpose
The Development Director is a year-round position, responsible for developing and directing a comprehensive fundraising program for the American Youth Foundation. This position will oversee ongoing development programs and will serve as key leadership for the upcoming centennial capital campaign.
Essential Functions
- Manage and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes the annual fund, planned giving, sponsorships, foundation support, major gifts, alumni relations, and special events
- Provide overall leadership for the upcoming capital campaign
- Manage development relationships insuring best practices and the highest standards of quality and cost effectiveness
- Promote the AYF locally, regionally and nationally
- Prepare revenue and expense budgets and oversee financial management of development cost center in conjunction with Advancement manager.
- Seek new corporate and foundation funding, maintain relationships with current donors, and represent AYF when meeting with potential partners and funding sources
- Work with the Board of Directors, AYF President, and Vice President to pursue major gifts and meet ongoing fundraising goals
Secondary Functions
- Work collaboratively and maintain ongoing contact with other AYF staff members to identify avenues of support for programs/projects
- Introduce AYF’s participants and programs to philanthropic supporters
- Travel routinely to meet with colleagues, alumni, current families and major donors
Reasonable accommodations may be made in order to enable a range of abilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Analytical and Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrated ability to obtain results through effective leadership and communication
- Knowledge of long-range strategic planning process
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including active listening and delivering/receiving feedback
- Strong written and communication skills, including public speaking
- Effective organizational skills, attention to detail and management of deadlines
- Must be an energetic, service-oriented, team player with initiative and ability to work independently
- Willingness to expand knowledge and responsibilities
- Able to problem solve, using good judgment while assessing risk factors
Preferred Minimum Education, Experience and / or Certification
- Degree in nonprofit management, business, human services, or related fields required
- 5 to 10 years experience directing or administering development programs for nonprofits required
- CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) preferred
- Demonstrated experience with annual giving, capital campaign, foundation/corporation solicitations, deferred planned giving, communications, and special events
- Demonstrated experience in recruiting, supervising, and developing staff
- Demonstrated experience in financial management
- Knowledge of marketing strategies and techniques
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Blackbaud Raisers Edge and/or other databases
Work Environment
- Varied settings including St. Louis office and some work from home
- Some weekend and evening work required
- Travel as needed for meetings and site visits. Flexibility to live in a variety of environments (camp, hotels, guest accommodations)
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and walk significant distances.
- Attire Business casual, appropriate attire for setting
- Hours as required to meet job demands, generally Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Vision for all AYF Employees
- Show commitment to the AYF Core Values of safety, respect, responsibility, and inclusion.
- Support the organization’s mission, vision, and ethics by displaying the following behaviors:
Integrity, openness and honesty, listening and understanding, giving and receiving constructive feedback, seeking a balance between personal and professional lives, dependability, and accountability. - Follow guidelines as described in the AYF employee handbook.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package are available, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement package
- Family accommodations during on site required living periods
- Tuition discounts for dependents
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The AYF is home to all who dare to live in intentionally inclusive community: who see diversity as necessary for growth, equity as a practice for solving historical systemic problems, and inclusion as a step toward creating a vibrant and thriving space where all can belong.We are firmly committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grown personally and professionally, and all are highly encouraged to apply.
Non-Discrimination
Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and / or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familiar status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume to the attention of the Selection Committee, ayfhumanresources@ayf.com.
