POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA of the Rockies, which operates a mission-based family and group conference and retreat center, serving more than 225,000 guests annually. Under the supervision of the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the Director of Grants will design, implement, and lead an effective and robust grants program as a critical component of the Association’s overall fundraising.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to build internal and external relationships, possess excellent attention to detail, have program management experience and leadership qualities, and should understand how family and private foundations and government grant requirements work. The candidate should be Colorado Front Range based, on-site as needed. Experience in working with donor advise funds (DAFs) is a bonus.

OUR MISSION AND CULTURE: 

We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind and body for all. YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires and staff lead with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests and staff. The work each staff member does matters. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Builds and maintains a portfolio of relationships with Colorado based grant funders – family and private foundations; family offices; corporate foundations; government funding sources; etc.
• Drive Association grants strategy and develops a 12 to 24-month grant calendar that is refreshed every six months.
• Functions as a key leader and is a subject matter expert on cradle to grave proposal management for grants and contracts.
• Develops and implements best practices and systems to ensure proactive oversight and management, timely and compliant proposal submissions.
• Oversees contracted grant writer work in research, proposal and report writing.
• Develops a network of internal liaisons who are responsible for grants and contracts matters across the Association, and provides coaching, technical subject matter expertise and staff training.
• Remains current on changes within the industry through publications and continuing education.
• Works in close collaboration with accounting staff to ensure compliance on grants, contracts, and subaward submissions and develops procedures, tools, and templates to execute.
• Serves as an advisor to CAO play a key role in opportunity tracking, the proposal development process, including preparing contractual documents, reviewing solicitations, coordinating terms and conditions with Legal, and reviewing proposals for compliance prior to submission.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three to five years of successful experience in major gift or grant fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • Bring forward ideas and take action to implement ideas as agreed upon
  • Understand continuity between strategic goals and fine attention to detail in plan execution
  • Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Meet campaign goals
  • Work independently
• Ability to effectively and efficiently lead a team and handle multiple, simultaneous, and complex tasks and projects. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS:

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith in all functions
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.
• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism is required.
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Possess a valid, USA state-issued driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and comply with YMCA driving rules to be approved to operate YMCA vehicles.
• Possess stamina to work in the work environment described herein. Ideal candidate will be Colorado Front Range based and able to be on-site as needed.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and potential out of state travel for donor gatherings related to grants.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds on occasion.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PERKS:

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Generous PTO/Vacation
• Participation in YMCA Retirement Fund (an additional 12% contribution by YMCA after 2 years employment)
• Employer owned rental housing may be available nearby - Contact Human Resources for more information
• YMCA of the Rockies membership
• Discounted childcare, summer day camp, and summer overnight camp
• Discounted nights at YMCA of the Rockies lodges for friends & family
• Ski passes to nearby resorts
• Free or discounted gear rentals for outdoor adventures
• View all YMCA of the Rockies employee perks by visiting here