Job Details

Lead the Ship. Tell the Story. Fuel the Mission.

At YWCA Charleston, we don't just serve our community, we transform it. Every dollar we raise becomes shelter, safety, childcare, advocacy, and hope.

We are looking for a Development Director to serve as the captain of our fundraising ship. This is a relationship role, a storytelling role, and a strategic leadership role, all wrapped into one. You will own our entire development operation, from events to the annual report to major donor cultivation.

If you believe that fundraising is really just giving people a tangible way to support their community, share what is closest to their heart, and you have the organizational strength to steer a complete revenue program, we want to talk.

What You'll Command

Strategic Leadership

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and special events.
• Set annual development goals and build the calendar, systems, and team structure to meet them.
• Serve on the leadership team, reporting to the Executive Director.

Events

• Plan, execute, and evaluate signature fundraising events (galas, luncheons, community campaigns, races).
• Recruit event committees, manage volunteers, and ensure every event tells the YWCA story with heart.

Annual Report & Communications

• Lead production of the annual report from data collection to narrative writing to design oversight.
• Work with program staff to gather impact stories that give donors tangible results for their time, talent, or treasure.

Relationship Building

• Cultivate, steward, and deepen relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Speak and write compellingly about YWCA Charleston's mission, tailoring the message for board members, community leaders, and first‑time donors alike.
• Work alongside the Executive Director on major donor meetings and public presentations.

Who You Are

• A natural captain: You see what needs building, and you build it.
• A storyteller at heart: You know that data informs, but stories inspire. You can write a thank‑you note that makes a donor feel appreciated or a volunteer feel valued.
• Relationships first: You genuinely enjoy meeting people, learning their why, and connecting their values to our work.
• Organized and accountable: You track moves, deadlines, and dollars without letting anything slip through the cracks.

Qualifications / Required

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or external relations (including events, donor cultivation, or annual giving).
• Demonstrated success in meeting or growing fundraising goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (Please be prepared to share examples.)
• Proficiency with donor databases like DonorPerfect or RazorsEdge.

Preferred but Not Required

• Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Experience producing an annual report, marketing materials, or similar donor‑facing publication.
• Familiarity with the Charleston, WV, philanthropic community.
• We know talent comes from many paths. Relevant experience may be substituted for education requirements.

Why YWCA Charleston?

• Mission that matters: Every event you plan, and every relationship you build, directly supports survivors, families, and children in our community.
• Autonomy with support: You'll captain the ship, but you won't be alone. The Executive Director and program staff are ready to partner with you.
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement options.
• A team that cares: We balance urgency with kindness for our clients and for each other.

About YWCA Charleston

The YWCA Charleston has been fostering self‑sufficiency and independence. Originally designed as safe lodging for young women from rural communities coming to Charleston to pursue careers, the YWCA has evolved into the city's most diverse and comprehensive network of social service programs. YWCA programs, facilities, and services assist more than 5,000 individuals annually. Equal opportunity is given to all applicants. The YWCA was built upon our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We can continue to be successful when people are treated fairly and allowed to grow and achieve their potential. We take pride in treating people equally, regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, blindness, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status.