Development Lead

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Program: Association Services

Position Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $55,000-65,000 per year

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As Part of Your Total Compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities

• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home

• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs

• 3 weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days

• Comprehensive benefits package and pension

• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role:

The Development Lead plays a key role in strengthening the YMCA’s culture of philanthropy by leading fundraising initiatives, building meaningful donor relationships, and supporting staff and volunteers across the organization to see their role in advancing the YMCA’s impact through philanthropy.

This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-level donors while leading annual giving efforts and key fundraising initiatives. The Development Lead brings a relationship-centered approach to philanthropy, connecting donors to impact and helping them see the difference they make in the community.

This role also works closely with operations teams and volunteers to build confidence and capacity in fundraising across program areas, helping to advance a shared culture of philanthropy throughout the YMCA.

This role has the opportunity to evolve over time as the Advancement team grows, with a strong focus in year one on campaign delivery and building donor relationships.

In This Role, You Will:

Donor Portfolio Management

• Build and grow a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects, typically in the $1000-$10,000 range

• Translate program needs into opportunities for donor investment

• Develop and implement personalized prospects, outreach, stewardship, and recognition plans

• Identify and qualify new prospects to strengthen the future major gift pipeline

• Support the development of donor materials including appeals, proposals, and recognition pieces

• Track donor engagement and progress within CRM

Annual Giving and Campaign Leadership

• Lead the YMCA’s annual giving initiatives, including planning and strategy, targeted appeals, campaigns, and special events

• Develop strategies to increase donor acquisition, retention, and increase giving through relationship building

• Partner with operations leaders and collaborate with teams to support fundraising efforts, and ensure they feel engaged in annual giving initiatives

• Guide staff and develop simple tools to help make fundraising feel embedded and accessible across the YMCA for staff, volunteers, and participants

• Support Advancement team projects or initiatives as needed

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Represent the YMCA in the community to grow awareness, reputation, and philanthropic opportunity and support

• Build genuine and values-driven relationships with community partners, sponsors, and supporters

• Develop and implement plans for community partnerships, ensuring follow through and relationship management

Education and Skills Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience in fundraising, client relations, sales, marketing, or related field

• Experience managing partner or client relationships, and participating in sales pitches and outreach

• Strong relationship building and interpersonal skills

• Experience with annual giving campaigns or fundraising events an asset

• A proactive, curious, and creative approach, with a willingness to get involved in all aspects of projects

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

• Comfort working with donor databases or CRM systems

• Proficiency working within SharePoint, Canva, and Microsoft 365

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team

To Apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by November 25, 2026.

All successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older

• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire

Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

Please note that the salary range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for this position. The midpoint of the range represents a salary for an employee that has complete job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position. Typically, employees will be hired between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job. The salary offered to the successful candidate will consider several factors, including but not limited to the individual’s skillset, level of experience applicable to the role they are being offered, and internal equity considerations

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

The YMCA recognizes that great leaders bring different combinations of experience, education and perspective. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every qualification. We are looking for someone with strong communications instincts, sound judgment, curiosity and the drive to learn, lead and grow.