What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Grants and Impact Funding position at YMCA of the USA?
Advance the YMCA’s mission by securing grant funding that strengthens youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Job Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Director of Grants and Impact Funding is responsible for researching, developing, writing, and submitting compelling grant proposals to secure funding for YMCA programs, capital projects, health initiatives, and organizational priorities. This position manages the full grant cycle for operating, capital, state, federal, local, programmatic, and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) grants, ensuring alignment with the YMCA’s mission, compliance with grant requirements, and timely reporting. The Director works closely with leadership, program directors, and finance staff to develop strong proposals that advance the YMCA’s impact in the community.
Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At our Y, we strive to live our mission of loving our neighbor and helping each individual reach their full potential intentionally every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Qualifications
Grant Research & Prospecting
Job Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Director of Grants and Impact Funding is responsible for researching, developing, writing, and submitting compelling grant proposals to secure funding for YMCA programs, capital projects, health initiatives, and organizational priorities. This position manages the full grant cycle for operating, capital, state, federal, local, programmatic, and YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) grants, ensuring alignment with the YMCA’s mission, compliance with grant requirements, and timely reporting. The Director works closely with leadership, program directors, and finance staff to develop strong proposals that advance the YMCA’s impact in the community.
Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At our Y, we strive to live our mission of loving our neighbor and helping each individual reach their full potential intentionally every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, public administration or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing with proven success securing diverse types of funding, including government and capital grants.
- Demonstrated success in securing significant grant funding, with the ability to provide verifiable evidence of awarded grants.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.
- Strong research, analytical and organizational skills.
- Experience with grant budgeting and working with finance teams.
- Knowledge of nonprofit operations, health initiatives, and YMCA programs preferred.
Grant Research & Prospecting
- Identify, research, and evaluate grant opportunities from private foundations, corporations, government agencies, and Y-USA that align with YMCA priorities.
- Maintain a comprehensive database of current and potential grant funders.
- Prepare high-quality, persuasive grant proposals for operating, capital, programmatic, health initiative, and Y-USA funding opportunities.
- Collaborate with program, finance, and leadership staff to gather information, develop budgets, and ensure alignment with funder guidelines.
- Ensure proposals are submitted on time and meet all technical requirements.
- Track and manage all awarded grants to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
- Prepare timely and accurate progress, financial, and final reports for funders.
- Monitor grant expenditures in collaboration with finance staff.
- Cultivate and maintain positive, team-centered relationships with grant funders, program officers and colleagues within the organization.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for grant-related communications.
- Represent the YMCA at funder meetings, site visits, and networking opportunities as needed.
- Assist with the planning, organizing and execution of fundraising events that align with the YMCA’s mission and annual development goals.
- Work with staff across departments to identify funding needs, design projects, and measure outcomes.
- Provide training or guidance to staff on grant compliance and reporting requirements.
- Assist the Chief Mission Advancement Officer in creating and implementing Branch Campaigns in partnership with the Association and Branch Boards, volunteers, staff, program participants and members, all working collaboratively to reach a specific goal, as defined by the Association operating budget.
- Stay informed about trends, regulations, and best practices in grant funding, particularly for nonprofit, government, and YMCA-specific funding streams.
- Maintain accurate records of all grant activity in the organization’s database.