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.
Total Compensation
As part of your total compensation, you will receive:
- Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
- Three (3) weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive benefits package and pension
- Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services
About the Role
The Director of Philanthropy provides strategic leadership for all philanthropic revenue at the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. This role is responsible for growing and diversifying revenue across individual, corporate, and foundation giving, while building a strong and sustainable donor pipeline that supports both immediate priorities and future growth.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director leads fundraising strategy and execution, manages key donor relationships, and supports a high-performing team. This role is critical as the YMCA strengthens its philanthropic foundation, advances a culture of philanthropy across the organization, and prepares for future campaign initiatives.
Working closely with senior leadership, staff, volunteers, and Board members, the Director of Philanthropy helps position the YMCA for long-term sustainability and expanded community impact.
In This Role, You Will
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities
- Grow revenue across major gifts, mid-level giving, corporate partnerships, and foundations
- Build and manage a structured donor pipeline, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Personally manage a portfolio of key donors and prospects, leading cultivation and solicitation of significant gifts
- Monitor fundraising performance and adjust strategies to achieve targets
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability and professional growth
- Build internal alignment and engagement in philanthropy across internal departments
- Partner with senior leaders, volunteers, and Board members to support donor engagement and fundraising success
- Contribute to campaign planning and future growth initiatives
- Ensure strong data practices, including accurate documentation and use of CRM systems to inform strategy
Requirements
- Progressive experience in fundraising with demonstrated success in major gifts and donor relationship management
- Experience leading and developing teams in a collaborative and accountable environment
- Proven ability to build, grow, and sustain meaningful donor relationships
- Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate plans into action and results
- Experience working with volunteers, senior leaders, or Boards in a fundraising context is considered an asset
- Experience supporting or contributing to fundraising campaigns
- Familiarity with the nonprofit landscape in Nova Scotia is considered an asset
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire trust and engagement
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including donor-facing conversations and presentations
- Strategic and analytical mindset, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making
- Ability to balance short-term priorities with long-term growth and sustainability
- Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across an organization
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
- Proficiency with donor databases or CRM systems and fundraising tools
How to Apply
Please apply online at: https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/
Closing date: May 25, 2026
Additional Requirements
Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:
A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older. Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Offenses, if any, are assessed based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
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.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance so we can arrange reasonable and appropriate support.
