POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships serves as the primary relationship builder and business development leader for the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs, responsible for advancing partnerships, funding opportunities, and strategic collaborations that strengthen YMCA impact across North Carolina.
This position leads the development and stewardship of relationships with corporations, foundations, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other key stakeholders. The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for identifying and securing new revenue opportunities, managing grants and sponsorships, and advancing initiatives that benefit North Carolinas YMCAs.
As a statewide organization serving 28 independent YMCA Associations, the Alliance operates in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and relationship-driven environment. The Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships plays a critical role in connecting resources, partners, and opportunities to YMCAs across the state.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, exceptional communicator, and skilled relationship manager who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about advancing the YMCA mission.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategic Partnerships & Business Development
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other key stakeholders.Identify, cultivate, and steward funding and collaboration opportunities that advance the Alliances strategic priorities across multiple sectors.Identify and pursue opportunities for statewide contracts, reimbursement arrangements, and strategic collaborations with healthcare organizations, insurance providers, government agencies, and other partners.Develop partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, and customized engagement opportunities that create value for both partners and participating YMCAs.Monitor emerging funding, partnership, and business development opportunities aligned with Alliance priorities.Represent the Alliance at meetings, conferences, events, and stakeholder engagements throughout North Carolina.Achieve annual partnership, sponsorship, grant, and revenue development goals established by the President & CEO.
Grant & Resource Development
Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from local, state, regional, and national funding sources.Lead the development, writing, submission, and management of grant proposals and funding applications.Oversee grant administration, compliance, reporting, invoicing, and funder stewardship.Coordinate grant implementation activities with Alliance staff, participating YMCAs, and external partners.Maintain a pipeline of prospective funding opportunities and strategic investments.
Statewide Initiatives & Program Management
Manage assigned statewide initiatives, contracts, and strategic projects that advance the Alliances priorities.Coordinate implementation activities among Alliance staff, participating YMCAs, funders, and external partners.Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and accountability systems to ensure successful implementation.Track project outcomes, performance metrics, and reporting requirements.Identify opportunities to scale successful initiatives across the state.
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
Develop presentations, reports, and other materials that communicate the impact of Alliance initiatives and partnerships.Coordinate communications with funders, sponsors, partners, and participating YMCAs.Support partner recognition, stewardship, and fulfillment activities.Assist in developing success stories, impact reports, and other materials that demonstrate outcomes and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
Relationship Management
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with YMCA leaders, Alliance partners, funders, sponsors, consultants, government agencies, and other stakeholders.Lead and support assigned statewide Peer Communities, facilitating meetings, fostering engagement, coordinating resources, and advancing identified priorities.Provide exceptional customer service and support to member YMCAs.Represent the Alliance professionally in meetings, events, and other engagements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience7-10 years of experience in fundraising, grants management, partnership development, public affairs, business development, healthcare partnerships, nonprofit management, or related fieldsDemonstrated success securing grants, sponsorships, contracts, or strategic partnershipsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and grant writing experienceStrong relationship-building, networking, and presentation skillsAbility to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneouslyExperience working independently and exercising sound judgement Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other cloud-based collaboration toolsValid identification for employment eligibility verificationValid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout North Carolina and occasionally outside the state
Preferred
Experience working within the YMCA movement or a nonprofit membership organizationExperience managing grants funded by government agencies or large foundationsExperience working with healthcare organizations, insurance providers, or community health initiatives
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, including:
Using a computer for extended periods of timeCommunicating using a computer and/or phone/smart deviceSitting, reaching, and moving around the work environmentOccasionally lifting and/or moving up to 20 poundsSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjustThe noise level in the work environment is usually minimal to moderateReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties.
LOCATION & TRAVEL
This is a remote position and may be based anywhere within North Carolina. Regular travel throughout North Carolina is a required component of this role and is necessary to support member YMCAs. Travel to Raleigh, NC will be required periodically for staff meetings, planning sessions, and organizational activities.
Limited overnight travel and occasional national travel are also required.
SALARY & BENEFITS
This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $68,000-$77,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Alliance offers a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; an annual YMCA membership; and participation in the YMCA Retirement Fund, including a 12% employer contribution once eligibility requirements are met.
