Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality 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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Are you inspired by the power of impact stories to spark generosity? Are you passionate about blending marketing and philanthropy to make a lasting community impact? Can you translate mission and impact into compelling campaigns that move people to give?

The Marketing Specialist advances the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ mission by developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that inspire philanthropy and deepen donor engagement. Reporting to the Chief Experience Officer and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, this role ensures that the Y’s mission, values, and community impact are communicated in ways that strengthen both a culture of giving and broader community engagement.

While this role will initially emphasize the expansion of the YMCA’s philanthropic presence, the Marketing Strategist will also collaborate with membership, program, and association-wide teams to provide support for general marketing strategies—ensuring consistent, mission-driven messaging across all audiences.

This leader bridges the work of the Development and Marketing departments, ensuring donor-centered storytelling, campaigns, and events effectively communicate impact, while also contributing to the Y’s overall marketing and public support goals.

DIVISION OF DUTIES:

• 40% – Fundraising Brand Strategy & Campaigns: Develop and execute comprehensive branding and marketing strategies that strengthen YSHR’s fundraising presence.
• 30% – Storytelling & Impact Communications: Lead impact storytelling initiatives across digital, print, and events to enhance public support goals.
• 20% – Channel & Content Management: Guide philanthropic content creation for web, email, social, print, and other platforms to engage donors and community supporters.
• 10% – Data & Market Insight: Monitor campaign performance, donor engagement metrics, and marketing trends to inform strategies and improve outcomes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Fundraising Branding & Marketing

• Create and lead fundraising campaign strategies that align with YMCA mission and standards.
• Ensure consistency of fundraising messaging across all marketing channels.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to integrate marketing efforts into annual campaigns, capital projects, and special initiatives.

Storytelling & Impact Communications

• Collect, curate, and share compelling stories across platforms to build donor trust and inspire giving.
• Partner with staff and volunteers to capture authentic voices of those impacted by YSHR programs.
• Provide creative direction for donor campaign branding, photography, and videography.

Strategy & Collaboration

• Partner with the Chief Experience Officer and Chief Development Officer to execute a philanthropic marketing and communications strategy that supports annual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, and special events.
• Ensure philanthropic messaging reflects the YMCA’s mission, values, and brand identity.
• Collaborate with center leadership, volunteers, and association staff to align fundraising communications with organizational priorities.
• Contribute to general marketing strategies that advance membership growth, program engagement, and community visibility.

Campaign & Event Marketing

• Develop marketing strategies to support major campaigns, including the Annual Giving (Impact Fund), capital campaigns, and endowment initiatives.
• Guide communications and collateral development for fundraising events, including the Heritage Society Reception, and other donor events.
• Collaborate with volunteers, committees, and staff to maximize visibility and community engagement.

Digital Engagement & Content Creation

• Identify digital and print tactics and related content to enhance effectiveness for fundraising campaigns and broader association marketing.
• Support special events and campaigns that enhance both philanthropic and general public support outcomes.

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor key performance metrics for fundraising and general marketing campaigns; adjust strategies as needed.
• Use data and insights to build donor loyalty strategies and strengthen community engagement.
• Stay current with industry trends in fundraising communications, nonprofit storytelling, and digital marketing.

YMCA CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Engaging Community
• Philanthropy & Volunteerism
• Inclusion
• Innovation & Strategic Thinking

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• 2-4 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or fundraising with demonstrated success in branding and campaign execution.
• Strong storytelling and writing skills with the ability to communicate impact clearly and persuasively.
• Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content management systems, and social media tools.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising copywriting and communications preferred.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Experience using Canva or other design software.

PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES:

• Self-starter, demonstrate a high degree of initiative and exercise sound judgment.
• Project and team management skills and experience.
• Ability to effectively plan and set priorities. Ability to manage several projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, customer service, and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and to work in a fast paced office environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Is subject to frequent interruptions
• Must be able to work beyond normal working hours in order to serve the needs of internal customers, weekends and holidays as needed for early morning meetings, extended weekday meetings/trainings or weekend trainings/meetings

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May be required to walk, stand, kneel and stoop
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must be able to perform the duties of direct reports

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for completion of assigned goals as measured by the number of people served, cause driven measures, service satisfaction scores, operating results, and supervisor evaluation of assigned duties. Continuation of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. The requirements may include background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or criminal background check.

Additional drivers license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.

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