Aug 22nd, 2026
YWCA Clark County
Job Description
Senior Director of Devel, CommArtsSci / Development Officer III/S
Working/Functional Title
Senior Director of Devel, CommArtsSci
Position Summary
As the first college of its kind, the MSU College of Communication Arts & Sciences is known as a pioneer in the industry and is one of the largest and most respected communication colleges in the country. Around the world, over 56,000 alumni are leaders in a staggering array of successful careers, including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, presidents of entertainment networks, producers of award-winning films and documentaries, and researchers determining the impact of messages upon society.
The chosen candidate will be a high-energy leader who thrives in a fast-paced work environment. Further, the chosen candidate must be an exceptional fundraiser, an accomplished motivator and mentor, an effective manager of people, and a visionary leader who has a proven track record in successfully implementing comprehensive development programs. Capital campaign experience is a plus.
Serving as the college's chief development officer, the Senior Director will maintain a personal prospect portfolio of major donor prospects as well as employ a strategic moves management program to ensure constant positive movement along the development pipeline. Leading by example, the Senior Director will oversee a team of one full-time development officer, one alumni relation professional and one development assistant, and work closely with the Dean, senior administrators, and volunteer leadership to ensure that the College reaches its full philanthropic potential.
As MSU strategically progresses through its third billion-dollar plus campaign, the Senior Director will assume a leadership role in planning and spearheading the campaign effort for the College. This includes building relationships with volunteers with capacity, articulating the case for support, identifying and cultivating prospects, developing engagement strategies to best position successful proposal delivery, and actively soliciting philanthropic investments with a focus on gifts of $100,000 and greater.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising -
Plans and implements methods of prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation in order to maximize fundraising support, and match donor's interest with the needs of the College. The Senior Director will manage a portfolio of approximately 75-100 major gift prospects, strive to conduct 15-20 significant personal visits per month which will include discovery visits to qualify new prospects, and deliver 2-4 proposals per month.
Plans and implements the major and planned gifts program for the College as well as funding from other sources, including corporations and foundations.
Provides assistance to donors regarding tax laws, policies, and procedures and resolves problems in order to maintain a positive image of the university.
Collaborates with colleagues across campus to ensure that donors' philanthropic interests are being met.
Programmatic Management -
Audits internal operations in order to develop standardized procedures and ensure conformity with established policy.
Plans, hosts, and communicates at college and university events and engagements in order to provide information on the College and/or University.
Assists in budget preparation in order to ensure consistency with departmental goals.
Assists in setting both long- and short-term goals/plans in order to determine the resources required.
Supervises and/or coordinates with external relations staff, including development, alumni, public relations, and communications, in order to ensure coordination of information to alumni and friends of the College.
Coordinates the composing, editing, and publishing of college development-related materials in order to provide staff and volunteers with campaign progress reports.
Personnel Management -
Supervises, directs, motivates, and evaluates all staff in order to assure consistency in quantity and quality of work performed.
Sets clear direction and priorities for professionals and administrative support personnel. Provide excellence through well-defined and measurable goals.
Lead by example; foster a work environment that recognizes and rewards cross-functional collaboration and team-based efforts. Celebrate current achievements and set clear expectations for future success.
Actively mentor and train staff, providing frequent opportunities for professional learning and growth; emphasizing retention as a means of increasing capacity and expertise of the team. Fully leverage human and financial resources and promote greater efficiency.
Provide the structure and guidance necessary to promote a high-performance culture that meets the needs and expectations of a successful and diverse alumni community.
Recruits, trains, and motivates volunteers in order to accomplish college goals and objectives.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
SDOD will work closely with the Dean, Faculty, and Staff within Communications Arts & Sciences in order to advance the overall mission, directives, and priorities set forth by unit leadership, specifically the Dean. Level of collaboration for each group will verify; however, the consistency of strategy and messaging will be agreed upon with Dean approval and in conjunction with the SDOD.
Michigan State University Alumni/Individuals/Major Corporations/Businesses/Employees and Corporate Leadership - in order to solicit as potential donors, handle their donor requests and to cultivate and train them as potential volunteers.
Faculty - in order to educate and train them on Development direction, to seek their advice on needs, to answer funding questions, and advise them on funding strategy.
College Development Staff – in order to advise on best practices, train and oversee their work, and to establish priorities.
Department Heads/Michigan State University Executive Management - in order to consult and coordinate work within University structure to aid in the identification of potential donors and gain support of special projects.
Michigan State University campaign leadership - in order to seek their advice on the cultivation and solicitation of major donors and to assist them in soliciting donors.
Michigan State University Trustees - in order to seek advice and obtain assistance for solicitation.
Peers/Professional Organizations - in order to obtain advice and council on options being considered for programs.
Government Agencies/Foundations - in order to assess current funding priorities and particular donor procedures.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Direction is received from the Executive Director of Constituency Programs and from the Dean of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision over the CAS Development Office staff.
This position is hybrid-eligible and requires regular on-site presence. Remote work is not guaranteed and must be approved through a Remote Work Agreement.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing and/or Business; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in professional and higher education fundraising, public relations, marketing, development of budgets, preparation and presentation of case statements and analysis of operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Travel is required. Valid vehicle operator's license is required.
Desired Qualifications
Successful track record working with academic unit leadership, including the Dean, Associate and Assistant Deans, Chairs, and Faculty.
Demonstrated exceptional emotional intelligence, interpersonal effectiveness, and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated professionalism and sound judgement, including the ability to represent the organization effectively in a variety of settings and with diverse stakeholders.
Eight years of successful fundraising experience (preferably in higher education) including several years at a director or manager level. Experience in related fields such as public relations or marketing may be taken into consideration.
Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal, and written/oral communications.
Demonstrated experience in facilitating major gifts through planned giving instruments
Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
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About the Organization
YWCA Clark County’s programs focus on improving the daily lives of adults, children, and families in Clark County; preventing violence in the home and in our community; and eliminating oppression wherever it is found. Since the organization was founded more than 100 years ago, their services have continually evolved in response to community needs. YWCA Clark County now serves more than 12,000 individuals each year: victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse; and preschool children in their therapeutic school.
To learn more about YWCA Clark County, visit their website: https://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/
Job Description
OVERVIEW OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROLE:
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the chief leader of YWCA Clark County, responsible for advancing the organization's mission, vision, core values, and strategic priorities while preserving and strengthening its highly valued organizational culture.
The CEO provides strategic, relationship-centered leadership that inspires trust, advances racial equity and social justice, cultivates philanthropic support, and positions YWCA Clark County as a leading voice for survivors, families, and underserved communities throughout Clark County. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, community partners, donors, and public officials, the CEO leads the organization through thoughtful innovation, operational excellence, financial sustainability, and community impact.
Reports to: Board President, on behalf of the Board of Directors
Supervises: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Assistant
ROLE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
We’ve identified the skills, abilities, knowledge, education, and experience a person will need in order to be successful in their position. This combination of qualities is referred to as a position’s critical success factors, or CSF’s.
Social Justice: There is a strong social justice component to all positions within YWCA Clark County, requiring critical thinking through the lens of racism and intersections with poverty. Knowing the core principles of anti-racism and grounding those principles in everyday work are required job skills and core values
Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. Success in leading complex nonprofit or mission-driven organizations through collaboration, transparency, and trust-based leadership. Ability to inspire teams, build strong community partnerships, engage nonprofit board of directors, lead organizational changes, and balance strategic vision while managing strong day-today leadership duties.
Equity and Inclusion: An intersectional analysis and experience embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategy, operations, policies, decision making, workplace culture, community partnerships, advocacy efforts and accountability systems. Experience working with communities of color and awareness of the persistent disparities and injustice they face.
Fundraising: Demonstrated success securing diverse revenue sources through major gifts, grants, foundation partnerships, government funding, corporate sponsorships, and individual philanthropy. Ability to foster an organization-wide culture of philanthropy, while actively engaging the Board and staff in fundraising efforts.
Communications: A compelling, strength-based communicator who builds confidence through transparency, empathy, authenticity, and active listening. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven ability to form internal and external relationships. Comfortable serving as the organization’s primary spokesperson and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders, employees, survivors, donors, elected officials, media, community partners, and the public.
Management: At least 5 years of executive leadership experience overseeing complex nonprofit operations, organizational budgets exceeding $3 million, multiple complex funding streams and senior leadership teams. Proven ability to nurture a culture of collaboration and accountability, develop future leaders, support employee wellness, and lead organizations through periods of growth and change.
Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates empathy, humility, curiosity, sound judgment, accountability, and self-awareness. Creates psychologically safe environments where employees feel respected, heard, supported, and empowered.
Preferred:
Existing relationships with Clark County based organizations, donors, and other community contacts or a demonstrated ability to quickly establish and grow community-based relationships
Awareness of community issues and the public policy landscape
Knowledge of trauma informed practices
Experience with social service work
Desired Qualities: Approachable, team-oriented leader who brings warmth and humor to the role, enjoys learning, values relationships, and genuinely connects with people.
COMPENSATION FOR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
For purposes of internal wage equity, this position will start at $140,000 to $150,000
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
We’ve identified the day-to-day responsibilities linked to each position. In addition to the position specific responsibilities provided below, each YWCA Clark County employee must share responsibility for upholding and modeling the organization’s core value on a daily basis.
Assure that participants, staff, volunteers and community partners are treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or socioeconomic background.
Gain approval for, track, and engage in activities that meet the organization’s 1% for Social Change requirement.
Think through the lens of racial equity and its intersections with poverty. Use the core principles of anti-racism and grounding those principles in all daily tasks
Incorporate the YWCA’s commitment to social justice by understanding how racism, sexism, classism and other oppressions intersect and are embedded in institutions. Seek opportunities for continued learning about racial, gender and class equity.
Strategy
Lead organizational vision, long-term strategy and innovation in partnership the Board, employees, participants, and community stakeholders. Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability and thoughtful innovation while also providing opportunities to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on lessons learned, and update plans as conditions change.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local organizations, partners, communities of color, and culture, and public policy makers, with an eye to potential strategic partnerships to increase resources and impact.
Remain abreast of trends that are shaping the operating environment, such as developments in philanthropy, public policy, demographics, and technology, and promising practices in social services, social justice work, and nonprofit management.
Ensure that YWCA Clark County consistently meets association requirements from YWCA National.
Major Gifts/Strategies
In partnership with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Board of Directors, ensure a diversified fund development strategy and plan; cultivating an organization-wide culture of philanthropy.
Partner with the Philanthropy Team in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors.
Expand and diversify sustainable revenue sources while strengthening long-term relationships with philanthropic partners, government agencies, foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
In collaboration with Chief Operating Officer and contracted grant writer, cultivate and strengthen relationships with foundations to expand philanthropic partnerships and secure institutional funding.
Capital Campaign:
Partner with the Chief Operations Officer and development team to oversee the successful completion of the Empowerment Campus, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
Lead private fundraising efforts in partnership with the Board of Directors and Capital Campaign Committee to secure transformational philanthropic investments and achieve campaign goals.
Partner with the Vice President of Marketing & Communications to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens brand awareness, stakeholder engagement , and organizational visibility.
Communications and Advocacy
Provide strategic leadership for organizational messaging in partnership with the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, ensuring YWCA Clark County's mission, vision, core values, and impact are represented authentically and compellingly to diverse audiences.
Actively promote the work of the organization through networking events, day-to-day meetings, and meetings with potential donors, board members, and partners.
Provide strategic leadership for external relations including media relations, community relationships, and marketing; serve as YWCA Clark County’s primary media spokesperson.
Ensure that the organization’s racial equity work is shared with community stakeholders and supporters.
Provide leadership in determining when and how to participate in public education and advocacy campaigns with partners; engage in advocacy to advance YWCA Clark County’s mission and to work for systemic change.
Serve as YWCA Clark County's trusted public voice and ambassador, strengthening visibility, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing public policy promoting racial equity, gender equity, housing stability, survivor-centered services, and economic justice.
Organizational Culture and Staff Management
Lead, supervise, and develop the executive leadership team, including the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Marketing & Communication, and Executive Assistant.
Model and foster an organizational culture that reflects YWCA Clark County’s core values.
Champion the organization’s Equity Goals and Racial Equity Policy; ensure that equity goals are translated into concrete actions with accountability.
Promote employee engagement, wellness, work-life balance, leadership development and succession planning.
Lead organizational change through authentic communication, relationship building, and thoughtful decision-making.
Model servant leadership, humility, and continuous learning.
Board Relations and Support
In collaboration with the Executive Committee and Executive Assistant, design and implement effective board meetings and planning sessions that foster the engagement of all board members.
Assist the Board of Directors with board recruitment, orientation, integration, and evaluation.
Ensure that the Board of Directors is well informed on critical issues.
Regularly update the Board of Directors on the organization’s racial equity work and support them in achieving their board-identified racial equity goals.
Ensure that board committees have adequate staff participation and support.
Build a strong, transparent partnership with the Board through proactive communication, strategic guidance, shared accountability, and regular reporting on organizational performance, culture, financial health, and racial equity initiatives.
Financial Management
In partnership with the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Committee, ensure the following:
Adherence to the organization’s financial policies and sound management of all financial assets—including revenues, investments, property, and equipment
Creation of a sound annual budget for board approval
Regular review of financial statements by the board
Develop long-term financial strategies that strengthen organizational sustainability, diversify revenue, and position the organization for continued growth and impact.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE:
The ideal CEO will lead with a deep commitment to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, anti-racism, social justice, and survivor-centered services.
Strong fundraiser with experience cultivating donors, grants, and diverse funding sources.
Brings experience planning and leading capital campaigns that advance organizational growth, strengthen long-term sustainability, and inspire broad community investment.
Collaborative people leader who fosters an inclusive, accountable, and psychologically safe workplace.
Authentic, transparent leader who builds trust through integrity, empathy, and clear communication.
Executive leadership experience in a nonprofit, human services, advocacy, or mission-driven organization.
Proven success leading strategy, organizational growth, financial stewardship, and change.
Invests in employee development, wellness, succession planning, and organizational culture.
Relationship builder who partners effectively with staff, Board members, donors, community organizations, and public officials.
Confident public ambassador with strong communication, advocacy, and political acumen.
Balances strategic vision with strong day-to-day leadership and sound decision-making.
Leads with humility, accountability, and emotional intelligence.
Champions YWCA Clark County's mission by strengthening partnerships and advancing lasting community impact.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or equivalent
At least 5 years of high-level management experience and extensive understanding of non-profit leadership in domestic violence, housing/homeless services, or other related social service organizations
Significant understanding and working knowledge of current best practices in non-profit leadership, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), trauma-informed practices, and the state and national policies that impact marginalized populations
Experience leading a complex organization with depth in Board relations and demonstrating skills in visionary leadership
Proven ability to implement new programs, and initiatives, and lead organizational advancement
Additional information
About Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc.
Founded in 2006, Motus is an award-winning recruiting and staffing firm in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in professional services and technology solutions. We are a group of people who not only recognize the importance of representation, but actively fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process. Our goal is to educate organizations on the importance of DEI when hiring, promoting, and supporting diverse employees. We are calling organizations to demonstrate their commitment to DEI by being intentional about whom they hire.