Advance the mission of Youth for Christ of Northern Indiana by leading donor engagement and major gifts fundraising in assigned counties and communities. This role will steward an extensive network of relationships to invite ministry partners to invest generously in Christ-centered youth ministry, ensuring both current financial health and long-term sustainability that will propel YFC’s ministry vision of reaching thousands of young people in 3-Story Relationships.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Regional Development Director is responsible for sustaining and growing YFCNIN’s partner base with a primary focus on major gifts.

Manage a portfolio of major giving partner relationships, cultivating relationships through personal visits, small gatherings, written updates, and events with an initial intentional focus on Huntington, Wabash, Kosciusko, and Whitley Counties.

Apply a Biblical approach to development, inviting donors into God’s story and aligning their passions with YFC’s mission.

Lead all stages of the donor cycle—identification, discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—meeting or exceeding measurable goals for donor acquisition and retention.

Maintain accurate records in Salesforce and contribute to strategic roadmaps, budgeting, and reporting for the assigned region.

Write and deliver compelling updates, proposals, and thank-you communications.

Collaborate with events staff on strategic fundraising events, maximizing major donor sponsorships and engagement opportunities.

Partner with the Development Director on annual fundraising strategies.

Look for and communicate grant opportunities for additional funding to the Donor Services Lead.

Introduce and educate donors on planned giving opportunities (bequests, trusts, donor-advised funds, etc.), in collaboration with the YFC Foundation, to ensure long-term sustainability.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Serve as the primary donor-facing representative for assigned counties and areas, representing YFC with excellence.

Provide leadership on regional revenue budgets in collaboration with Area Leads and staff.

Build community relationships with churches, businesses, and civic leaders to expand ministry visibility.

Contribute to YFCNIN’s overall development strategy and vision.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION

Responsible for managing the administrative operations of the ministry throughout the region in partnership with the YFCNIN operations team. This includes:

Partner with Area Leads and operations staff on budgets, financial reporting, and revenue tracking.

Maintain timely reporting on donor engagement and portfolio activity in Salesforce.

Participate in staff gatherings, retreats, and professional development.

Engage with the YFCNIN Board of Trustees as needed.

Other initiatives as assigned by the Development Director

Because the overriding religious purpose and mission of Youth for Christ USA is to communicate and introduce the Gospel of Jesus Christ to young people and their families, and in that regard to make, educate and encourage lifelong disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is very important that you as an employee in the movement of Youth for Christ be recognized as an associate minister of the Gospel.

As an employee and a minister of the Gospel, YFCNIN expects all employees to:

Seek God’s guidance and wisdom, through prayer and meditation, for the organization as a whole as well as for specific ministry initiatives.

Participate and lead regular times of prayer, devotion and worship as a regular aspect of your role within YFC.

Teach and preach from the Holy Bible at YFC staff meetings, conferences, camps and events.

Model empathy, humility and care for all people. This includes promoting equity and inclusion in word and in practice.

Additionally, YFCNIN leaders will have an opportunity to be commissioned or licensed as a minister of the Gospel through the established YFC process, and/or ordained by an outside body recognized by YFC USA.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Deep understanding of Biblical principles of stewardship and generosity, lived out personally and professionally.

Proven success in major gifts fundraising, securing annual, monthly, and multi-year commitments.

Strong relational and communication skills—able to listen well, inspire generosity, and tell compelling ministry stories.

Entrepreneurial, organized, and self-motivated, with a collaborative and creative spirit.                                                                                                                                            Familiarity with planned giving tools and confidence in engaging donors in legacy giving conversations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree preferred (or equivalent fund development experience).

5–7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field. Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM preferred.