Advancement and Engagement Director

Job Description Job Description Do you like meeting new people? Striking up conversations at the grocery store? Organizing fun events? How about making a difference and positively impacting children and families? If yes, then Camp Wood YMCA is looking for your energy and enthusiasm to help us spread our mission and encourage Campers and guests alike to come experience Camp Wood YMCA for themselves. Camp Wood YMCA is looking for someone to be a part of the Camp Wood YMCA Team. A values-based organization with year-round services, Camp Wood YMCA is a summer camp, retreat venue and environmental education center nestled in the beauty of the Tallgrass Prairie on the Flint Hills. Camp Wood YMCA grows campers and guests in self, while having fun and impactful experiences, living out adventures and developing relationships that last forever. Through connections with character-driven role models and safe, outdoor programming, campers and guests leave with a greater respect for God’s creation as well as an increased self-confidence, awareness and independence. This is all done by standing on the YMCA mission of putting Christian principles into practice to build a healthy mind, body and spirit for all. As we grow our mission and expand our reach, we are seeking a passionate, personable, and dynamic Director of Advancement & Engagement to join our leadership team and help shape the future of Camp Wood YMCA. The Director of Advancement & Engagement serves as the outward-facing voice and relationship-builder for Camp Wood YMCA. This individual will be a storyteller, connector, and strategic thinker who thrives on building genuine relationships with camper families, alumni, donors, and community partners. Working remotely from the Lawrence or Kansas City area, this role blends advancement strategy with communications and engagement to inspire support, deepen relationships, and strengthen Camp Wood’s growing community of champions. Working to expand upon the Camp Wood YMCA Principles (below) and our 3 Be Philosophy the Director of Advancement & Engagement will primarily work from their own home base and need to be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Regular meetings with camp leadership and trips to Camp Wood YMCA site will be required. Travel throughout the Kansas and the Midwest region to further relationships with potential campers and guests will be a part of the position. I’m Third Principles of Service Live Your Core - We exemplify the Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all we do. Campers and Guests Centered - We will put our campers and guests experience at the center of all we do. Families Don’t Sweat - We are here to make things easier for our Camper, Guests, and fellow staff members. Leading by being courteous, positive, and responding immediately. We All Do the Dishes - We take initiative in all areas of camp to leave all areas, campers, and guests better than when we first encountered them. Never Settle - We consistently strive to improve our facilities, our programs, our delivery of programs, and ourselves. Camp Wood YMCA POSITION TITLE: Director of Advancement & Engagement REPORTS TO: CEO FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt Salary Range: $48,000 - $54,000 GENERAL FUNCTION: The Director of Advancement & Engagement will support Camp Wood YMCA in providing strategic and tactical leadership in development, marketing and communications to advance Camp Wood YMCA’s mission. This position will implement comprehensive strategies in order to expand and support our offerings. The Director of Advancement & Engagement will work closely with the Camp Wood CEO to collaborate with all areas of camp to develop and achieve philanthropic, marketing and sales goals related to camper, donor, alumni, and group acquisition retention. This position will assist with the implementation of external marketing, camper family, donor, and group communication, staff engagement and communication, and digital strategy and development. Key Responsibilities Storytelling & Content Creation Oversees and directs, marketing and internal/external communications schedule, budget and implementation. Lead social media strategy and execute social media activities. Assist digital marketing strategy and complete web site updates as requested ensuring information is accurate and up to date. Create and implement email campaigns for all of Camp Wood YMCA including campers, group camping, and philanthropy Maintain marketing promo calendar ensuring projects are started/completed on time and gather all relevant information from the responsible parties. Execute small video projects as assigned for social media or online distribution. Develop compelling written and visual content for newsletters, social media, appeal letters, and donor impact reports. Share authentic stories that demonstrate the power of camp in shaping young lives. Ensure all messaging is aligned with Camp Wood’s mission, values, and strategic goals. Relationship Development & Donor Engagement Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, alumni, and camper families. Create and execute individualized engagement plans for major gift prospects and long-term supporters. Represent Camp Wood at donor meetings, community events, and alumni gatherings (occasional travel required), and camper engagement activities. Alumni & Community Engagement Build and lead an alumni engagement program that reconnects former campers, staff, and volunteers. Design and implement events, campaigns, and communications that keep alumni connected and inspired. Maintain and grow the alumni database with updated contact and engagement information. Donor Identification & Research Conduct prospect research to identify new funding opportunities and donor segments. Maintain accurate and timely records in the donor management system. Assist with grant research and reporting as needed. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Education & Experience: Proven ability to be an innovative, creative, proactive and self-directed team player in a fast-paced environment In-depth knowledge in effective use of social media platforms, G Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills including ability to compose and curate content, design graphics, write and edit compelling stories, manage bids, place media, and coach others in creation of content Must be able to meet deadlines and manage interruptions and handle requests efficiently, and have strong computer proficiency. Must be able to work a varied schedule, to include evenings and weekends. Must have a valid driver’s license. Physical/Mental Requirements: Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively with people High level of alertness, concentration, accuracy, and time-management Ability to adapt to working in changing conditions and environments Ability to work with little supervision and to manage time effectively and independently Able to stand, walk or sit for prolonged periods; occasionally stoop/bend Ability to lift up to 35 pounds It is anticipated that an average work week will consist of 40 hours Job Requirements: Commitment to Camp Wood YMCA mission, vision and values. Ability to communicate effectively; both oral and written. Able to work with diverse groups of people with a service oriented approach. Ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities/projects with little or no supervision. Able to travel to various sites throughout Kansas and parts of surrounding states (primarily KCMO region). Accepts other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO. Ensure risk management safeguards are in place. Attend required abuse risk management training and adhere to policies related to high-risk activities and boundaries with consumers. Report suspicious/inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting requirements. Goal – to become a leading edge and thriving camp in: Relationship Development - We will create an environment where campers and guests have the opportunity to learn to make and keep positive relationships with peers and friends. Character Development - Campers and guests will develop a heart-knowledge of the values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility while developing the behaviors of an “I’m Third” lifestyle Program Quality and Delivery - Programs will be developed and delivered to help campers and guests develop a positive self-image, social skills, and skill development through positive risk taking, recreational, artistic, and creative opportunities for success. Staff Quality and Culture - Operations will occur according to “I’m Third” principles, and camp culture is based on this behavior. Facilities / Guest Comfort - Camp Wood YMCA will be built around the camper and guest experience for comfort and the building of positive, impactful relationships and experiences. Tall Grass Prairie Experiences Company Description Located on 868 scenic acres in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, Camp Wood YMCA has been creating life-changing experiences for youth, families, and communities since 1916. As an independent, mission-driven overnight summer camp and retreat center, we are dedicated to fostering personal growth, belonging, and character development in a welcoming, screen-free environment. Our programs serve campers from across Kansas and the Midwest, empowering them to build confidence, create friendships, and develop lifelong skills. With a passionate team, a strong legacy, and a bold vision for the future, Camp Wood YMCA is investing in growth and community engagement to ensure every child has access to transformative outdoor experiences—regardless of background or income. Company Description Located on 868 scenic acres in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, Camp Wood YMCA has been creating life-changing experiences for youth, families, and communities since 1916. As an independent, mission-driven overnight summer camp and retreat center, we are dedicated to fostering personal growth, belonging, and character development in a welcoming, screen-free environment.\r\n\r\nOur programs serve campers from across Kansas and the Midwest, empowering them to build confidence, create friendships, and develop lifelong skills. \r\n\r\nWith a passionate team, a strong legacy, and a bold vision for the future, Camp Wood YMCA is investing in growth and community engagement to ensure every child has access to transformative outdoor experiences—regardless of background or income.

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, US

Posted Date: 7/9/2025