Director Rising Academy Network Jobs in Illinois

YOUR IMPACT
The Corporate Engagement Director is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with businesses, corporate partners, and community leaders to advance the YMCA's mission. This position leads corporate sponsorship efforts, strategic partnerships, membership and program sales initiatives, workforce recruitment partnerships, volunteer engagement, and retention strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability. The Corporate Engagement Director serves as a key ambassador for the YMCA in the business community and works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to increase revenue, membership, participation, and community impact.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE
No two days are the same in this role but every day centers on building meaningful relationships, creating community connections, and expanding the YMCA's impact through strategic partnerships. Whether you're meeting with local business leaders, coordinating a workplace wellness event, or identifying new opportunities for growth, you'll help connect people and organizations to the Y's mission.

• Meet with local businesses, community leaders, and corporate partners to build relationships and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Share the YMCA story through presentations, networking events, and conversations that inspire engagement and support.
• Develop and manage partnerships that increase membership participation, sponsorships, volunteer involvement, and community impact.
• Coordinate workplace wellness initiatives, onsite enrollment events, health fairs, and employee engagement opportunities.
• Track outreach efforts, sales activity, and partnership outcomes using designated systems and prepare updates on progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with branch leaders, Mission Advancement, and membership teams to support organizational growth initiatives.
• Support fundraising efforts through corporate giving, sponsorships, and workplace campaigns.
• Provide guidance and training to staff involved in partnership initiatives and model exceptional service in every interaction.
• Travel between YMCA branches and community locations as needed to represent the organization and strengthen community connections.

If you love connecting with people, thrive on building relationships, and are motivated by creating opportunities that strengthen communities, this role is for you. Your work helps expand access to YMCA programs, deepen community partnerships, and generate the resources needed to make a lasting difference for youth, families, and individuals across our community.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
Schedule: Primarily weekday business hours, with flexibility to attend occasional early morning, evening, or community events as needed. Travel between YMCA branches and community partner locations is required.

Base Salary: $50,000 annually

Incentive Opportunity: Eligible to earn up to an additional $15,000 annually through a performance-based incentive plan tied to achieving established sales, partnership, and revenue goals.

Total Earning Potential: Up to $65,000 annually

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, Recreation, Health Promotion, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success achieving revenue, recruitment, retention, or growth goals.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships that drive organizational growth and community impact.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with members, staff, volunteers, business leaders, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Comfortable speaking to groups and serving as a representative of the YMCA in professional and community settings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, membership management software (Daxko preferred), and presentation/design platforms such as Canva.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel throughout the service area for meetings, events, and business-related activities, including occasional evenings and weekends. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.
• Current Praesidium Academy training.

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y! Employment benefit information available HERE.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility