Governance and Advancement Coordinator

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities

• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home

• 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days

• Comprehensive benefits and pension, wellbeing, and counselling services

Position Summary

The Governance and Advancement Coordinator is a full-time role providing high-level administrative and operational support to both the Office of the CEO and the Advancement Office at the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. This position plays a critical role in ensuring strong governance practices, coordinated executive operations, and effective philanthropic administration that advance the YMCA’s charitable purpose.

Acting as a trusted organizational partner, this position supports Board governance, executive priorities, donor systems, and fundraising operations with a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. The role requires sound judgment, exceptional organization skills, and the ability to anticipate needs in a dynamic environment.

Working closely with the CEO, Chief Development Officer/Advancement leadership, and Board Chair, this position helps strengthen organizational effectiveness by ensuring seamless communication, efficient processes, and consistent stewardship of volunteers and donors.

Key Responsibilities

· Coordinate Board and Advisory Volunteer committee meeting logistics, including scheduling, agendas, minute-taking, and distribution of materials.

· Serve as community liaison on behalf of executive leadership and Board, responding to inquiries in person, over the phone, and/or in writing in a timely and professional manner.

· Maintain governance records, including Bylaws, Board policies, Terms of Reference, and Director files.

· Support donors and volunteer stewardship including prospecting activities to increase engagement and retention.

· Serve as primary administrator for donation processing, receipting, donor mail functions, and donation reconciliation

· Responsible for maintaining and updating the donor database, data accuracy, and supporting all aspects of gift processing and donor correspondence.

· Coordinate and support events such as the Annual General Meeting, and fundraising initiatives across YMCA areas and oversee volunteer efforts to advance the YMCA’s charitable purpose.

Requirements

· Post-secondary education in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, communications, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

· Minimum 3–5 years of progressive administrative experience, preferably supporting senior leadership, governance functions, or advancement activities within a complex organization

· Demonstrated experience working with a Board of Directors, senior executives, or volunteer leadership, with an understanding of governance practices and confidentiality requirements

· Experience supporting fundraising operations, donor systems, or charitable administration is considered a strong asset

· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, anticipate needs, and operate with a high degree of independence and sound judgment

· Strong project coordination skills with the ability to manage timelines, logistics, and cross-functional collaboration

Skills and Competencies

· Advanced writing and editing abilities, including preparation of governance materials, briefing notes, and formal correspondence

· Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills with meticulous attention to detail. 

· Strong technological proficiency, including donor databases/CRMs, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital collaboration tools

· Demonstrated discretion and integrity when handling sensitive and confidential information

· Self-directed, resourceful, and solutions-oriented with the ability to anticipate challenges before they arise

· Familiarity with charitable activities and governance in the Canadian context (e.g., CRA regulations, corporate filings, AGM procedures) an asset

· Experience supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation efforts at the governance level an asset

· Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with professionalism and discretion.

To Apply:

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ 

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

· Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and/or Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older

· Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire

Please note, Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.