Position:                Development Director

Status:                   Full-time, Exempt

Reports To:            Chief Development & Program Officer Location:   Detroit

General Description:

The Development Director for Michigan Women Forward (MWF) reports to the Chief Development & Program Officer who is based in west Michigan. The person in this position is primarily responsible for fund development and event management activities in southeast Michigan, including fundraising, event sponsorship, and effective donor cultivation to meet or exceed budgeted fundraising goals and to build a year over year growth in funding model for MWF’s long term sustainability.

This position is responsible for the cultivation of existing and new donors, grant writing, donor appeals, and marketing and communications activities that promote MWF events.   The Development Director SEM will identify and implement activities related to MWF’s current short-term and long-term fundraising goals. Success in this role requires expertise and experience in developing key relationships with corporate and foundation funders, event planning and execution and brings public awareness and support to further the mission of MWF. The general FY goal of raising $1,000,000 in unrestricted funds and another $1 million in restricted and grant funds statewide is a priority for MWF.

Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising
   1. Develops & executes annual fundraising plans that support the mission and financial objectives of the organization as outlined in the FY Budget.
   1. Provides management and responsibility for the planning and execution of successful Southeast MI fundraising events: WomanUp & Celebrate, Power of 100 Women & P 2.0, Breaking the Glass Ceiling, and the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, in addition, the Development Director SEM will perform an annual evaluation of these fundraising events and offer suggestions for modifications/expansion/changes to the previous year’s events.
   1. Identifies, cultivates, and performs grant writing to engage corporate, foundation and individual prospects to support program initiatives.
   1. Oversees & is responsible for soliciting current & potential funding sources such as grants, in- kind donations, charitable events, and marketing opportunities.

• Donor Stewardship & Community Relations
  • Identifies via media, newspapers, Crain’s Detroit etc. opportunities to connect and recognize women.
  • Ensures MWF donor database is maintained and updated regularly
  • Creates ways to expand MWF’s target audience through community relations, speaking engagements, newsletters, and charitable events.
  • Actively participates in community activities and charitable events to establish relationships with local programs and organizations in promoting MWF

3. Grant Writing

• Prepares and submits grant applications and proposals to grant-makers and other prospective donors as directed.
  • Prepares & submits grant reports to funders.
  • Researches and understands grant-making guidelines.
  • Schedules regular touch base with grant-making organizations.
  • Creates & distributes MWF Annual Report

4. Marketing & Communication

• Supports MWF marketing and communications plan.
  • Produces general content for website in partnership with West Michigan team.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of fundraising experience
  • Strong event planning skills and experience
  • Strong business acumen and the ability to engage a diverse group of clients, donors, and supporters
  • A proven track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising goals
  • Commitment to excellent customer service
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications and presentation skills
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities while committing to meeting deadlines and to work independently to achieve goals
  • Computer literacy with the ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office suite of products (e.g., Outlook, Office, Power Point, Word, etc.), CRMs & Donor database
  • Must have acuity to detail and strong research and analytical skills and follow-through.

Education and /or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or similar discipline
  • Fundraising certificates or achievements, preferred

Work Environment/Conditions

• Position requires some irregular hours, such as evening, weekends, overtime, etc. and the ability to travel across the State as needed.
  • Must be able to work extended hours to meet deadlines and support program events.

Michigan Women Forward does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.