Director of Development

Within the framework of the Agency’s mission, policies, procedures and resources, the Development Director provides management and oversight for donor relations, marketing, and strategic fundraising initiatives.  This position cultivates a comprehensive fundraising effort engaging internal and external constituents and resources in translating the organization’s services into a compelling and marketable message.  The Development Director connects the agency with individuals, corporations and foundations to cultivate monetary and in-kind donations and brand awareness in the community and the media.

The position balances a creative approach, an engaging personal manner, and a strategic focus to achieve consistent, measurable improvements in net dollars received each year.

Qualifications                        

1. Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or another related field. Master's Degree in related field, CFRE certification, and relevant professional affiliation memberships are preferred.

2. Demonstrated leadership abilities in managing team, developing, and achieving financial goals and collaborative work with the agency’s Board of Directors.

3. Five years' work experience in a fund development role with evidence of progressively increased administrative responsibilities, preferably in a non-profit setting.

4. Demonstrated experience securing five and six figure contributions.

5. Experience with all aspects of fund development including individual giving, special events, direct mail, corporate giving, grant writing, and online giving.

6. Demonstrable experience in organizational decision making, planning, and project development.

7. Strong understanding of donor data and how to effectively utilize it in decision making.

8. Previous experience in managing employees, setting individual and developing strategic goals.

9. Strong written, interpersonal, leadership and organizational skills are required. Computer skills including the Microsoft 365 suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) is required. Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge database is preferred.

10. Ability to create, monitor, and adhere to budgets.

11. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

12. Strong understanding of the Detroit philanthropic landscape.

13. An entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to best practices.

14. An alignment with and commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Major Responsibilities:          

1. Directs the implementation of the strategic fund development plan with identified goals, objectives, and strategies. Develops and updates, as required, the strategic fund development plan aligning with the strategic plan of the organization.
2. Plans, implements, and evaluates agency fundraising efforts including donor cultivation and grant writing efforts to secure grant funding for program specific needs from foundations.
3. Engages Board and staff members in the fund development process and leverages individual competencies and relationships to maximize the effectiveness of solicitations.
4. Manages and maintains a portfolio of donors/corporations and directs the development of donor/corporation recognition programs and ensures appropriate donor stewardship.
5. Manages agency fundraisers, partnership development, and coordination of several major agency events while ensuring the events are fiscally responsible in costs vs. revenue.
6. Executes proven marketing strategies to increase branding of Orchards Children's Services. Leads efforts in preparation of agency brochures, posters, advertisements, press releases in conjunction with the overall goals of the fund development department. Engages in relationship-building outreach with local media outlets in radio, print, and television media outlets for promotion of agency’s mission and events.
7. Develops, maintains, and grows the agency planned giving legacy society. Engages with board members and/or major donors to actively develop and maintain a gift plan.
8. Recruits, develops, and supervises development staff to move the agenda of the organization forward.
9. Maintains professional affiliations and enhances professional growth and development by keeping abreast of the latest trends in child welfare policy and philanthropy developments.
10. Works collaboratively with all development staff & program staff in facilitating community public relations efforts and engaging volunteers in meeting the specific needs of the agency.
11. Works closely with the executive team and other members of the management team to foster a collaborative culture of philanthropy in all facets of the organization.
12. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

How to Apply

Please apply through Orchards' Indeed posting: