Donor Development Manager

The Donor Development Manager for Life Directions is responsible to partner with the Program Manager and Administrative Coordinator in Detroit. This team of three reports to the CEO. The primary responsibility will be to work with the Board of Trustees to secure individual and corporate donors. To that end the candidate will oversee the donor database, grant identification and writing; manage fundraising events; as well as donor relations/marketing and other public relations activities as they relate to donor capacity-building.

The primary functions of the Donor Development Manager are to enhance the awareness of the name, mission and its value as a means to develop the funds needed to maintain and expand the mission-driven, values-based, spiritually-centered organization servicing at-risk young adults and youth with a priority on poverty-stricken communities. The candidate must be sensitive to the developmental issues concerning at-risk youth and young adults and have a sound understanding of non-profit organizations. The candidate must be skilled at identifying and supporting the solicitation of major financial support from individuals, corporate, foundations and government organizations, and have the ability to work with the local Board of Trustees, the Program Manager and Administrative Coordinator.

• Conceptualizes and executes special events designed to identify and cultivate prospects for fund raising. Develops/provides input to fundraising campaign materials

• Directs, develops, and executes annual fundraising activities such as the annual giving campaigns, grant writing, major gift solicitation, special gifts, events planning

• Designs the donor relations strategic plan and marketing processes annually with the Board

• Partners with Board of Trustees of Detroit and other leaders in community to support fundraising efforts

• Works closely with the CEO, Program Manager, and Administrative Coordinator to make joint presentations

• Shares community input and resources with the Board Members to enhance informed decision-making

• Develops and enhances strong coalitions and working relationships with policy makers, public officials, colleagues and the media in order to benefit at-risk youth

• Make judgements and decisions on a daily basis, weighing the relative costs and benefits of potential actions

• Directs the development of fund-raising that has appeal to local investment in Detroit

• Supports and partners with the Board of Trustees/Advisors in fulfilling its fund-development and promotion strategic plans

• Manages donor communication program and directs the annual giving, planned giving, foundation support, and major gift prospect identification

• Participates in budget preparation and prioritization of development-related expenses

• Monitors and reports on monthly budget performance as it relates to Development

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Have at least three years demonstrated experience in non-profit environment or with equivalent experience

• Three years of demonstrated not-for-profit fund raising development experience

• Experienced at making presentations to boards and/or committees

• Successful experience working with foundations, corporations, and individuals to secure gifts

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Working knowledge of the dynamics of at-risk youths and/or is available to undergo training upon hire, as needed for promotion and fund-development

• Ability to work both independently and with others

• Detailed and deadline oriented

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration or related field

• Proficiency in working with a computer, word processing, social media and spreadsheet software programs required (preferred experience in Salesforce)

• Ability to understand different cultures is a plus

• Must have a proven track record of fund raising accomplishments

• Strong set of spiritual values and be a self-starter

• Respecting and working within different cultures is a plus