Director of Development

~ Founded in 1970, the Ecology Center works to develop innovative solutions for healthy people & a healthy planet ~

In recent years, the Ecology Center developed the country's leading product testing service for toxic chemicals; created a statewide Health Leaders Fellowship program; and led campaign efforts to expand transit service in southeast Michigan.

The Ecology Center is the parent organization of Recycle Ann Arbor, founded in 1977, which works to build zero waste communities through convenient and innovative services. The Ecology Center has offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit.  

Position Overview  

The Ecology Center is seeking a full-time Director of Development who will be the strategic driver of fund development operations for the organization. The position will play a key role in soliciting grant funding (approx. $1.5M annually), as well as providing strategic direction on events, and individual membership and major gift fundraising.

S/he will develop and implement strategies to grow and diversify revenue streams, oversee the updating and implementation of a 5-year development plan, coordinate across development functions, evaluate development activities to inform fundraising strategy and contribute to an overall culture of philanthropy within the organization. 

Responsibilities

Director of Development will work with Ecology Center program staff submit grant reports and proposals; with our development team on strategic fundraising initiatives; and with our director to drive revenue growth. Specific responsibilities include: 

Grants Management (50%) 

• Write grant proposals and reports to foundation, corporate, and government funders in collaboration with program staff.
• Work with program staff and director to send periodic updates to program officers.
• Facilitate prospect research through existing database and leveraging our network of organizations and funders.
• Stay in touch with grant program officers and help maintain and strengthen key relationships.
• Maintain and share accurate and up to date records of all grants, deadlines and contacts with all staff.
• Keep staff informed of upcoming deadlines and manage on time proposals/reporting.

Development Team Coordination (20%) 

• Work with development team and staff to create and implement annual development plan and strategy.
• Stay abreast of benchmarks and trends in the field of development.
• Track and use internal data to inform development planning.
• Manage collaborative/shared calendar of all development function deadlines and calendar of events for optimal work flow and time management.
• Assist with overall individual giving strategy, both for major gifts and annual fund/membership gifts.
• Assist Major Gifts officer with major donor cultivation, prospect research, database analytics and program updates.
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with current and potential corporate & foundation sponsors, and individual donors.
• Assess culture of philanthropy.
• Promote culture and systems that create a supportive environment for fundraising across the organization to advance the mission.
• Provide leadership and coordination for the Development Team.

Communications (10%) 

• Work with the Ecology Center's Creative Team on managing our Salsa+SalesForce based CRM to load, segment, and send email blasts.
• Oversee development and production of print and online publications for development and program functions including appeals, annual report and donor communications. 

Other (20%) 

• Participate in organizational and program decision-making and information sharing meetings.
• Take a leadership role in managing Board, volunteer, and support committees.
• Keep abreast of developments and strategies in the field of fund development and pursue relevant professional development opportunities.
• Participate in special committees (events, board, etc.) as needed.
• Recruit and manage contractors and interns. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Demonstrated record of leadership in fund development.
• Strong track-record of managing successful grants.
• Knowledge and passion for environmental causes and demonstrated commitment to social justice and progressive social change.
• A proven track record in working collaboratively in team based work environments, and the ability to effectively oversee and coordinate the work of contractors, interns, and support staff.
• Excellent communication skills: writing, editing, listening and presenting.
• Foster and maintain relationships with national, state, and local funders.
• At least 5 years of experience in fundraising with at least three years in a management role.
• Experience with constituent relationship management databases ideally Salesforce+Salsa or similar. Experience developing and executing data-driven online engagement and fundraising plans.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, team-oriented work environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other department heads and lead cross-department outreach initiatives. 

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience, with a generous benefits package including health, dental, FSA, 403(b), ongoing training, and growth opportunities. Upbeat, collaborative, and goal-oriented office atmosphere.  

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email send your resume and cover letter.
• Be sure to indicate "Development Director."
• Please include where you heard about the position. 

~ The Ecology Center is committed to diversity and inclusion in our internal practices and opportunities, and in how we fulfill our mission of working for healthy people and a healthy planet. For more about our values and work in this area, see the Ecology Center Statement of Values on Diversity and Inclusion. ~