Overview:
We seek an experienced and dedicated Director of Development to join our amazing and supportive team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for non-profit management and a proven track record of driving fundraising efforts. The successful applicant will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the growth and success of our organization.

Duties:
- Develop and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and other key stakeholders to secure gifts and support for the organization
- Design and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including galas, luncheons, and other social events
- Collaborate with the executive director and other staff members to develop and implement annual fundraising plans
- Conduct research to identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including corporate sponsorships and grants
- Manage and maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities, including donor information, gift acknowledgments, and gift receipts
- Utilize digital marketing tools such as Constant Contact and MailChimp to create targeted campaigns and keep donors engaged
- Oversee the planning and execution of special events, including events management and logistics
- Develop and implement strategies to increase the organization's visibility and reputation in the community
- Work closely with the university and other local institutions to build partnerships and secure funding opportunities
- Utilize knowledge of wills, trusts, and estate law to identify and pursue estate gifts and other planned giving opportunities

About Women’s Resource Center – Equipping Women with Workplace Success

Since 1973, Women’s Resource Center has assisted women to explore, develop and expand their employment opportunities. Our mission: “To improve women’s workplace and economic opportunities.” To fulfill this mission, WRC seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees' unique differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse participants we serve. WRC is committed to an inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility and fairness so that all individuals can participate and contribute to their full potential. WRC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.

Position Summary & Qualifications

Director of Development

This position is responsible for the coordination and execution of WRC’s annual fund program, including donor prospecting, cultivation and retention. The Director of Development will work closely with the CEO, Board and Committee members to develop philanthropic strategies to set and meet annual goals. This position will generate donor information for strategic analysis and effective action, lead special events planning, and work with the CEO to contact, solicit and grow relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Qualified applicants will be proficient with and set up for long term success by possessing:

· Microsoft Office, database management, and social media savvy.

· Analytical skills and strong organizational skills, including project management and event planning.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communications (public speaking to small and large groups), customer service minded, cultural competency, and ability to cultivate, leverage, and sustain beneficial relationships will be necessary for success.

· Attention to detail, accuracy, and teamwork are critical.

· Strong ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

· Shows initiative and collaborative skills.

· Minimum of 3 years related professional experience required. Associate or bachelor’s degree a plus, but not required as preference will be given to applicants with relevant experience in the fundraising field. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including evenings and early mornings. Passion for the organization’s mission is an essential qualification.

Responsibilities

With the CEO and Development Committee, create annual measurable objectives, benchmarks, and timelines for WRC’s fundraising campaigns, special events, and donor acquisition, cultivation and retention strategies.

Compose solicitation letters for direct mail campaigns, create mailing lists, and manage the campaign activities to successfully meet campaign fundraising goals.

Provide staff support to WRC’s two special event planning committees. Attend meetings, take minutes, conduct follow-up between meetings, and coordinate event planning to ensure key activities are completed in an effective and timely manner.

Support the CEO and the Development Committee with Major Gift and Corporate campaign efforts, setting donor appointments, conducting donor research, updating donor records, and preparing campaign materials.

Participate in committee meetings, take minutes, connect with Committee members between meetings for follow up, prepare meeting materials and maintain committee records.

Ensure quality and accuracy of WRC donor records/donor database, conduct consistent and timely donor data entry, research donors and prospects for enhanced content of donor records, and regularly update records.

Research grant opportunities. Write content and build budget to apply for grant funding. Track approved grants, submit grant updates timely, and forecast when grant funding is to be received.

Identify and implement methods to improve WRC’s development operations and strategies.

Produce donor acknowledgements/receipts in accordance to WRC standards.

10. Prepare monthly development department reports for the CEO, Donor Relations Committee, and WRC board. Prepare campaign and special event reports as appropriate.

Cultivate and steward assigned entry and mid-level donors through relationship building activities.

Serve as a member of the WRC management team, participate in staff-team meetings, and provide input on agency directions, strategies and operating budget preparations.

Supervise interns and volunteers who assist with development and fundraising efforts.

Collaborate with teammates who are dedicated to fund development events, for joint functions such as donor data entry, cash receipting, and in-kind donation tracking.

Scope of focus overall is fund development, with some marketing and communications responsibilities when appropriate.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Other activities as requested by the CEO.

Benefits of serving WRC’s mission:

· Collaborating and working closely with the WRC team and volunteers, because each employee makes a difference in the lives of women and families we serve (rewarding influence and work). Our work is critical, individually and together, to support challenges our clients face. We celebrate every win, no matter how small it may seem.

· Work alongside committed and passionate Board and Committee members, who also make a positive difference and utilize their professional and personal talents and contacts for the betterment of WRC.

· We have fun and bring joy to our work and workplace. Teammates support one another, and each teammate has a wellness “buddy.”

· Medical, dental, and life insurance (eligible the first of the month after start date). Flexible spending plan.

· 401K with employer match.

· 4 weeks of PTO based on start date (accrual basis).

· Flexible work schedule.

· 11 Paid holidays.

· Opportunities to grow and develop professionally and personally.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual who is passionate about driving organizational growth through strategic development efforts. If you possess the required skills and are ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.

Email resume and cover letter to Trudy Ender, CEO, Women’s Resource Center, tender@grwrc.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $71,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)
• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49507: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person