Donor Relations and Partnership Engagement Manager

MISSION STATEMENT

We build pathways to independence through personal development and the power of work.

Position Duties:

• Work closely with the Vice President of Fund Development and organizational stakeholders to oversee a comprehensive fundraising plan

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors, working to steward them and increase their giving
• Identify and secure new individual donors
• Secure corporate sponsorships to support fundraising initiatives
• Coordinate corporate and community partnership meetings to create personalized proposals
• Engage prospective partners and donors through all phases of the development cycle, including calls and meetings, presentations and proposals, pledges and contract negotiations
• Lead internal employee committee to support philanthropy
• Coordinate the volunteer process for GGD, including group volunteer opportunities
• Participate in grant development, including research, proposal writing, tracking and reporting requirements
• Participate in special event development and oversight as needed
• Manage fundraising portfolio and be responsible for achieving fundraising goal
• Uphold GGD’s mission, vision, and values.
• Implement fundraising industry best practices
• Perform other related duties as needed

EDUCATION:
A bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications is preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Three to five years of demonstrated professional fundraising success with an emphasis on nonprofit (in addition to a degree). Successful experience soliciting and recruiting corporate and individual donors, as well as oversight of fundraising campaigns. Donor database management, sales or marketing, and fundraising experience are required. CFRE and Salesforce experience are a plus.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience
• Fundraising best practices and campaign strategies
• Fundraising in the non-profit sector or revenue generation in the private sector, with a demonstrated track record of raising substantial funds from corporate and community partners
• Ability to create and maintain a portfolio of relationships, each with measurable outcomes
• Knowledge of and proficiency in Google Suite and CRM systems – Salesforce and CRFE a plus
• Meticulous attention to detail and data
• Experience in creating pitch decks and pitching to prospects
• Experience in donor analytics and reporting on fundraising performance
• Strong sense of personal accountability and follow-through
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (writing sample required with application)
• Willingness to work collaboratively and with a positive attitude in a team environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to move independently within and outside the organization to facilitate the establishment of relationships, set up event activities and execute the other requirements of the position.
MENTAL DEMANDS: Must be able to handle a variety of tasks concurrently, follow directions, prioritize work assignments, work independently, manage subordinates effectively, identify and solve problems, and explore creative options to complete tasks. Must possess the ability to communicate with employees, management personnel, Board members and the public; must be adaptable to changing priorities and requirements.
MACHINES/EQUIPMENT: High degree of competency using fundraising and supportive technology (CRM, Salesforce, social media, Microsoft Office, Excel, etc.)
WORKING CONDITIONS: Indoor office environment with cubicles and direct team in ready proximity. Work remote option available.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Strong project, time, and financial management skills. Must be able to work flexible hours as necessary, including weekend hours; must possess and maintain a valid State of Michigan driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to reliable transportation. Intermediate skill level in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to work well under pressure, multi-task, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on assignments.

The Donor Relations and Partnership Engagement Manager plays a vital role in fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with donors and community leaders to propel the mission of GGD forward. By cultivating these partnerships, the Manager actively engages donors and business leaders, forging impactful collaborations that enrich our programs.

As an essential member of the Fund Development team, you will focus on building and nurturing partnerships that maximize engagement across various areas—fundraising revenue, corporate partnership management, volunteerism, grant support, and community networking— all while helping us achieve our ambitious fundraising goals.

In this exciting position, your expertise will ensure our current partners feel valued and engaged while advancing prospective partners and donors through our robust prospect pipeline. You will play a pivotal role in our organization’s sustainability and growth, as our vital work relies on the support of key partners and the continual identification of new ones.

We are looking for a passionate, goal-oriented individual excited about amplifying our mission by strengthening our connections with corporate and community partners and donors. A growth mindset and creative thinking will be greatly valued. You will manage a fundraising portfolio and be responsible for reaching your own fundraising goals, contributing significantly to our collective impact.