Development Director - Detroit, MI

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Development Director, Detroit, MI

Department: Development

Reports To: Regional Development Director - Michigan and Ohio Region

FLSA Status: Exempt

Band: C2 - Location 2

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Development Director (DD) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for fundraising activities throughout West Michigan and Washtenaw County , while supporting fundraising initiatives across Michigan as needed. Working in partnership with the Area Development Director (ADD), the Development Director assists in implementing local fundraising strategies and action plans designed to achieve annual revenue goals in support of UNCF's 37 member institutions and scholarship programs.

Serving as a key ambassador for UNCF, the Development Director cultivates, solicits and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, civic organizations and community leaders to secure philanthropic investments that advance UNCF's mission. This position develops and executes fundraising strategies, prepares and submits grant proposals and sponsorship solicitations, manages donor portfolios and oversees cultivation and stewardship activities to maximize donor engagement and retention primarily in West Michigan and Washtenaw County .

ABOUT UNCF

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Market area includes (but not limited to): West Michigan and Washtenaw County.

Develop new sources of unrestricted income primarily through non-event fundraising from, corporations, foundations, individuals and local community partners. Plan and implement campaign strategies consistent with UNCF national action plans and policies.

Develop and submit solicitation proposals and design and implement special fund-raising events.

Write fundraising correspondence, letters of acknowledgment and appeals and maintain a regular schedule of in-person visits with corporations, foundations, individuals, etc.

Cultivate and steward relationships with current and potential high net-worth donors.

Assist Area Development Director (ADD) with identifying and recruiting leadership council members.

Establish and maintain close, direct contact with local corporations, government, community, church and civic leaders to ensure top volunteer leadership.

Generate queries, reports, exports and other collection data as needed to prepare solicitation strategies and financial analysis.

Revenue Strategy & Goal Achievement

Establish and execute short- and long-range fundraising plans aligned with market specific goals.

Develop annual revenue projections across all giving streams.

Ensure accurate forecasting and revenue pipeline management.

Donor Development & Relationship Management

Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, corporate executives, foundation leaders and community stakeholders.

Maintain a portfolio of qualified prospects with documented moves management strategies.

Ensure donor engagement strategies to align with UNCF’s mission.

Signature Events & Campaign Oversight

Provide strategic oversight for West Michigan and Washtenaw County fundraising initiatives.

Recruit, manage and hold accountable volunteer leadership committees.

Ensure event revenue goals and sponsorship benchmarks are met.

Oversee expense management to maintain net revenue standards.

Leverage events as donor cultivation and acquisition platforms.

Volunteer Leadership & Governance Engagement

Establish and maintain liaison with volunteer leaders and advisory councils.

Set clear expectations, timelines, and revenue responsibilities.

Identify high-capacity volunteers for leadership pipeline development.

Operational & Administrative

Ensure timely and accurate documentation in donor management systems.

Submit reports, projections and financial reconciliations in accordance with deadlines.

Collaborate effectively with accounting, marketing and national program teams.

Manage budget oversight and expense controls responsibly.

Team Collaboration & Local Alignment

Work in partnership with the Area Development Director (ADD) to implement local strategy.

Participate in strategic planning sessions.

Share best practices and support cross-market initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May directly supervise an administrative assistant.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university and at least 5-7 years of experience in fund-raising.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to conduct major fundraising activities, including capital campaigns and annual giving drives.
• Ability to think critically and communicate clearly.
• Excellent organizational skills, outstanding human relations, and managerial aptitude.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional responsiveness and a capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Benefits include:

Medical, Dental & Vision

Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave

Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)

Flex Spending Accounts

403(b) Retirement Account

Holiday Savings Plan

Annual Success Sharing

Salary Range: $76,700.00 To $80,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid role: 4 days on-site and 1-day remote per week, located in UNCF’s Detroit, MI Area Office.

Background checks required.

UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V