Fund development manager

Overview
The Fund Development Manager will lead the Museum’s day-to-day fundraising efforts, helping grow and sustain the resources needed to fulfill our mission. The successul candidate will be responsible for cultivating donor relationships, managing donor communications, writing fundraising appeals, securing sponsorships, supporting grant writing, and planning fundraising events.

As the Museum’s primary fundraising staff member, the Manager will actively solicit gifts and sponsorships, manage donor data, and collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to reach fundraising goals. This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take ownership of development functions in a small, mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities

• Actively solicit donations from individuals, small businesses, and community sponsors through email, phone, and in-person outreach
• Lead direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns (e.g. year-end appeal, Giving Tuesday)
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors’ Fund Development Committee and attend meetings upon request
• Secure event sponsorships and donor support for fundraising initiatives
• Assist the Executive Director in preparing for and following up on major donor and grant funder meetings

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and sponsors
• Write thank-you letters, donor updates, and impact communications
• Oversee donor acknowledgment and recognition systems
• Manage donor records in Bloomerang (or similar CRM) with a high level of accuracy and confidentiality

Grants & Sponsorship Support

• Assist in writing and submitting grant proposals and reports
• Research new funding opportunities (foundations, corporate, local)
• Track grant deadlines and requirements

Event Planning

• Coordinate and lead fundraising and donor events
• Manage event logistics, invitations, vendor relationships, and volunteer coordination
• Support marketing and promotion for fundraising events and campaigns

Reporting & Planning

• Track fundraising progress and provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board
• Contribute to annual development planning and goal setting
• Ensure compliance with fundraising ethics and best practices

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, donor relations, or a related field
• Proven ability to build relationships and make fundraising asks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods at a desk
• Must be able to lift and move materials up to 25 lbs independently
• Ability to attend and work onsite at events, which may involve standing or walking for several hours
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred:

• Experience with donor CRM software (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Salesforce)
• Grant writing or sponsorship coordination experience
• Familiarity with the Flint or Genesee County nonprofit/philanthropic community

Work Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Typical schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Occasional evenings and weekends required for events and donor activities

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Hourly rate is flexible based on experience. Estimated start rate of $18 an hour ($37,440 annually). Benefits Include:

• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunities for professional development
• A positive, mission-driven workplace

TO APPLY:

Please email your resume and a brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and relevant experience to Kimberly Roddy, Executive Director, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Flint Children’s Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or background.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $37,440.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person