Development & Communications Director

Development & Communications Director

Job Summary
A mission-driven nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids is seeking a Development & Communications Director to lead fundraising strategy and oversee communications efforts. This role partners closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to support long-term financial sustainability and organizational growth, with a focus on donor engagement, major gifts, and grant management. The position also collaborates with internal leadership and external partners to execute marketing and branding initiatives that strengthen overall visibility and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners
Lead major gift initiatives and planned giving efforts in partnership with the CEO and Board
Oversee grant lifecycle including research, writing, submission, and reporting
Manage funding opportunities across government, foundation, and corporate sources
Plan and execute fundraising events, including logistics, vendor coordination, and volunteer management
Support broader campaign strategies to increase donor engagement and revenue
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external marketing partners to implement branding and communications strategy
Oversee development of fundraising and marketing materials (newsletters, annual reports, social media, etc.)
Develop and manage the development budget and track fundraising performance metrics
Maintain accurate donor records within CRM systems
Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in advancement efforts
Provide oversight to development-related committees and consultants
Support additional initiatives as directed by the CEO
Additional Details
Location:

Grand Rapids, MI
Compensation:

$63,000 – $70,000
Position Type:

Full-time (40 hours/week; some evenings/weekends required), Exempt
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, communications, or related field
3+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding goals
Proven success in grant writing and grant management
Strong written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills
Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors and board members
Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills
Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect) and digital fundraising tools
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Preferred:
Established network within the greater Grand Rapids community
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted until a Development & Communications Director is appointed. Expressions of interest and candidate applications will be treated with complete confidentiality.
Interested candidates should apply here and include their resume & letter of interest.
Inquiries concerning this position may be directed to susan.delauter@srgexpress.com.
About Specialized Recruiting Group, an Express Employment Professionals Company:
Specialized Recruiting Group is a professional and executive search firm specializing in engineering, operations, human resources, and other critical roles. Since 1996, we’ve connected talented professionals with companies that align with their values and goals. We are driven to help people succeed and are passionate about making a positive impact.