Development and 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

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