Vice President of Development

Position Overview:

The Vice President of Development is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the museum’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, membership programs, and special events. The VP of Development must have a deep understanding of the Metro Detroit philanthropic landscape, including key corporate, foundation, and individual donors, as well as the ability to build strong relationships within the community. This position will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to secure financial support, identify new funding opportunities, and drive donor engagement.

Essential Functions:

• Design development strategy and oversee ongoing development efforts for the Museum working with the senior management team to identify funds needed, funding targets, and funding approaches.
• Designs and implements an annual giving campaign in the form of an annual development plan that includes strategies and goals for annual giving.
• Support and partner with the President/CEO and Board of Trustees on all major fundraising initiatives and staff/oversee a Development Committee.
• Oversee development and execution of all fundraising proposals, including corporate sponsorship and local and national grants and grant compliance/reporting.
• Oversee special event fundraising.
• Helps the organization define performance measures for fund development and systematically monitor results
• Oversee and support membership efforts with focus on outreach and growth initiatives, with special emphasis on relationship-building and donor management.
• Devise and implement special fundraising projects as needed (e.g. capital campaign, programmatic campaigns, etc.
• Oversee the management and utilization of the museum’s donor and membership database, ensuring accurate record-keeping, data analysis, and strategic insights to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Oversee the hiring, training, and mentoring of the development team, as well as additional staff, interns or contractors related to special projects.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master Degree preferred.
• Five or more years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization;
• Proven success leading and managing fundraising at the organizational level;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships;
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives;
• Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization;
• ·High energy and passion for Museum’s mission;
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail;
• Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends is essential.