Development and Communications Director

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 63,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Rapids Nonprofit in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Development & Communications Director to lead fundraising strategy and oversee communications. This role partners with the CEO and Board to support sustainability and growth, focusing on donor engagement, major gifts, and grant management.

The position collaborates with internal leadership and external partners to execute marketing and branding initiatives to strengthen visibility and impact. Full-time role with occasional evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a 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 and digital fundraising tools.

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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, communications, or related field

Tools

CRM systems (Salesforce, DonorPerfect)

Job description

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