Director of Development

Louisville Ballet; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Pewabic in Detroit seeks a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy and advance the organization's mission. This senior role partners with the Executive Director, Board, and staff to grow individual and institutional giving and steward a growing donor portfolio.

The role oversees major gifts, annual giving, foundation grants, and donor events, driving revenue, reporting, and a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of progressive fundraising experience.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Experience working with Boards and senior leadership.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with ability to execute and deliver results.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and development operations.
• Passion for arts, culture, and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy.
• Set annual revenue goals with the Executive Director and Board.
• Provide regular reporting on fundraising performance and trends.
• Collaborate with communications to create compelling fundraising materials.
• Build and manage major gifts and donor engagement programs.
• Oversee foundation, corporate, and government grant strategies.
• Design annual giving strategies and lead campaigns.
• Oversee development-related events and donor stewardship.
• Engage the Board and develop the Development team.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relationship building

Strategic planning

Communication skills

CRM familiarity

Job description

The Director of Development is a senior leader and crucial partner to Pewabic's new Executive Director, responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that advances the organization's mission, financial sustainability, and long-term growth. This role calls for an entrepreneurial, self-directed fundraiser - someone ambitious about building and stewarding a growing portfolio of donors and institutional partners. The Director of Development will be instrumental in shaping Pewabic's next strategic chapter through the expansion of individual and institutional giving, broadening Pewabic's reach and impact for years to come. The Director of Development oversees all aspects of contributed revenue - major gifts, annual giving, institutional funding, events, and donor stewardship - and serves as a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and staff to build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities.

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, staff, and Board to set annual revenue goals and long-term development plans.

• Provide regular reporting and analysis on fundraising performance, pipeline, and trends.

• Collaborate with communications and marketing to develop compelling print and digital materials that tell Pewabic's story and make a powerful case for support to prospective donors and funders.

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

Build and manage a robust portfolio of major donors and prospects; cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels; partner with the Executive Director and Board to expand Pewabic's donor base.

Institutional Giving

Oversee foundation, corporate, and government grant strategy; build and maintain strong relationships with institutional funders; ensure timely submission of proposals, reports, and compliance requirements.

Annual Giving & Campaigns

Design and execute annual fund strategies including appeals, digital campaigns, and donor segmentation; lead special campaigns for capital, endowment, or other initiatives as applicable.

Events & Community Engagement

Oversee development-related events, including Pewabic's Garden Party, ensuring they align with fundraising goals and deepen donor engagement.

Board Engagement

Partner with the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to strengthen trustee involvement in fundraising, providing tools, training, and guidance.

Operations, Systems & Team Leadership

Oversee donor database, gift processing, reporting, and development budget management; engage, manage, and develop staff and consultants to foster a high-performing, collaborative team.

Required Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts and institutional funding

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
  Experience working with Boards and senior leadership

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills

• Strategic thinker with ability to execute and deliver results

• Familiarity with CRM systems and development operations

• Passion for arts, culture, and community impact

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in arts, culture, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations

• Experience with capital or endowment campaigns

• Knowledge of the metro Detroit philanthropic landscape

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Extended computer use

• Ability to walk campus properties and access multiple buildings

• Occasional evening or weekend availability