Development Director

Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan

On behalf of our client, Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan, we are conducting a search for a dynamic, experienced Development Director to help them become the premier pediatric hospitality house in West Michigan. This role will spearhead their fundraising strategy and drive significant growth through major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and innovative donor engagement. Collaborating closely with the President & CEO, this position offers the opportunity to lead, mentor, and shape a high-performing development team, with a focus on delivering exceptional results that advance our mission. This is an ideal role for a visionary leader looking for professional growth and the chance to collaborate with other Ronald McDonald House chapters across the country.

Fund Development Strategy

• Annual Development Plan: Create and implement the Chapter’s annual fund development plan, aligning it with the strategic goals of RMHCWM.
• Fundraising Goals: Work with the President & CEO to set and monitor annual fundraising goals, adjusting strategies as needed to meet or exceed targets.
• Donor Cultivation: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors to grow financial support.
• Major Gifts & Planned Giving: Develop and manage a portfolio of major donors, including the creation of a planned gifts program and leading donor asks.
• Grants Management: Oversee the grants process, supported by contracted grant specialists, could include writing proposals & reports, tracking deadlines, and ensuring timely submissions and reports.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Stewardship Program: Develop and execute individualized stewardship plans to ensure timely, personalized communication and recognition for donors.
• Donor Retention: Annually assess and report on donor recruitment, retention, and recognition programs, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Prospect Research: Conduct research on potential new donors and work to upgrade existing donors. Maintain a rating system to prioritize prospects.

Special Events Management

• Event Support: Provide oversight and support of signature events and third-party/community-driven events, in collaboration with the development team.
• Event Fundraising: Work with event staff to increase attendance, sponsorship, and revenue for events. Assist in securing in-kind donations and corporate partnerships.

Marketing & Communications

• Communications Strategy: Provide oversight in the creation and implementation of a communications plan with Senior Marketing Manager to increase awareness of RMHCWM.
• Public Relations & Branding: Work with Senior Marketing Manager on donor marketing materials, ensuring consistency in branding and messaging that reflects RMHCWM’s mission and values.
• Direct Mail Campaigns: Coordinate direct mail appeals to maximize revenue and attract new donors, ensuring alignment with the overall development strategy.

Leadership & Team Development

• Team Leadership: Manage, train, and evaluate the development team. Foster a supportive, team-oriented environment that promotes collaboration and goal achievement.
• Board & Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate with Board members and volunteers, engaging them in fundraising efforts and providing guidance to ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Budgeting: Participate in the annual budgeting process, ensuring that development-related activities are aligned with financial goals and adhering to budgetary constraints.
• Compliance: Ensure that all fundraising activities comply with state and federal laws governing nonprofit solicitation and donor tax records.
• Reporting: Regularly report progress to the President & CEO and Board, providing insights and recommendations on fundraising activities.

Community Engagement

• External Relations: Serve as a public speaker and representative of RMHCWM, conducting tours for prospective donors, volunteers, and community members.
• Partnerships: Support the President & CEO in engaging McDonald’s owner-operators and other strategic partners to further the mission of RMHCWM.

Qualifications + Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field.
• Current and valid Drivers License.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing a comprehensive fundraising program.
• Proven competencies in software applications and programs, particularly Bloomerang or other fundraising databases, Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Excellent word processing and file management skills.
• Strong sense of urgency, adaptability, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
• Attention to detail, follow up and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to function professionally under pressure, while managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication, leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and self-initiate.

About the Organization

• Access competitive medical, dental and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave and holidays off: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Twelve hours of Volunteer Time-Off (VTO) each year.
• Paid days off on birthday and RMHCWM anniversary date.

Submit your resume. Tell us a little bit about yourself.