Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Development to lead our fundraising and relationship-building efforts. The Director of Development plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region. This position is responsible for driving the organization’s Annual Fund as its top priority, while leading individual donor engagement, stewardship, and all fundraising events. The Director of Development builds the financial foundation that sustains mentoring relationships, strengthens long-term stability, and ensures the organization can meet the growing need for mentors across the region.
Reports to: Vice President of Volunteer Engagement & Advancement and works closely with the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy including appeals, monthly giving, re-engagement campaigns, ROI tracking, and donor retention initiatives
· Manage all donor communications, acknowledgments, and stewardship touchpoints
· Maintain accurate donor records, dashboards, and performance reports
· Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors, with an emphasis on mid-level giving
· Develop donor journeys that deepen long-term engagement
· Prepare donor briefings, talking points, and meeting strategies for the Executive Director and VP of Volunteer Engagement & Advancement
· Support leadership and Board members in donor relationships and solicitations
· Serve as the lead strategist and manager for all fundraising events, including Building Bright Futures (Midland and Saginaw) and the Bids for Kids Online Auction
· Develop event goals, run-of-show, budgets, sponsorship and donor engagement plans
· Manage all logistics, marketing needs, vendor relationships, and volunteer coordination
· Create and execute all event-related communications: invitations, scripts, programs, donor recognition, thank-you follow-ups, and impact reporting
· Track event performance and implement strategies for year-over-year growth
· Support corporate donor stewardship and recognition efforts in coordination with the Vice President of Volunteer Engagement & Advancement
· Assist with select grant writing, editing, or reporting as needed
· Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives that support agency sustainability
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
· Demonstrated success growing an Annual Fund program including segmented appeals, donor retention strategies, and personalized donor outreach
· Strong skills in donor cultivation, relationship-building, and solicitation
· Experience planning and executing fundraising events with revenue goals
· Proficiency with donor CRM platforms (e.g., DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or similar)
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
· Comfort with basic design tools and donor-facing digital communication
· Strong attention to detail and a donor-centered mindset
· Knowledge of marketing, communication, or public relations strategies is helpful
Preferred Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Business, or related field
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fundraising experience
- Experience with annual giving, donor portfolios, or fundraising events
- Experience supporting grant writing
Benefits & Work Environment
· Compensation to be discussed and aligned with candidate experience and proven fundraising results.
· Generous paid time off.
· Health, dental and vision insurance with BBBS covering 90% of individual premiums after 30- days. HSA plan available.
· 403b retirement plan with 6% employer contribution after 6 months.
· Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
· Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region offers a collaborative, mission-driven work culture rooted in flexibility, accountability, and community. While this is primarily an in-person position, some remote work may be available based on performance and organizational needs. Evening and weekend hours are occasionally required for events and donor engagement.
· Join us as our Director of Development and be at the forefront of inspiring change—driving innovative fundraising initiatives that empower youth to reach their full potential!
TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to linda@bbbsgreatlakesbay.org.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, January 30, 2026
ABOUT BBBS: Big Brothers Big Sisters creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, so that all youth achieve their full potential. Learn more about our life-changing impact at http://bbbsgreatlakesbay.org
Benefits:
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Midland, MI 48640
Apply!
