Development Director

Organization: The Legacy Center

Job Title: Development Director
Location: Midland, MI

Position Summary: 
The Legacy Center is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead our fundraising, donor engagement, and grant development efforts. This role is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with individual donors, business sponsors, and community partners. The Development Director also leads planning and execution of our two key fundraising events—our annual fundraising luncheon and the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament—and actively represents the organization at networking and community events.

In addition, this role plays a key supporting role in grant writing, collaborating with the Executive Director and program staff to identify funding opportunities, develop content, and ensure timely submissions. This is an hourly, full-time position with a flexible schedule and hybrid work options.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with leadership, including individual giving, sponsorships, and special events.
• Cultivate, solicit, and build relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Build and manage a portfolio of business sponsors, ensuring strong engagement and recognition.
• Maintain donor and sponsor records using donor management software.
• Collaborate with our admin team and marketing contractor to create our annual year-end solicitation and Give Local campaign.

Event Planning & Execution

• Lead planning, logistics, sponsorships, and execution of the organization’s annual fundraising luncheon.
• Oversee coordination and execution of the Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser, including securing sponsorships, coordinating the planning committee, and working with community partners.
• Develop event marketing materials in collaboration with our marketing contractor.
• Track and evaluate event performance, providing reports to leadership.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Research funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Build and maintain relationships with local foundation leadership.
• Assist President & CEO with grant writing.
• Track application deadlines and reporting requirements.

Community & Network Engagement

• Attend local networking and partner events, business gatherings, and community functions to build our organization's visibility and foster new relationships.
• Collaborate with staff to support external communications that align with fundraising goals.

Youth Connections Magazine

• Assist with advertising sales for Youth Connections.
• Help collect submissions for local content.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, and/or a related field
• Strong interpersonal skills, excelling in networking situations
• Proven track record in donor and sponsor engagement
• Experience with planning and executing fundraising events
• Strong writing skills, with experience in grant writing or related communication work
• Ability to work both independently and in group settings, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Experience with donor management software and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Availability to work occasional nights and weekends
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to reliably travel locally and regionally as needed

Work Environment & Schedule:

• Flexible full-time schedule (40 hours/week) with hybrid work options. On-site presence is required for certain meetings and events.
• Occasional nights and weekends are required for events and community engagement.
• Occasional travel within the region for conferences and development opportunities.

Compensation: 
Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off, flexible work arrangements, including a hybrid work environment, Simple IRA, Short Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, and professional development opportunities.