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Fund Development Director

Hybrid position with frequent statewide travel expected, including occasional overnight travel. Administrative office located in Benton Harbor, MI.

OUR ORGANIZATION:

Youth Solutions, Inc. is a part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.  

THE TEAM:

Youth Solutions is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization committed to providing Michigan’s youth the support and experiences that prepare them for their futures. Youth Solutions aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education through our targeted services, including Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and Youth Solutions (YS) Select. 

JOB SUMMARY:

This is an ideal opportunity for a proven, fearless, goal-oriented and values-driven nonprofit fundraiser with experience tracking metrics and managing donor pipelines who’s highly motivated to work collaboratively in pursuit of transforming the lives of youth in Michigan.

A new position in the organization, the Fund Development Director will have the opportunity to build this role. The Fund Development Director will be responsible for managing the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a portfolio of both existing and new corporate supporters, philanthropic organizations, individual donors, and industry and community partners. This individual will be responsible for growing engagement and revenue across each fundraising channel, to meet their annual budgetary goal. The ideal candidate must have proven success in fundraising and/or sales and relationship management.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work closely with Youth Solutions senior leadership to develop a comprehensive multi-year and annual fundraising plan with financial goals to aggressively accelerate and increase corporate sponsorship and philanthropic support.
  • Maintain a sound knowledge and understanding of Youth Solution’s programs, services, goals, and initiatives to be able to effectively seek new funding opportunities.
  • Direct the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate supporters, philanthropic organizations, individual/private wealth donors, industry partners, and community partner prospects to meet annual and long-term funding targets.
  • Craft and execute customized plans to build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with each prospect group to produce a continuous stream of significant donations and sponsorships.
  • Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure the timely creation and distribution of materials, collateral and briefings, and highly personalized proposals that support fund development activities.
  • With Youth Solutions senior leadership, identify high-impact touchpoints and engagements for potential and existing funders. Work cross-functionally to execute such initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive matrix detailing tailored recognition for donors and sponsors across various giving levels, ensuring consistency and heartfelt appreciation for their support.
  • Utilize customer management software(s) to track all fundraising activities.
  • Collaborate and align with Youth Solutions grant research and writing.
  • Support the development and maintenance of systems to track and ensure all reporting requirements are met; conduct follow-up with funders as needed.
  • Prepare persuasive reports and presentations for internal and external audiences, including regular reports to the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors to inform them about secured revenue and future expectations and trends.
  • Provide leadership in building and maintaining a diverse workforce, ensuring an environment of inclusivity and belonging

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

The ideal candidate should:

  • Demonstrate a history of successfully raising significant funds from major corporate and philanthropic organizations and individual/private wealth donors.
  • Proven success in designing, implementing, and administering innovative fundraising programs that require creative solutions and energized problem-solving approaches.
  • Possess strong relationship-building and management skills having worked with senior leadership in corporate, philanthropic, and community organizations.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate technical and industry speak to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate a strong collaborative approach with a high level of emotional intelligence and cultural agility.
  • Proficiency in navigating customer database software (e.g., data input, record updating, gift processing, report production) and MS Excel and MS Word

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

  • Hybrid position with frequent travel expected statewide, including occasional overnight travel
  • A strong, mission-driven team culture that values inclusion, creativity/innovation, collaboration, and respect that balances results with fun
  • Excellent work-life balance
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Strong opportunities for growth

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US: 

  • A robust Onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
  • Team of Teams training in support of the organizational strategies.
  • Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.
  • Cross Operational Meetings with your peers.
  • Be a part of transformational change in Michigan.

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE.   We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important.   It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time. 

Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.  

 

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