Job Opening: Development Manager
The Environmental Council seeks a Development Manager to help plan, execute and manage daily activities involving the Environmental Council’s fundraising strategies, in particular, growing gifts from individuals and businesses. The Development Manager works closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), often with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and occasionally with the Board of Directors and staff. The position reports to the COO.

Job Opening: Development Manager
About the Environmental Council
Created in 1980 to lead Michigan’s environmental movement, the Michigan Environmental Council is a coalition of about 90 organizations. The Environmental Council combines deep environmental policy expertise, close connection to state decision-makers and relationships with broad alliances to achieve positive public policy solutions to our most challenging environmental issues.
Responsibilities
Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
- Manage a relationship portfolio of 90+ major donors and prospects.
- Create individual donor engagement, stewardship plans and giving goals.
- Implement strategies to identify, cultivate and solicit new donor prospects (individuals and businesses).
- Develop a weekly schedule of donor/prospect visits
- Make regular face-to-face solicitations and assist the staff and board with solicitations.
Annual Giving Management
- Work with the team to coordinate annual fundraising campaigns.
- Collaborate with COO and CEO (and others) to support engagement of new donors.
- Help enter donations in our Salesforce donor database and assist with its maintenance.
- Prepare regular reports for the COO, CEO and Board on giving trends.
- Ensure timely donor communications, including sending gift-acknowledgement letters and making/arranging thank you calls.
Event Leadership
- Lead the staging of the organization’s signature annual fundraising event.
- Secure event sponsorships.
- Plan and manage a number of smaller new donor events throughout the year.
Fundraising Strategy Support
- Lead the creation and implementation of an annual fundraising plan focused on individual and organizational donations.
- Develop a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
- Partner with communications and engagement teams to advance fundraising efforts.
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
Base Qualifications:
- A proven track record of identifying and securing new funding sources, including individual and corporate donors and foundations.
- Experience in obtaining major donations of four to six figures.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects with excellent attention to detail.
- Creative problem-solving skills.
- A proactive work approach.
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Passion for the Environmental Council’s partners, members and mission.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
Education and Experience Qualifications
- At least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Suite (especially Excel and Word), Zoom, Adobe Acrobat and Google Suite (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides).
- Knowledge and experience working with CRM database, Salesforce in particular.
Other Position Notes
- This position requires travel throughout the state.
- The Environmental Council has offices in Lansing, Detroit and Marquette. Telecommuting or remote work is an option for many aspects of this role.
- This position requires regular work outside normal hours, including evenings and weekends.
Compensation Package
The Environmental Council offers an industry-leading compensation package. The Development Manager position includes a salary of $69,000 to $77,000, commensurate with experience; full medical, dental and vision benefits; organizational matching to a 403(b) retirement program; and a flexible schedule with unlimited paid time off.
Application Process
Submit a single PDF with 1) a strong, detailed cover letter, 2) a resume and 3) at least three references (minimum two professional) to jobs@environmentalcouncil.org. Include “Development Manager” in the subject line. Please direct questions about the job description to COO Joe Bower at joe@environmentalcouncil.org. Application review is underway and continues until the position is filled.
Michigan Environmental Council is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the Michigan citizens we serve. The Environmental Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and identities are encouraged to apply.
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