Development Manager
About The Position
The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. We fulfill our mission through visual arts and tech engagement and workforce development. The Development Manager is an integral member of the development team, leveraging resources and engagement to advance WMCAT’s mission-based programming and community-facing work. This position supports overall fundraising goals by managing a portfolio of grants, corporate sponsorships, and the Opportunity Curator monthly giving program, all within a collaborative environment. The Development Manager reports to and works closely with the Director of Development, along with all members of the development and communications departments. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and communicator who is adept in managing detailed, process-driven work while staying connected to community and building funder relationships.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/lived experience.
- Three years of relevant work experience, grant writing preferred, or alternatively in fund development, communications, and/or project management.
- Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.
- Grant-writing experience preferred, or other formal writing experience.
- Knowledge of fundraising and sponsorship tactics for nonprofit settings.
- Ability to use asset-framing language when communicating WMCAT’s work with stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational skills and desire to maximize efficiency; prioritization of multiple deadlines concurrently.
- Strong attention to detail and process.
- Proficiency in working with computers, software systems, and related platforms; such as Microsoft Office Suite, donor databases, and grant application websites.
- Ability to work independently and be self-motivated within a team environment.
- Consistent personal transportation will be necessary.
- This position is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The candidate should be comfortable working in-person as responsibilities necessitate, with flexibility for remote work at other times.
- WMCAT's regular office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- All WMCAT employees are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Responsibilities
- Grant + Proposal Management Work closely with the Director of Development to manage a portfolio of grants, including writing grant proposals and reports.
- Work with the communications team to leverage mission-aligned messaging for grant proposals and donor relationships.
- Manage grant processes, including coordinating content needed from program teams, tracking deadlines for proposals and reports, and anticipating needs from other departments.
- Research and prospect new grant opportunities.
- Corporate Sponsors + Stewardship Support the Director of Development and Senior Director of Development + Communications as applicable in coordinating meetings with designated corporate funders.
- Solicit event and program sponsorships.
- Ensure corporate sponsorship benefits are fulfilled, working across internal teams as needed.
- Work with the full development team to support fundraising events.
- Opportunity Curator Monthly Giving Program Use strategic storytelling and cross-departmental collaboration to curate engagement efforts for monthly donors 4x per year – including behind-the-scenes impact stories, unique merchandise, and invitations to exclusive opportunities.
- Steward existing relationships with monthly donors and actively recruit new donors to grow the program and increase revenue.
- WMCAT Mission + Organizational Expectations Maintain a commitment to the mission and vision of WMCAT.
- Demonstrate a willingness and desire to grow professionally, learn new skills, and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity.
- Represent WMCAT at occasional designated events throughout the year, which may occur outside of standard scheduled hours.
- Adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics.
- Desire to align with WMCAT’s values (listed below).
Benefits
- 15 days of PTO
- 15 paid holidays
- Birthday day off
- Half-day Fridays during the summer
- Simple IRA with employer match of up to 3%
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision), premium 65% (average) paid by employer
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D)
- Paid Family Leave
- Professional development and opportunities for personal growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
1-10 employees
