Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Oakland Family Services•Pontiac, MI

2d•$65,925 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships leads grant development and corporate engagement efforts at Oakland Family Services. The role manages the grant lifecycle, including prospect research, funding opportunity identification, proposal development and submission, reporting, deadline tracking, and compliance. It leads corporate engagement strategy and builds relationships with corporations, foundations, grant-making organizations, and relevant community partners. Working with the Vice President of Development, program operations leadership, and program directors, the Director aligns proposals with agency priorities, develops grant plans and budgets, coordinates proposal production, and tracks awards, funding, and reporting requirements. The position supervises the Engagement and Special Events Coordinator and Development Associate, and supports staff performance management, communication, and continuous quality improvement. The role also promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and the agency’s mission and cultural values.

Requirements

3–5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, partnership management, or a related field, with a record of building and sustaining revenue-generating relationships.
At least 3 years of leadership experience supervising, developing, and leading teams.
Proven record of securing grants from foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
Ability to evaluate revenue opportunities and develop actionable recommendations.
Strong relationship-management skills and credibility with corporate partners, major donors, and institutional funders.
Cross-functional collaboration and organizational communication skills, including the ability to align stakeholders around shared priorities.
Experience supporting leadership in donor-facing strategy and engagement.
Ability to communicate effectively and relate well to donors, board members, staff, and other stakeholders.
Commitment to donor confidentiality, ethical behavior, and fundraising best practices.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Superior verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Experience in training and development and ability to deliver informative, engaging presentations.
Exceptional organizational skills, including prioritizing and completing multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines.
General knowledge of and strong interest in human services, cultural diversity, and the structure and function of nonprofit agencies.
Self-initiative and ability to work independently and with a team.
Ability to adapt to, embrace, and drive change.
Sensitivity to the diversity of the agency’s service population, including differences in culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic characteristics.

Nice To Haves

Experience with development database systems such as Raiser’s Edge.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of Oakland Family Services programs, services, evidence-based practices, goals, eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, success indicators, outcomes, and measurement tools.
Understand agency and program funding priorities and financial goals.
Identify aligned foundations and other funding sources; collaborate with the Vice President of Development on annual grant development plans.
Research funding trends and grant opportunities and present ideas aligned with the agency mission and strategic plan.
Research and compile relevant evidence-based models and internal and external data with program leadership to strengthen proposals.
Create proposal budgets and budget narratives, consult with the agency’s financial and accounting firm, and seek approval for cost-effective service plans.
Review and edit grant proposals for content and funder compliance and recommend revisions.
Track proposals, awards, funding amounts, reporting requirements, and grant performance metrics using a grant software platform; support adherence to reporting requirements.
Prepare and maintain grant records and a comprehensive annual grants calendar covering information gathering, writing, review, approval, submission, and reporting deadlines.
Maintain historical information about grant providers, proposals, funder expectations, guidelines, and awards.
Attend grant technical training and keep current with grant standards and proposal guidelines.
Collaborate with development and program leaders to prepare applications and proposals, create production timelines, allocate resources, meet deadlines, and clearly present program models.
Steward relationships with current grantors and cultivate prospective funders through outreach, appointments, calls, and visits.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with relevant community agencies and organizations and solicit their support for funding projects.
Supervise the Engagement and Special Events Coordinator, focusing on corporate strategy and engagement.
Supervise the Development Associate and incorporate relationship engagement into record keeping.
Model and promote agency cultural values and value-based decision-making, and hold others accountable for doing the same.
Promote staff understanding of the agency mission, open communication, and awareness of agency goals and organizational context; relay staff feedback to leadership.
Work with the Vice President of Development on continuous quality improvement and procedures that improve the donor, funder, and prospect experience.
Help lead staff performance management, including coaching, supervision, progressive discipline, separations, and performance appraisals; follow up on recommendations and report status to designated leaders.
Incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into work processes and promote welcome, belonging, and acceptance for clients and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.