Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.

Job Summary: 

The Director of Development is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the mission and goals of Communities First, Inc. This individual will possess strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills to cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors.

Essential Functions: 

• Lead and manage the development department by guiding donor relations, fundraising efforts, and other initiatives relating to the department 
• Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising plans aligned with the organization's strategic objectives 
• Identify new fundraising opportunities and innovative strategies to diversify revenue streams 
• Set fundraising targets and monitor progress towards goals, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure fundraising goals are met 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with both current and prospective donors, corporate partners, foundations, and government agencies 
• Create a culture of philanthropic giving both internally and externally 
• Ensure superior customer service to all members and donors of the organization 
• Develop and maintain a system of internal controls and departmental operating procedures to ensure fiscal responsibility and confidentiality 
• Assist leadership at CFI in the successful development and implementation of both short and long-term strategic and department plans that match the vision, mission, values, and budgetary requirements of Communities First, Inc. 
• Organize donor events, cultivation meetings, and stewardship activities to deepen relationships and inspire ongoing support to the organization 
• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising campaigns, special events, and donor engagement activities to raise awareness and funds for the organization 
• Collaborate with marketing and communications team to develop promotional materials, digital campaigns, and event strategies to maximize impact and reach 
• Monitor fundraising expenses and revenue projections, analyzing financial data to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments 
• Participate in professional development enhancement opportunities such as workshops and seminars 
• Generate regular reports and analysis on fundraising performance, donor trends, and ROI to inform strategic decision-making and optimize fundraising efforts 
• Ensures accurate and up-to-date donor records, gift processing, and reporting 

Education: 

• Bachelor's or higher degree is required 
• CFRE Certification is preferred 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience: 

• Five or more years of experience in nonprofit development 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word) and Adobe Acrobat 
• Possess interpersonal skills to foster working with others to elicit information, ability to think critically and creatively, and also to work independently 
• Possess strong work ethic and demonstrates initiative; shows commitment and desire to work in an entrepreneurial, team-based environment 
• Ability to demonstrate excellent oral, written, and presentation skills 
• Demonstrated leadership and experience working in team environments 
• Strong problem-solving skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Competencies: 

To perform the duties and functions of the role successfully, an individual should demonstrate and/or possess the following competencies: 

• Stellar customer service skills 
• High-energy 
• Self-starter 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely 
• Organizational skills 
• Teamwork 
• Ability to analyze, research, and interpret data 
• Maintain confidentiality 
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people 
• Flexibility 
• Detail Oriented

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance: 

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. We support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity by taking positive steps to eliminate barriers that may exist in hiring and in employment practices. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. 

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.