Development Director Jobs in Michigan
Development Director jobs in Michigan are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in nonprofit organizations, higher education, healthcare systems, and community foundations, at levels from emerging leaders through seasoned executive directors of development. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor account for the largest share of openings, where anchor institutions such as the University of Michigan, Henry Ford Health, and United Way Worldwide's Michigan affiliates maintain ongoing needs for development leadership. The most sought-after specialties include major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaign management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 60+ Development Director jobs
YMCA OF GREATER KALAMAZOO JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Senior Association Fund Development Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Pay Rate: $70,000 – $80,000
Reports to: President/CEO
Position Summary:
The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Senior Association Fund Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts. As a key member of our leadership team, you’ll build meaningful donor relationships, secure major gifts, lead capital campaigns, and develop strategies that expand our community impact.
The Senior Association Fund Development Director is responsible for leading and overseeing the organization’s fundraising, development and philanthropic strategy to help drive sustainable revenue growth through annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate giving, foundation partnerships, capital development and endowment development. This includes managing donor relations, coordinating fundraising campaigns and special events, overseeing grant acquisition and management, and strengthening community partnerships. Additionally, this role will lead and implement capital campaigns to support major fund initiatives.
Our Culture:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Essential Functions:
- Develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, special events, and legacy gift programs
- Cultivates and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation partners
- Leads and executes the planning and execution of capital campaigns, including donor solicitation, campaign strategy, and goal setting
- Directs and coordinates special fundraising events and community engagement initiatives
- Oversees the preparation and submission of grant proposals and funding applications
- Develops, monitors and executes the development department’s budget and financial goals.
- Works with marketing team to create compelling fundraising materials, newsletters, and donor communications
- Manages donor databases and ensures accurate record-keeping and reporting
- Collaborates with the Board of Directors and fundraising committees to maximize engagement and contributions
- Represents the organization at public events, networking functions, and media opportunities
- Develops and manages planned giving programs and investments
- Secures corporate sponsorships and partnerships to support organizational initiatives
- Engages, trains volunteers in fundraising activities and donor relations
- Leads advocacy efforts and public relations initiatives to enhance community visibility
- Works with the YMCA Executive team to align fundraising with long-term goals
- Perform other duties as assigned
YMCA Competencies (Leader)
Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Salary and Benefits:
- Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options available
- Generous PTO and paid Sick time
- Seven (7) organization paid floating holidays
- 12% Funded Retirement Savings
- Free Family Membership and program/activity discounts
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent
- 5-8+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts, campaigns and donor development
- Foundation, corporate and government grant writing expertise
- Experience building and growing donor base
Preferred:
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or equivalent credential
- Experience working with nonprofit boards and community leaders
- Knowledge of financial management related to fundraising, including budgeting and compliance
- Ability to create and execute successful capital campaigns
- Familiarity with social media and digital fundraising strategies
- Experience in planned giving, corporate partnerships, and advocacy
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully an employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications and duties listed above, and the physical demands of the position listed here, are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an employee with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
The physical demands of the position include:
- Visual and auditory ability to observe and to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
- Ability to lead and interact in-group activities and perform related physical skills
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch
- Ability to climb, push, and pull
- Ability to lift and carry objects up to 25 pounds
YMCA OF GREATER KALAMAZOO JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Senior Association Fund Development Director
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Pay Rate: $70,000 – $80,000
Reports to: President/CEO
Position Summary:
The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Senior Association Fund Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts. As a key member of our leadership team, you’ll build meaningful donor relationships, secure major gifts, lead capital campaigns, and develop strategies that expand our community impact.
The Senior Association Fund Development Director is responsible for leading and overseeing the organization’s fundraising, development and philanthropic strategy to help drive sustainable revenue growth through annual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate giving, foundation partnerships, capital development and endowment development. This includes managing donor relations, coordinating fundraising campaigns and special events, overseeing grant acquisition and management, and strengthening community partnerships. Additionally, this role will lead and implement capital campaigns to support major fund initiatives.
Our Culture:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Essential Functions:
- Develops and implements comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual campaigns, capital campaigns, special events, and legacy gift programs
- Cultivates and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation partners
- Leads and executes the planning and execution of capital campaigns, including donor solicitation, campaign strategy, and goal setting
- Directs and coordinates special fundraising events and community engagement initiatives
- Oversees the preparation and submission of grant proposals and funding applications
- Develops, monitors and executes the development department’s budget and financial goals.
- Works with marketing team to create compelling fundraising materials, newsletters, and donor communications
- Manages donor databases and ensures accurate record-keeping and reporting
- Collaborates with the Board of Directors and fundraising committees to maximize engagement and contributions
- Represents the organization at public events, networking functions, and media opportunities
- Develops and manages planned giving programs and investments
- Secures corporate sponsorships and partnerships to support organizational initiatives
- Engages, trains volunteers in fundraising activities and donor relations
- Leads advocacy efforts and public relations initiatives to enhance community visibility
- Works with the YMCA Executive team to align fundraising with long-term goals
- Perform other duties as assigned
YMCA Competencies (Leader)
Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establish goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Salary and Benefits:
- Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options available
- Generous PTO and paid Sick time
- Seven (7) organization paid floating holidays
- 12% Funded Retirement Savings
- Free Family Membership and program/activity discounts
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent
- 5-8+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts, campaigns and donor development
- Foundation, corporate and government grant writing expertise
- Experience building and growing donor base
Preferred:
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or equivalent credential
- Experience working with nonprofit boards and community leaders
- Knowledge of financial management related to fundraising, including budgeting and compliance
- Ability to create and execute successful capital campaigns
- Familiarity with social media and digital fundraising strategies
- Experience in planned giving, corporate partnerships, and advocacy
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully an employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications and duties listed above, and the physical demands of the position listed here, are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an employee with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
The physical demands of the position include:
- Visual and auditory ability to observe and to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
- Ability to lead and interact in-group activities and perform related physical skills
- Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch
- Ability to climb, push, and pull
- Ability to lift and carry objects up to 25 pounds
See All 60 Development Director Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director JobsDevelopment Director Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Development Director Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in development director jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or a related field
- Proven experience managing major gift portfolios and donor cultivation pipelines
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a development team toward annual fund goals
- Proficiency with fundraising CRM platforms such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce Nonprofit
- Experience with grant writing, foundation relations, and corporate partnership development
- Strong public speaking and relationship-building skills for board and community engagement
Development Director Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a development director in Michigan?
Most development directors in Michigan move into the role after several years in frontline fundraising, major gifts, or nonprofit program management. A bachelor's degree is standard, and many employers at larger institutions prefer a master's in nonprofit management or a related field. The Certified Fund Raising Executive credential, administered by CFRE International and widely recognized by Michigan employers, is the most valued professional certification in this field and strengthens candidacy at competitive organizations.
Which companies hire development directors in Michigan?
Employers hiring development directors in Michigan right now include Samaritas, Spicer, and American Heart Association, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep base of health systems, research universities, and community foundations creates steady, year-round demand across the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most development director jobs?
Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor lead Michigan for development director openings. Detroit's concentration of large nonprofits, health systems, and anchor cultural institutions drives the highest volume, while Grand Rapids benefits from a dense network of community foundations and faith-based organizations, and Ann Arbor's openings are anchored by the University of Michigan and its affiliated research and healthcare enterprises.
Are there remote development director jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since major gifts and board relations rely heavily on in-person relationship building. About 70% of development director openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common at statewide advocacy organizations and national nonprofits with Michigan offices. Grant writing and planned giving coordination are the sub-functions most likely to allow flexible remote schedules.
How can I get hired as a development director in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting as a development associate, annual fund coordinator, or grants coordinator at a mid-size Michigan nonprofit, then advancing into management. Institutions like Henry Ford Health, Michigan State University, and United Way chapters across the state regularly post entry-level development roles that feed into director-track positions. Earning the CFRE credential early, building a portfolio of successful grant applications, and volunteering on nonprofit board development committees all accelerate the transition into a director role.
Where can I find and apply to development director jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to development director jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across nonprofits, healthcare, higher education, and foundations. Find roles that fit your experience level and location, then apply directly to the employer.
See All 60 Development Director Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Director Jobs