Coordinator of Fund Development and Major Gifts

Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Director, provides support, expertise, and coordination to the Ottawa County Parks and the Parks Foundation.  Responsible for creating, developing, and executing a year-round strategic resource development plan to increase critical financial resources, specifically major gifts (i.e. gifts of $5,000 or more) for the Parks Department and Parks Foundation utilizing a relationship-based fundraising model.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Develop an overall plan for an integrated development model that supports the mission of Ottawa County parks involving all professional staff, Foundation staff, Foundation champions (i.e. volunteers), and Foundation Board members in the strategic development process to utilize their expertise and cultivate their support.

2. Coordinates individual development plans and fundraising strategies for potential target projects and highlighted donors.  Develops relationships with individuals and organizations with an interest in supporting Parks. Develops and implements strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of donor prospects including identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts for the organization.

3. Develops, plans, and leads large-scale fundraising events or fund-raising activities. 

4. Responsible for key strategic relationships with top organizations via year-round planning and communication, campaign execution, etc. Assists park staff with outreach to key officials, including legislators, for projects where major funding may be sought.

5. Manages relationship between the Foundation Board and staff, community individuals, and groups in coordination with Parks and Recreation Director and Foundation. Coordinates Parks Commission and Foundation Board meeting agendas and minutes. Recruits Foundation Champions and Board prospects in coordination with Governance & Nominating Committee. 

6. In coordination with Foundation staff, assists with development of a comprehensive program of development training and guidance for Foundation Board members, champions, and Parks staff. Lead all staff and champions with campaign assignments in analyzing, organizing, and executing development efforts for major gifts.  Works alongside the Foundation's Donor Development Committee to help in the stewarding and solicitation of major givers.

7. Coordinate promotion of projects and initiatives to be presented to potential donors, consistent with the strategic plan, goals, objectives, and programs.  In coordination with Foundation and parks staff, develops marketing materials related to fundraising and development activities, including donor solicitation and acknowledgement. 

8. Coordinate development of grant proposals and requests for funds in addition to preparation of appropriate reports for funding sources, in collaboration with Parks staff and the Foundation.

9. Utilize and assists with management of donor database software to track and monitor gifts and transactions. Produce reports and data from database to plan and carryout financial development strategies and activities.  

10. Perform required operational functions, including budget management, performance planning, and other duties necessary to ensure responsible functioning of the division.

11. Collaborates internally, within and across division boundaries, to provide information and service to others in the organization to contribute to the effective operation of the organization and all staff. Provides presentations to staff, Parks Commissioners, Board of Commissioners and outside groups regarding the organization's development opportunities.

12. Perform other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Bachelors degree in business, non-profit management, or related field is required, combined with three to five years in fund development with an excellent record in major gifts, planned giving, and annual funding; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid Michigan driver's license to operate county vehicles.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Experienced in major individual gift fundraising, working with foundations, and in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of large gifts.

2. Through working knowledge of managerial and supervisory principles and practices.

3. Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising and able to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.

4. Knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates.

5. Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.

6. Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, problem-solving, research, and analytical skills.

7. Excellent working knowledge of relationship-building skills and the ability to interface with all levels of clients.

8. Ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate, and advance strategic advancement plans.

9. Proven ability to use software related to donor giving and relations and to produce necessary data and reports.

10. Understanding of the grant process and reporting.

11. Thorough knowledge of software including Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Teams, Donor Reporting Systems, and other job software.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in an event or office setting.  Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.