Development Director

Position Title: Development Director (Full-time, Exempt position)

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission:

Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Primary Role: To lead the organization’s fundraising and revenue generation strategy by securing major gifts, grants, and partnerships while cultivating donor relationships, managing a development team, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability in alignment with the organization’s mission.

Primary Responsibilities:

Revenue Generation & Fundraising

• Create and execute major fundraising initiatives, securing philanthropic investments ranging from $7,000 to $500,000.
• Achieve annual revenue goals of $3M+ through direct asks, grant proposals, and partnerships.
• Serve as lead grant strategist; oversee the grant writing process to secure and maintain institutional funding.

Donor & Prospect Engagement

• Conduct in-person, phone, and virtual meetings with qualified donors, serving as an organizational ambassador.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of individual, corporate, and institutional prospects, with an emphasis on relationship-building and funding alignment.
• Design and implement donor stewardship strategies to deepen engagement and increase giving.

Strategic Development & Financial Sustainability

• Lead the development strategy across major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and fundraising events.
• Collaborate with the finance team to create and implement financial strategies ensuring sustainable growth.
• Negotiate funding contracts with partners including healthcare systems and community organizations.

Board Engagement

• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen engagement, support recruitment, and foster a culture of philanthropy.
• Provide strategic guidance and tools to board members to enhance their fundraising effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and mentor a team of 3 development professionals specializing in major gifts, volunteer engagement, community partnerships, and marketing and events.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation within the development team.

Marketing, Communications & Events

• Oversee marketing, branding, PR, and communications strategies to elevate visibility and community support.
• Direct event strategy and execution to maximize fundraising impact and donor engagement.
• Strengthen the organization’s brand positioning through storytelling and targeted outreach.

Program & Community Partnership Development

• Participate in the development and sustainability strategy for the Medical Recuperative Care program, with a focus on seniors and medically fragile populations.
• Cultivate partnerships with healthcare systems, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand resources for vulnerable populations.
• Contribute to agency-wide visioning and long-term strategic planning initiatives.

Supervision Received: Supervision is received from the Executive Director

Standards of Performance: It is the expectation of the organization that the minimum standard for this position consist of:

• Completion of all responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.
• Commitment to the mission of the Shelter Association
• Compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Punctuality and good attendance record.
• Work attitudes that include a pleasant presentation of self and a visible willingness to assist clients and fellow staff members.
• Willingness to set an example of professionalism.
• Additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising and development leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts ($10K–$500K) and managing a diverse donor portfolio.
• Strong track record in grant writing, donor stewardship, and corporate/institutional funding.
• Proven ability to lead teams and work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience negotiating contracts and building funding partnerships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen and planning skills.
• Commitment to advancing equity, supporting vulnerable populations, and promoting the mission of the organization.