Development Director (826Michigan

826michigan provides free high-quality writing programs to students ages 6-18 in Ypsilanti, Detroit, and Ann Arbor. Our mission is to inspire students to write confidently and skillfully in collaboration with volunteers in their communities. We began in 2005 as a small literary arts project, and have since grown to provide critical literacy support to thousands of students every year. Since our founding, we have delivered free youth writing and tutoring programs to over 11,000 students across Michigan.

We believe every student, especially those whose voices have been historically marginalized, deserves to write their truths and to be heard. Our creative writing and literacy programs focus on restoring humanity to young people by actively being anti-racist and trauma-informed.

Our vision is to create a third space that radically heals and uplifts Black youth and students of color. Support from our community allows students in Ypsilanti, Detroit, and Ann Arbor to receive critical literacy support free-of-charge. For more information about our programs, please visit www.
826michigan.org .

826michigan is part of 826 National, an award-winning national network of youth writing centers, founded by author Dave Eggers ( A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius , McSweeney’s ). In addition to being a leading member of the 826 National network, 826michigan is also a vital part of the local community. The Ann Arbor Book Festival honored 826michigan as a “Leader in the Literary Arts” in 2012;
Crain’s Detroit Business named 826michigan one of its Best-Managed Nonprofits in 2013; and 826 National was named in GOOD Magazine ’s “30 Places We Want to Work.”

826michigan is a creative organization that highly values collaboration and innovative thinking. We encourage a culture of learning and highly value personal development; our organization uses a network-wide competency model, a framework for equitable and transparent professional growth and advancement. Staff are encouraged to pursue relevant learning opportunities both within our national network and beyond. Staff members work both independently and as part of a team.

When we can safely return to our physical locations, we work in an open office space. Always, and during the current COVID-19 crisis especially, we strive to be supportive and accommodating to employee needs for scheduling and work styles. While we love robots, we aim to create a humanizing work environment and prioritize work/life balance.

At 826michigan, we believe in a fundraising model that focuses on channeling resources back into the populations we serve. Our students are at the center of our decision-making. We believe in building strong funding relationships that are transparent, and we believe our donors are important parts of our larger community. We are actively seeking ways to connect with other organizations, as we are advocates of mutual support.

Commitment to Inclusion

As an organization committed to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, 826michigan recognizes the importance of diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order for us to serve students in a manner that is respectful, culturally sensitive, and effective, we must collectively and intentionally invest in building a diverse and inclusive organization where all are safe and welcomed.

826michigan prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, marital status, English fluency, parental status, citizenship, military service, or disability of any person employed by or seeking employment with 826michigan. 826michigan is an equal opportunity employer.

826michigan seeks a visionary Development Director who can lead the charge in building a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the long-term advancement and sustainability of our organization and the students we serve. The Development Director oversees all aspects of our Development Department, including the design and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that focuses on…