Executive Director of Development

The Executive Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing the comprehensive fundraising strategy for Southwestern Michigan College and the SMC Foundation. This pivotal leadership role oversees all philanthropic revenue streams—including individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation grants, planned giving, annual campaigns, special events, and donor stewardship.

The Executive Director will lead the day‑to‑day operations of an evolving Development team, personally drive major and leadership‑level solicitations, and foster a collaborative, productive work environment. The Executive Director contributes to organizational decision‑making and ensures the alignment of fundraising, marketing, and institutional priorities.

This position has a duration of 24 months, ending 24 months effectively from the appointment date, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.

• Master’s degree in one of the following:
  Business, Public Administration, Development, Marketing, Communications, Project Management, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of fundraising and development experience, with a successful proven track record of soliciting and closing major principal gifts.
• Five (5) years in a leadership role overseeing operational and performance outcomes, with a proven ability to manage cross‑functional teams

• Ten (10) to twelve (12) years of executive‑level development experience.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, utilizing electronic donor databases, and keeping pace with trends in prospect identification

• Design and implement comprehensive development strategies, establishing annual and long‑term revenue goals to diversify and increase funding from foundation, corporate, and individual sources.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new major individual donors in partnership with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Plan and execute annual fund efforts, capital campaigns, restricted giving, special project initiatives, and planned/estate giving.
• Establish department‑wide performance metrics, streamline operational processes, and cascade fundraising best practices.
• Partner closely with grant writers on proposal development, relationship management, and reporting.
• Manage, train, and inspire the development team, fostering a coaching mindset and a collaborative environment.
• Establish clearly defined expectations, systems, and performance measures to ensure staff accountability for excellence.
• Maintain strict adherence to ethical fundraising standards, donor confidentiality, and gift acceptance policies.
• Work alongside SMC Foundation board members to establish service expectations and cultivate new donor relationships.
• Chair quarterly SMC Foundation board meetings, develop agendas, and provide professional development/training for trustees.
• Collaborate closely with the SMC CFO on financial reporting, audits, endowments, and scholarship fund growth.

• Database Management: Create, populate, and weekly maintain an electronic donor database.
• Donor Communications: Propose and establish an annual communication strategy and systematic rhythm of solicitation (e.g., annual funds, year‑end asks, give days).
• Campus Liaison: Establish a prioritized “wish list” of funding needs across campus departments to craft compelling fundraising stories.
• Alumni Relations: Establish an Alumni Association and launch targeted alumni cultivation efforts.
• Goal Setting: Set concrete fundraising targets, and manage a pipeline of high‑need, non‑operationally funded special projects.
• The duties listed in this job description are not all‑inclusive, but a list of the major responsibilities. Additional duties not noted in the job description may be assigned by a supervisor.

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

A. Balancing. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.

B. Reaching. Extending…