Fund Development Specialist

• Job Title: Fund Development Specialist
• Organization: The Michigan Center for Civic Education
• Location: Lansing, MI (hybrid options), willingness to travel to locations across Michigan for meetings and programming
• Reports To: Executive Director
• Position Type: Contract (minimum of 3 months with possibility of extension)

The Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCE) champions civic education for active and informed engagement in the practice of democracy. MCCE provides and strengthens authentic civic and law-related education and professional learning throughout Michigan. MCCE advances the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to foster engagement in equitable and dynamic civic life. Signature programs include We the People:
The Citizen and the Constitution, Project Community, MiVoice MiVote, Civic Dialogue, Mock Trial including Courtroom Artistry and Journalism, and more.

MCCE strives to foster informed civic readiness by providing proven experiential education programming for students, intentional and immersive professional learning for educators and community members, plus additional resources, communications, subject matter experts, advocacy, and wrap‑around civic education services across Michigan.

The Fund Development Specialist will lead all fund development efforts to secure the financial health and sustainability of MCCE. This role oversees the development and execution of comprehensive fund development strategies, including grant writing, donor cultivation, donor stewardship, major gifts, and financial management related to fund development activities. The Specialist will work to execute MCCE’s existing and future strategic goals to grow the sustainability of student programs, professional learning, and community engagement across Michigan.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about civic education, experienced in nonprofit fundraising, and skilled in managing budgets and financial reporting.

• Co‑develop, implement, and review strategic fund development plans as aligned with the MCCE’s mission and vision.
• Seek grant and donor opportunities that align and reinforce the mission and vision of MCCE and related organizations.
• Lead grant writing efforts including research, proposal development, submission, and reporting.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and government partners and funders.
• Develop, organize, and manage the organization’s fundraising database and donor communications.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives and campaigns.
• Oversee the preparation and management of fundraising budgets, ensuring accurate financial tracking and reporting.
• Analyze fundraising data to measure success and identify opportunities for growth.
• Plan and execute special events, campaigns, and other fund development activities.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, ethical, and organizational policies related to fundraising.

• Familiarity with and respected by the Michigan philanthropy landscape.
• Love for Constitutional, law‑related, public policy, and general civic education. Knowledge of civic education and related fields is a strong plus. Self‑starter who enjoys imagining civic possibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, education, communications, finance, or related field (Master’s or extended experience preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit fund development, including grant writing and donor management.
• Strong financial literacy including experience creating and managing budgets.
• Strong experience with budget and grant reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with fundraising software and CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, agile, and dynamic environment.
• Willingness to work as part of a civic minded team.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and select special events.

• Hybrid work environment with work from home options.
• Ability to help define and create a robust fund development program to sustain student programs and professional learning.
• Opportunities to network with high profile volunteers, organizations, and donors.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in civic education and civic futures.
• Supportive and mission-driven work environment.
• Looking to hire a contractor immediately.
• Competitive monthly rate commensurate with experience.