Vice President Development

Position: Vice President for Development

The Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal

Vice President for Development

Remote

MI

LIBERTY SEEDS

Vice President for Development

Hiring organization

The Russell Kirk Center seeks an accomplished, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven Vice President for Development to serve as its chief fundraising officer and lead a national advancement program.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands philanthropic support, deepens donor engagement, and advances the Center's long-term financial strength. This position emphasizes strategic leadership and hands-on fundraising rather than direct supervision of a large team.

This leader will work closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and staff to cultivate major gifts from individuals, foundations, and other supporters while articulating a compelling case for investment in the Center's mission.

A remote work arrangement is negotiable; periodic travel to the Russell Kirk Center in West Michigan and donor travel nationwide will be required.

The projected salary range for this position is commensurate with experience, with eligibility for performance-based bonus opportunities. The Center is also open to considering candidates at different stages of their careers, with flexibility in the position title based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Design and execute an integrated advancement strategy that expands support from individuals, foundations, and strategic partners.
• Partner with the President, Board of Trustees, and organizational leadership to establish fundraising priorities, support strategic growth, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
• Advance planned and legacy giving opportunities that encourage enduring investment in the Center's mission.

Major Gifts and Donor Relations

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects nationwide.
• Develop tailored donor strategies that deepen engagement, improve retention, and align philanthropic interests with institutional priorities.
• Lead consistent donor outreach through visits, meetings, calls, and correspondence, engaging the President and Trustees where appropriate.

Foundation and Institutional Giving

• Identify and pursue foundation and institutional giving opportunities aligned with the Center's strategic priorities.
• Prepare persuasive proposals, grant applications, and case statements that clearly communicate impact, opportunity, and need.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with foundation leaders and grant-making organizations.

Communications and Stewardship

• Collaborate with staff and program leaders to develop donor communications, advancement materials, presentations, and funding opportunities.
• Deliver thoughtful stewardship and impact reporting that demonstrates how philanthropic investments advance the Center's mission and programs.

Operations and Management

• Maintain accurate donor records, fundraising reports, and performance tracking.
• Oversee advancement processes, budgets, timelines, and reporting systems while ensuring legal, ethical, and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to additional initiatives that support the Center's mission and advancement goals.

Accountability and Performance Measures

Performance will be evaluated according to the Vice President's ability to:

• Expand and Strengthen Donor Support

Expand the donor community, deepen engagement, improve retention, and secure increased major and transformational gifts.

Set and achieve individual and organizational fundraising objectives in partnership with the President & CEO.

• Communicate Impact

Produce timely proposals, reports, and donor communications that clearly convey the Center's priorities, needs, and results.

• Manage Advancement Operations Effectively

Maintain reliable systems, reports, budgets, timelines, and processes that support disciplined fundraising operations.

• Contribute to Organizational Leadership

Collaborate effectively with trustees, volunteers, staff, and donors while modeling sound judgment, professionalism, and a solutions-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience and a record of success in nonprofit fundraising, business development, sales, relationship management, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships, communicate persuasively, and inspire investment in a mission-driven organization.
• Excellent…