Development Officer
Development Department
Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Job Summary

The Development Officer partners with the Chief Development Officer to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that secure philanthropic support for the organization. This role manages a portfolio of donors, cultivates new funding relationships, and solicits major gifts that advance the agency's mission and secures resources to sustain programs and services.

Principal Accountabilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution - Partner with the CDO to implement goal-oriented fundraising initiatives including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and special events. Collaborate with the CDO and agency staff to maximize donor engagement opportunities through the Jewish Federation in accordance with organizational guidelines.

Donor Portfolio Management - Manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors through the full development cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Create personalized engagement timelines and deepen relationships with major stakeholders to close gifts. Create and implement ongoing engagement opportunities and face to face solicitations with major donors. Share impact reports that demonstrate donor investment outcomes and deepen philanthropic commitment.

Prospect Research & Solicitation - Identify and qualify prospective donors through research and relationship-building. Participate in donor meetings and solicitations, presenting compelling cases for support that align donor interests with organizational priorities.

Board & Committee Engagement – Share work with the CDO as it relates to working with Board committees and subcommittees focused on fundraising and marketing initiatives.

Data-Driven Development - Collaborate with the Development team to leverage donor database insights for strategic decision-making. Utilize technology and data analysis to inform donor segmentation, engagement strategies, gift renewals, and upgrade opportunities. Use technology to track donor interactions and milestones.

Agency Representation - Serve as an ambassador for the organization in the community. Attend community events (where relevant) and participate in professional development opportunities that enhance fundraising effectiveness and organizational visibility.

Continued Education - Maintain current on all ethics and new trends impacting development issues. Review best practice standards and implement new practices and procedures as needed.

Security and Privacy – Adhere to agency and client protection policies by regularly acclimating yourself with the JFS privacy, safety and security policies made available within the employee handbook.

Employee Philanthropy – Participate annually in agency and partner related philanthropic activities and campaigns.

Mission Dedication – Embody the mission and values of JFS in all work done on behalf of the agency. Utilization of the JFS key strategies will ensure success in this accountability.

Misc. – Other duties as assigned by the CDO to further the culture of philanthropy at JFS.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, preferably in a nonprofit or human services environment
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with measurable results
• Experience managing a donor portfolio and meeting fundraising goals

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and the donor development cycle
• Relationship builder with excellent written, listening and verbal communication skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience with donor database systems (experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred)
• Knowledge of planned giving, major gifts, and annual fund best practices
• Familiarity with Jewish communal organizations, Detroit lay leadership, and the Jewish Federation system preferred, but not required

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to build authentic relationships and work collaboratively with a team
• Strategic thinker who is highly organized with attention to detail and follow-through
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to the mission, Jewish values and values of human service work
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to engage diverse stakeholders

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as needed
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community meetings and donor visits
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with donor information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification or willingness to pursue
• Experience with campaign management and special event fundraising
• Established relationships within the local philanthropic community

Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer