Director of Development

The Other Way Ministries

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Development and Communications

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Full Time / Exempt (Salaried)

Date Revised: November 2025

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for upholding and supporting the of The Other Way Ministries, and working with the Executive Director to plan and coordinate all aspects of fund development and public relations, including:

• Leading all fundraising initiatives including appeals, special events, major gifts, donor cultivation, capital campaign, and grant writing
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive fund development strategy annually
• Marketing and communication of activities, programs, and financial needs to the public
• Recruiting and building relationships with volunteer groups and individuals

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Development and implementation of a written annual fund development strategy, including goals, activities, and timelines
• Develop direct donor mailings, appeal letters, and other donor mailings as needed.
• Work closely with program staff to understand funding needs and opportunities and promote program successes to the public
• Create and manage all fundraising events
• Lead efforts in upcoming capital campaign

• Provide regular reports to Executive Director and Fund Development Committee measuring progress with fund development strategy

• Seek out grant opportunities and assist with writing detailed funding proposals

• Coordinate with program staff to provide timely reporting and ensure compliance as required by grant award documentation

• Build relationships with current and prospective donors and effectively convey mission and values

• Maintain and create meaningful partnerships with churches, businesses, and family foundations
• Create and implement strategies for donor development and cultivation which will provide a diverse and sustainable funding base
• Oversee donor management software (Bloomerang), and maintain complete records of communication and transactions with donors
• Ensure acknowledgement of all gifts and donations

• Develop targeted communication to a variety of donor types (individuals, foundations, businesses, and churches)

• Oversee the design of printed and electronic marketing materials for program promotion and fundraising appeals

• Develop and maintain media contacts with area media outlets
• Oversee and direct all media relations, social media communication, media production and general branding

• Identify and coordinate content updates or design changes to The Other Way's website

• Actively recruit individuals and groups to volunteer

• Oversee onboarding placement of volunteers
• Create and implement volunteer development strategy

Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Development Associate (pending hire)

QUALIFICATIONS - These requirements represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to carry out the essential duties and responsibilities (above)

EDUCATION Bachelor's degree preferred in business or nonprofit administration, communication, marketing, or equivalent education and experience

EXPERIENCE

• 5 years work experience in fund development
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Capital campaign experience preferred
• CFRE credential preferred

GENERAL OFFICE SKILLS

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and G Suite Applications (Google Docs, Sheets,GMail, etc.)
• Desktop publishing or comparable software (e.g. Canva)
• Social media management tools
• Comfort with technology with ability to learn new software

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

VERBAL – Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with donor and partners in person or over the telephone. Public speaking and presentation experience are also necessary. Comfort in conducting business meetings a plus.

WRITTEN – Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with donors through letters, emails, and proposals. Experience in budget writing and proposal writing are also necessary. Must be able to communicate meaning in numbers and words.

JOB COMPETENCIES

• Thorough understanding and ability to communicate the mission and values of The Other Way Ministries
• Understanding of basic life issues in urban, low-income, multicultural settings
• Ability to relate to and effectively communicate with people from a wide variety of ages, cultures, backgrounds and situations
• Disciplined time management and organizational abilities
• Detailed ability to design, coordinate, and evaluate events
• Ability to inspire, train, motivate, challenge, and supervise volunteers and/or subordinate staff members
• Compassion and empathy
• Understanding of the Gospel and desire to learn and grow in faith

WORKING AS A TEAM

• Willingness to work hard at relationships
• Listen well and speak honestly
• Respect others' opinions and differences
• Acknowledge mistakes and freely give and receive forgiveness
• Value unity in Christ and partnership in the Gospe

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70, $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance

Ability to Commute:

• Grand Rapids, MI Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49504: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person