Fund Development Manager

About Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council:

We are dedicated to protecting our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater through respected advocacy, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, and restoration actions. We achieve our mission by empowering others and believe in the capacity to make a positive difference.

The Watershed Council’s compensation philosophy is based on equity and transparency. Starting offers are determined by both the candidate's directly applicable experience and internal equity within the pay grade. As part of our total rewards package, we offer meaningful work, hybrid and flexible work schedules, a pet-friendly office, benefits, promotional opportunities, and competitive compensation.

Our attractive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for each employee in addition to life insurance, an annual paid wellness benefit, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution. Additionally, we operate with a discretionary paid time off system based on team equity and trust.

The Fund Development Manager will lead Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s fundraising efforts, ensuring strong financial sustainability to support the organization’s mission. This position will manage fundraising efforts including annual giving, major gifts, some grant writing, business sponsorship and donor relations. The Manager will also contribute to marketing and communications strategies that elevate the organization’s visibility and inspire engagement across Northern Michigan.

This position will not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

• Fundraising and Development Leadership
• Develop and implement the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate sponsor ships.
• Develop planned giving initiatives, cultivating long-term donor relationships.
• Coordinate special fundraising events that engage the community and highlight the organization’s mission.
• Lead the planning and execution of donor campaigns, events, and appeals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, funders, and community partners.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities to diversify revenue streams.
• Manage private and foundation grant writing, reporting, and stewardship in collaboration with program staff.
• Work closely with the Membership and Operations Director to ensure that annual membership solicitations are aligned with fundraising goals and donor management.

• Collaborate with Communications Manager and Membership and Operations Director in developing the organization’s communications, marketing, and public relations strategy to enhance brand awareness and donor engagement.
• Contribute to content creation for newsletters, social media, website, and print materials.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to ensure consistent messaging that reflects the Council’s mission and priorities.
• Serve as a public representative of the Watershed Council at events, community functions, and speaking engagements.

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Finance Director to align development goals with financial planning and reporting.
• Collaborate with program staff to connect donor priorities with program outcomes.
• Support Board of Director engagement and provide regular reports to the Development and Executive Committees.

• Collaborate with Membership and Operations Director to manage donor and project databases ( and Donor Perfect preferred) to ensure accurate records and data integrity.
• Track, analyze, and report on fundraising progress, donor retention, and campaign effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

• Represent the Watershed Council at community and donor events, which may include evenings or weekends.
• Support organizational planning and strategic initiatives with a commitment to equity, transparency, and collaboration.
• Demonstrate leadership,…