Development Officer

About Detroit Disability Power

The mission of Detroit Disability Power (DDP) is to leverage and build the organizing power of the disability community to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in Metro Detroit. We organize people with disabilities and our allies, train community members about disability inclusion and dismantling ableism, and plan fun and educational community-building events. We are a social justice organization, not a service organization, meaning we advocate and build power, not offer charity services. DDP is fiscally sponsored by Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.

Position Overview

DDP is establishing a new key leadership position of Development Officer to spearhead our community-centric fundraising efforts. This inaugural role presents an exciting opportunity to build and shape a development function that aligns with our values of equity, justice, and community empowerment. The Development Officer will be instrumental in cultivating relationships and securing resources that support DDP's mission of building power within the disability community and collectively dismantling systems of oppression.

Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, this position will be responsible for achieving an annual fundraising goal of $1 million. The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to create and implement comprehensive, ethical fundraising strategies that prioritize the overall health and wellbeing of our community.

Principal Responsibilities

The Development Officer will report to the Deputy Director and will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, community-centric fundraising strategy. The role will evolve over time, with specific focus areas in the first three months:

First Three Months:

Month 1: Learning and Integration

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of DDP's mission, values, and current programs
• Engage with community stakeholders, including those we serve, staff, and supporters
• Review historical fundraising data and strategies through an equity lens
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and community members on case statement development and theory of change refinement

Month 2: Community-Centric Research and Relationship Building

• Conduct a thorough analysis of DDP's supporter base and giving patterns, with a focus on community impact
• Identify potential new funding sources that align with our values and mission
• Develop a robust system for building authentic, mutually beneficial relationships with supporters
• Create and maintain a community engagement plan for inclusive decision-making in fundraising

Month 3: Ethical Systems and Tools Setup

• Evaluate and optimize current fundraising tools and processes to ensure they support equity and inclusion
• Enhance the supporter management system to reflect the multifaceted nature of community contributions (time, voice, money, etc.)
• Develop templates and workflows for inclusive, transparent communication with supporters
• Create a comprehensive dashboard for tracking key metrics related to community impact and fundraising ethics
• By the end of the first three months, the Development Officer will be expected to present a strategic, community-centric fundraising plan for the coming year, based on their analysis, community input, and newly established systems.

Ongoing Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that prioritizes community needs and long-term social justice goals
• Continuously refine the organization's case for support, ensuring it reflects community voices and experiences
• Establish and track key performance indicators that measure both financial goals and community impact

Relationship Cultivation and Community Engagement

• Foster authentic relationships with individual supporters, foundations, and corporate partners, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared goals
• Develop strategies to engage a diverse range of community members in our work
• Oversee the planning and execution of inclusive events that celebrate our community and advance our mission

Ethical Grants Management

• Lead a transparent and community-informed grant seeking process
• Maintain accountability to both funders and the communities we serve
• Collaborate with program staff and community members to effectively communicate DDP's impact

Equitable Systems and Operations

• Implement and maintain fundraising systems that support ethical practices and community empowerment
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure equity and inclusion in all fund development activities
• Provide regular analysis and reporting on fundraising activities, with a focus on community impact and ethical practices

Qualifications

• 5-7 of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice
• Deep understanding of and commitment to disability justice and intersectional social justice principles
• Exceptional communication skills, with an ability to craft narratives that center community voices and experiences
• Proven ability to build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to balance ambitious goals with ethical practices
• Proficiency in donor management systems; will train on EveryAction, if needed

You would be a great fit for this role if you are/have:

• Intellectual curious and dedicated to continuous learning and growth
• Adaptable and resilient in challenging systemic inequities
• Highest ethical standards and a commitment to transparent, accountable practices
• A collaborative spirit with strong interpersonal skills and cultural competence
• Able to work both independently and as part of a dynamic, diverse team
• Lived experience that informs understanding of disability and other intersecting identities (valued, not required)

Compensation and Benefits

DDP offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, within the range of $70,000 - $73,000 annually. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Earned paid time off (8 hours biweekly)
• Holiday pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) employer match, after 1 year
• Parental leave

Application Process

We invite qualified candidates who share our commitment to community-centric fundraising and social justice to submit the following materials to Info@DetroitDisabilityPower.org:

A detailed resume highlighting relevant experience in nonprofit development and community engagement

A thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in the position, your approach to community-centric fundraising, and your alignment with DDP's mission

Two substantive writing samples that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas about social justice and community empowerment (please redact any confidential information)

Please include your full name and ‘Development Officer’ in the email subject line.

Hiring Timeline

Application Period: September 16 - October 15, 2024

Initial Screenings: October 21 - 24, 2024

First Round Interviews: October 28 - November 8, 2024

Second Round Interviews: November 13 - 19, 2024

Reference checks: November 20 - 23, 2024

Offer tendered: Nov 26, 2024

Offer acceptance: Dec 6, 2024 (honoring notification period, if currently employed)

Anticipated Start Date: January 6, 2025

DDP is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups.

For inquiries regarding this position or to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please contact info@DetroitDisabilityPower.org.