Economic Development Director Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

About the Organization

TechTown is Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub. We empower Detroit-based startups and local businesses by providing resources, collaborative workspace and education for entrepreneurs that will further accelerate inclusive economic development across Detroit.

About the Opportunity

As a Major Gift Officer you will design, develop and implement TechTown’s major and individual giving program. You’ll be responsible for managing and cultivating relationships with existing major gift prospects, as well as qualifying new prospects, while managing activities related to individual giving campaigns. An ability to empathize with donors and clearly communicate TechTown’s mission is critical to the success of this role. You’ll be expected to energize and inspire team members, persuade prospects and persevere to through to the solicitation. This role will cultivate relationships with and solicit TechTown’s program alumni and community stakeholders through a layered and strategic funding pursuit plan.

The Impact You Will Make:

As the leader of the major gift program, you:

• Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with TechTown.
• Secure major and individual gifts with the goal of raising $250,000 annually.
• Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including the donor database and wealth screening tools.
• Manage existing portfolio of donors, prospects and program alumni.
• Work with the fund development department to align efforts and set goals.
• Create and implement moves management plans.
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitation (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications).
• Implement creative acknowledge of major donors through public and private recognition.
• Track and report progress using specific metrics.
• Plan and manage annual campaign comprised of strategic inflection points.
• Plan and facilitate four private fundraisers per year.
• Play a role in managing development activities related to TechTown’s signature event, Toast of the Town.
• Provide reports to be used by the Fund Development Director to communicate to stakeholders at TechTown Detroit and Wayne State University.

REQUIREMENTS

What You Will Bring to the Table:

• Education: Bachelor's degree Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field.
• Experience: Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience)
• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations and individual giving operations. Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required.
• Professional understanding of, and interest in, development and alumni affairs best practices and general operations. Familiarity with, and interest in, trends and best practices related to major and individual gift solicitation. Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of TechTown Detroit.

Nice to Have:

• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
• Exhibits a willingness to partner with diverse stakeholders throughout the organization with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding while being respectful and accepting of individual differences.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Ability to work successfully with persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors and proactively managing implicit bias.
• Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
• This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. Due to travel requirements, evening meetings and special events, etc., incumbent must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

The Perks:

TechTown offers generous health and dental plans as well as vision, life insurance, short-term disability, a 401(k) plan, and a team member assistance program. Full-time team members also receive:

• 100% TechTown paid Life, STD, and LTD benefits
• Wellness Inspired Workplace with a Wellness Program and onsite Wellness Room
• 5 Weeks of paid time off per year
• 23 paid holidays (including 2 weeks in December and 1 week in July)
• 10 Paid Mental Health Days per year
• $2500 Professional development stipend
• Retirement plan with employer matching up to 6%.
• Paid parental leave
• Creativity and innovation supported and encouraged by leadership
• Fulfillment and the knowledge of having made an impact in Detroit’s economic growth

Work Arrangements:

This position is primarily an in-person role. We believe in-person work fosters better collaboration, stronger team dynamics, and more effective learning opportunities, especially for cross-functional projects and informal knowledge sharing.

However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility. Therefore, this role allows for periodic hybrid work, subject to manager approval and departmental needs. The specific hybrid work schedule can be discussed during onboarding and revisited as needed to support organizational goals and individual work-life balance.

Accessibility:

At TechTown Detroit, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment where all team members, clients, and tenants feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the communities in which we live and serve and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.

If you are a candidate with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application process, email our Human Resources department at hr@TechTownDetroit.org. Include your full name, the best way to reach you, and the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process.

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