Research Development Coordinator Jobs in Michigan

For over 35 years the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center have been creating moments of discovery that inspire curiosity, exploration and respect for STEAM and the natural world. Our Museum and Nature Center sites, outreach programs to school classrooms, and digital distance learning programs provide opportunities for people to explore the world around them.

We encourage our team members to be curious, foster innovation, visualize the big picture and take the lead when creating and implementing strategies for achieving our mission. As the Development Coordinator, you’ll advance our mission by maintaining accurate donor records, communicating with donors, managing grants, and supporting annual fund strategy and fundraising events.

This is a full-time, in-office position at our Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center locations. Working occasional evenings and weekends will be required to support fundraising events. 

How you’ll contribute:

Data & Record Management

• Process gifts, pledges, and acknowledgments with precision, ensuring accuracy and donor confidentiality.
• Maintain timely and accurate donor records in the CRM (Versai), partnering closely with finance and development teams.
• Support wealth screening and prospect identification using iWave.
• Run reports, mailing lists, and queries for communications, appeals, and stewardship efforts.
• Strengthen data integrity through ongoing contact updates, record maintenance, and donor segmentation.

Donor Communications

• Draft, edit, and send donor acknowledgment letters, thank-you notes, and other stewardship communications.
• Support production and distribution of mailings, newsletters, and digital campaign content.
• Assist in creating impact stories, donor updates, and appeal materials.
• Ensure communications uphold consistent voice, branding, and stewardship standards across all donor touchpoints.

Events, Annual Fund & Administrative Support

• Provide logistical and on-site support for donor and member events—including PLAY, Flutter, donor receptions, and sponsored activities.
• Track RSVPs, prepare name tags, and organize event materials to ensure seamless experiences.
• Assist with sponsor fulfillment, recognition activities, and follow-up communications.
• Assist with annual fund coordination and execution.
• Support fundraising team with schedule coordination including donor meetings.

 Grant Management

• Proactively research, identify and stay current on grant opportunities that align with our mission, strategic priorities and programs.
• Maintain a comprehensive grant calendar, including application deadlines, reporting requirements, and key milestones. 
• Track grant applications, awards, deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements to ensure timely submission and compliance.
• Maintain streamlined communications with internal team members to ensure deadlines and other deliverables are achieved.

Advancing our Core Values

• Champion Excellence
• Embody the Learner
• Facilitate Flexibility
• Invite Optimism
• Provide Opportunity
• Think Globally
• Inclusivity

Experience and qualifications you bring:

We acknowledge that people bring all of themselves to their work, and your perspective, talents and skills may come from a wide range of work and life experiences. Your qualifications may include paid work, volunteer work, projects in a different field, or other experiences that have helped you build the competencies and knowledge needed to be successful in this role. We welcome and encourage diverse perspectives combined with a spirit of collaboration and community. We excitedly anticipate your application.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit administration, grant management, customer relations, or event support.
• Proficiency with donor databases or a comparable CRM preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Graphic design skills (Canva or Adobe Creative Suite) are a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A collaborative, positive attitude and commitment to the mission of AAHOM + LSNC.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position that includes access to a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental healthcare, paid vacation & sick days, 9 paid holidays, retirement plan, paid parking, EAP, membership discounts and more! The salary range is $45,000 - $55,000, commensurate with experience.

Application Process & Timeframe

Cover letters and resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The formal interview process will begin in August with an anticipated start date of mid-September 2026.