Research Development Manager Jobs in Brighton, MI

Founded in 1993 as a "museum without walls," the African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) was established following a challenge from Dr. Margaret Burroughs, co-founder of Chicago's DuSable Museum, to create a museum dedicated to preserving the rich history of African Americans in Washtenaw County. What began as a community-driven effort has grown into the county's only museum solely dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and sharing the stories, achievements, and contributions of African Americans throughout the region.

Today, AACHM operates from its permanent home in Ann Arbor while continuing its long tradition of engaging the community through dynamic exhibits, educational programming, historical tours, special events, and collaborative partnerships. The Museum serves thousands of visitors each year by connecting people of all ages to the stories that have shaped Washtenaw County and continue to inspire future generations.

The Museum's programs include:

·             Permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting local African American history, culture, and accomplishments.

·             Guided museum experiences, walking tours, and nationally recognized Underground Railroad bus tours that bring local history to life.

·             Educational programs, lectures, workshops, and community events that encourage learning, dialogue, and cultural understanding.

·             Collections and research initiatives that preserve artifacts, photographs, documents, and oral histories donated by the community for future generations.

·             Partnerships with schools, universities, historical organizations, and community groups to expand access to Black history and create meaningful educational experiences.

Joining AACHM means becoming part of a passionate organization that believes history should be preserved, shared, and experienced. Every team member plays an important role in ensuring that the stories of Washtenaw County's African American community continue to educate, inspire, and strengthen our community for generations to come.

The Opportunity: Part-Time Development Manager

AACHM seeks a driven, enthusiastic, resourceful, and relationship-focused Development Manager to help advance the Museum's mission by growing philanthropic support and community engagement.

This is a 20-hour per week, grant-funded position for an initial two-year term. The Museum is committed to growing its fundraising capacity and the goal is for this role to become a permanent position through the successful expansion of sustainable funding.

Position Summary

The Development Manager will lead and coordinate fundraising initiatives that strengthen the Museum's financial sustainability. Working independently and in partnership with the Board Development Committee, this individual will identify new funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, cultivate donors and community partners, and develop creative fundraising strategies and events.

This position is ideal for someone who is entrepreneurial, organized, and passionate about making a lasting impact through nonprofit development.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

·      Develop and implement diverse fundraising strategies that increase annual giving and long-term sustainability.

·      Assist in creating annual fundraising goals and development plans.

·      Cultivate relationships with individual donors, businesses, foundations, and community organizations.

·      Successfully solicit philanthropic gifts from individual donors, foundations and corporations.

·      Identify new revenue opportunities and sponsorship partnerships.

·      Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising activity using Bloomerang donor management software.

Grant Development

·      Research, identify, and evaluate grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

·      Prepare compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.

·      Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and funding outcomes.

·      Maintain a grant calendar and ensure timely submissions.

Community Engagement & Events

·      Build meaningful relationships throughout community.

·      Coordinate and support fundraising events and donor engagement activities.

·      Represent the Museum at community meetings, networking events, and partner organizations.

·      Help increase awareness of the Museum and its mission throughout the community.

Board Partnership

·      Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.

·      Collaborate with committee members to establish fundraising priorities and strategies.

·      Prepare meeting materials, reports, and fundraising updates.

·      Support board members in donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.

The Qualified Candidate

The ideal candidate is motivated, creative, and eager to help grow an organization dedicated to preserving African American history.

Specific Qualifications Include:

·      Experience in fundraising, development, grant writing, donor relations, or nonprofit advancement through either paid employment or significant volunteer leadership.

·      Demonstrated success researching and pursuing grant opportunities.

·      Strong written communication skills with the ability to develop persuasive proposals and donor communications.

·      Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners, and board members.

·      Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple projects, and take initiative with minimal supervision.

·      Experience collaborating with volunteer committees or nonprofit boards is highly desirable.

·      Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

·      Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort with donor database software.

What You'll Bring:

·      A self-starter who thrives working independently.

·      Passionate about nonprofit work and community impact.

·      Comfortable networking and building new relationships.

·      Strategic, resourceful, and solutions-oriented.

·      Organized and able to manage multiple deadlines.

·      Excited to help build a sustainable fundraising program.

The annual salary for this part-time position is $42,500 and is a hybrid role with regular local travel. The office is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.