Description

Director of Development – Cranbrook Institute of Science 

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu.

The Director of Development for Cranbrook Institute of Science (CIS) is responsible for successfully developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program for CIS, including annual giving; membership; corporate, foundation, and government support; major and planned giving; and special events.  The Director collaborates with members of the Central Advancement Team responsible for raising annual fund, membership, and unrestricted support for Cranbrook Educational Community (CEC), including CIS.  The Director reports to the Director of CIS and the Chief Advancement Officer of CEC.  This position has a critical role in the successful operation of CIS and in CIS’s ability to meet its financial and program goals and objectives and those of CEC.   

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising program for CIS, including short- and long-term goals and strategies for all areas of fundraising.
• In collaboration with CEC’s Director of Annual Giving and Membership and CEC’s Donor Relations and Stewardship team, successfully direct the planning, execution, and evaluation of the annual giving program for CIS, including donor solicitations and acknowledgements and statistical reports and analyses, and ensure that the program is conducted for approved purposes in compliance with CEC policies and procedures and meets CIS’s budget expectations and goals.
• In collaboration with CEC’s Director of Annual Giving and Membership and CEC’s Membership Administrator, successfully direct the planning, execution, and evaluation of the membership program for CIS, including its individual and corporate components, new membership acquisition and renewals, retention, and stewardship, statistical reports and analyses, and ensure that the membership program meets CIS’s budget expectations and goals.
• Working with CEC’s Director of Grant Development and Administration, initiate, prepare, and submit all proposals to foundations, corporations, and government entities for grant or sponsorship support for CIS’s priority needs, including outreach, exhibits, and other programming, and to meet its financial goals.
• In collaboration with the Director of CIS, CEC’s Director of Principal and Major Gifts, and other CEC Advancement colleagues, successfully manage the individual major gifts program for CIS, including high-end annual gift prospects and donors 
• In collaboration with CEC’s Director of Advancement Operations and Gift Planning and other CEC Advancement colleagues, develop a planned giving program for CIS.
• Serve as an articulate and effective spokesperson for CIS and for CEC more broadly.
• Collaborating with CEC’s Donor Relations and Stewardship team, successfully oversee the planning, design, and launch of all events associated with the Development activities of CIS.
• Serve as staff for the CIS Board of Governors, the CIS Development Committee, and any subcommittees thereof, and ensure preparation of regular and requested Development materials and reports for CIS management and for all CIS Board or Committee meetings.
• Work closely and effectively with CEC or CIS leadership and volunteers in their solicitation efforts on behalf of CIS.  Engage and provide staff training and oversight for volunteers assisting in Development Office activities. 
• Collaborate with the CIS Director and other CIS leadership to develop and define program priorities and initiate all fundraising activities necessary to support those priorities.  Support implementation of the CIS Strategic Plan through fundraising activities.  
• Ensure the regular use of CEC’s prospect-tracking system (RE NXT) and other shared information resources to ensure transparency, collaboration, and accurate data on fundraising activity across CEC’s Advancement Offices with respect to potential prospects, prospects, and donors. 
• Develop and manage expense budget.  Ensure fiscal responsibility in oversight of the CIS Advancement budget. 

Requirements: 

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible development experience, preferably with a museum, cultural or educational institution. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail. 
• Capability of working with major donors, high level volunteers and major administrators.
• Computer proficiency is necessary.
• Knowledge of government grants and governmental processes.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information. 
• Solid interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies and high-level volunteers and donors, including corporate and foundation officers at all levels.
• Requires a valid Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

The starting salary is $90k to $96k/annually based on experience.

Cranbrook offers competitive compensation and benefits that include medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, and retirement programs with employer contribution. We also offer generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays, employee discounts, and a unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to: Director of Development - Cranbrook Institute of Science | Cranbrook Employment Opportunities