Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships The Joe Louis Greenway Partnership (JLGP) is the 501 nonprofit organization responsible for activating, stewarding, and advancing one of the nation's most ambitious public space initiatives. Working across Detroit, Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, JLGP builds partnerships, delivers community programming, supports stewardship, and secures investments that transform the Joe Louis Greenway into a connected, welcoming, and activated public space. Position Overview The Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships serves as JLGP's senior fundraising leader and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive revenue strategy that supports the organization's long-term growth and sustainability. Reporting to the CEO, this position leads philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual fundraising while cultivating strategic partnerships that expand JLGP's regional and national presence. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Directors, the Director will diversify revenue streams and help achieve the organization's long-term goal of growing annual revenue to $5 million. Key Responsibilities Strategic Revenue Growth Develop and implement JLGP's annual and multi-year fundraising strategy. Diversify revenue through foundations, government funding, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, major gifts, and individual giving. Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities, including earned income, fee-for-service opportunities, licensing, and mission-aligned partnerships. Assess and prioritize revenue opportunities based on organizational capacity and strategic fit. Partner with the CEO on long-range revenue planning and financial sustainability. Foster a culture of fundraising and revenue entrepreneurship across staff, leadership, and the Board. Monitor funding trends and identify emerging opportunities that advance JLGP's strategic priorities. Development & Donor Relations Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and strategic partners. Lead grant strategy, proposal development, reporting, and compliance. Build and manage a major gifts program that increases donor acquisition, retention, and long-term giving. Secure corporate sponsorships and develop strategic partnerships that advance JLGP's mission. Campaigns & Brand Development Lead annual fundraising campaigns, sponsorship initiatives, and donor engagement strategies. Support capital and special fundraising campaigns. Partner with the Communications team to strengthen fundraising messaging and increase JLGP's visibility among philanthropic, corporate, and civic audiences. Represent JLGP at meetings, conferences, and community event's Development Operations Oversee donor CRM, fundraising reporting, portfolio management, and revenue forecasting. Develop systems that strengthen fundraising performance and donor stewardship. Support the CEO and Board in fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, and campaign execution. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. 7+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience. Demonstrated success securing significant public, private, corporate, philanthropic, and government funding. Proven experience growing nonprofit revenue through diversified fundraising strategies. Experience managing major donor portfolios, institutional giving, grant development, and corporate sponsorships. Strong strategic planning, proposal writing, presentation, and relationship-building skills. Experience with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics. Preferred Experience Experience in public spaces, parks, trails, placemaking, arts and culture, recreation, environmental, or community development organizations. Existing relationships within Michigan's philanthropic and corporate communities, with the ability to cultivate national partnerships. #J-18808-Ljbffr