Vice President of Strategic Funding and Investor Relations

Reports To: President & CEO Location: Detroit Metro (Hybrid) Status: Full-Time About the Detroit Regional Partnership The Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP) is the regional economic development organization for Southeast Michigan, working to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s long‑term competitiveness. Through collaboration with business, government, and philanthropic leaders, DRP promotes the Detroit Region as a premier destination for business growth and opportunity. Position Summary Investor Relations leads DRP’s efforts to grow and sustain the corporate, public‑sector, and philanthropic support needed to advance the organization’s mission and regional impact. This role serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, collaborates closely with the Board of Directors and Regional Leadership Council, and helps strengthen DRP’s influence, funding base, and long‑term effectiveness. DRP is resetting and redesigning its investor relations function. The Vice President will be responsible for building the strategy, operating model, and engagement framework that supports a modern, results‑oriented program. The Vice President will be expected to establish momentum quickly by assessing DRP’s current investor portfolio and pipeline, strengthening key relationships, identifying near‑term opportunities, and developing a focused action plan that delivers measurable progress within the first 90 days. Success in this role will be measured by both funding growth and the development of a stronger, more engaged, and more strategically aligned investor network. The ideal candidate is a confident relationship builder and leader who can engage senior executives, navigate complex environments, influence stakeholders, develop practical strategies, and consistently deliver results. Key Responsibilities Strategic Funding & Revenue Growth Develop and execute funding strategies that support DRP’s priorities and long‑term growth. Identify, cultivate, and secure investments from corporate, public‐sector, and philanthropic partners. Support annual state appropriation efforts through proposal development and relationship management. Maintain awareness of state funding priorities, agency budgets, legislative developments, and emerging opportunities relevant to DRP’s mission. Build and manage a pipeline of funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. Advise the President & CEO on funding strategy, investor engagement, and revenue growth opportunities. Develop compelling cases for investment that connect DRP’s work to regional economic impact. Investor Relations & Engagement Design, implement, and continuously improve DRP’s investor relations strategy, including investor segmentation, stewardship, engagement, and value proposition development. Build and own relationships with investors, elected officials, and regional stakeholders. Identify and drive opportunities for the President & CEO and Board leadership to cultivate relationships, secure investments, and deepen investor connections. Partner closely with marketing and other internal teams to ensure communications and stewardship activities reinforce investor strategy while maintaining ownership of relationship priorities and outcomes. Prepare executive leadership for investor meetings, presentations, and engagements. Organizational Leadership & Collaboration Design and lead DRP’s cross‑functional investor engagement model, establishing the processes, meeting cadence, priorities and accountability structures that align internal teams around investor relations goals and opportunities. Ensure the appropriate involvement of executive leadership, business development, marketing, research and program teams throughout the investor lifecycle. Advise the President & CEO on strategies to evolve Board of Directors and Regional Leadership Council engagement in support of investor cultivation, retention, and pipeline development. Coordinate effectively with external consultants, government affairs advisors, and advocacy partners supporting DRP’s organizational priorities. Operations & Accountability Maintain the governance, reporting and management systems necessary to sustain a high‑performing investor relations function. Maintain disciplined oversight of funding pipelines, revenue forecasting, and stewardship activities. Utilize CRM systems and related tools to track opportunities, monitor progress, and support transparent reporting and decision‑making. Ensure timely stewardship and fulfillment of commitments to investors and funders. Report on investor relations progress, funding performance, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership and the Board of Directors as appropriate. Qualifications 10+ years of leadership experience in fundraising, investor relations, business development, government relations, economic development, public‑private partnerships, nonprofit advancement, or a related field. Demonstrated success building or transforming business functions, engagement models, or stakeholder relationship programs in addition to managing ongoing operations. Proven ability to secure significant investments, funding, appropriations, or partnerships. Strong ability to build credibility with senior executives, elected officials, investors, and community leaders. Excellent relationship‑building, communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills. Proven ability to manage complex initiatives and drive results through influence and collaboration. Experience using CRM systems and pipeline management tools to support decision‑making. Experience in economic development, regional partnerships, chambers of commerce, foundations, or similar mission‑driven organizations is preferred. Why Join DRP This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a critical function while helping shape the economic future of the Detroit Region. The Vice President of Strategic Funding & Investor Relations will play a pivotal role in strengthening DRP’s investor relations program, expanding its funding base, and positioning the organization for long‑term success. DRP offers a competitive compensation package, performance‑based incentives, comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth and executive exposure. DRP is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr Detroit Regional Partnership