Job Title: Development Director, Detroit, MI
Department: Development
Reports To: Regional Development Director - Michigan and Ohio Region
FLSA Status: Exempt
Band: C2 - Location 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Development Director (DD) is responsible for providing strategic leadership for fundraising activities throughout West Michigan and Washtenaw County, while supporting fundraising initiatives across Michigan as needed. Working in partnership with the Area Development Director (ADD), the Development Director assists in implementing local fundraising strategies and action plans designed to achieve annual revenue goals in support of UNCF's 37 member institutions and scholarship programs.
Serving as a key ambassador for UNCF, the Development Director cultivates, solicits and stewards relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, civic organizations and community leaders to secure philanthropic investments that advance UNCF's mission. This position develops and executes fundraising strategies, prepares and submits grant proposals and sponsorship solicitations, manages donor portfolios and oversees cultivation and stewardship activities to maximize donor engagement and retention primarily in West Michigan and Washtenaw County.
ABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Market area includes (but not limited to): West Michigan and Washtenaw County.
Develop new sources of unrestricted income primarily through non-event fundraising from, corporations, foundations, individuals and local community partners. Plan and implement campaign strategies consistent with UNCF national action plans and policies.
Develop and submit solicitation proposals and design and implement special fund-raising events.
Write fundraising correspondence, letters of acknowledgment and appeals and maintain a regular schedule of in-person visits with corporations, foundations, individuals, etc.
Cultivate and steward relationships with current and potential high net-worth donors.
Assist Area Development Director (ADD) with identifying and recruiting leadership council members.
Establish and maintain close, direct contact with local corporations, government, community, church and civic leaders to ensure top volunteer leadership.
Generate queries, reports, exports and other collection data as needed to prepare solicitation strategies and financial analysis.
Revenue Strategy & Goal Achievement
Establish and execute short- and long-range fundraising plans aligned with market specific goals.
Develop annual revenue projections across all giving streams.
Ensure accurate forecasting and revenue pipeline management.
Donor Development & Relationship Management
Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, corporate executives, foundation leaders and community stakeholders.
Maintain a portfolio of qualified prospects with documented moves management strategies.
Ensure donor engagement strategies to align with UNCF’s mission.
Signature Events & Campaign Oversight
Provide strategic oversight for West Michigan and Washtenaw County fundraising initiatives.
Recruit, manage and hold accountable volunteer leadership committees.
Ensure event revenue goals and sponsorship benchmarks are met.
Oversee expense management to maintain net revenue standards.
Leverage events as donor cultivation and acquisition platforms.
Volunteer Leadership & Governance Engagement
Establish and maintain liaison with volunteer leaders and advisory councils.
Set clear expectations, timelines, and revenue responsibilities.
Identify high-capacity volunteers for leadership pipeline development.
Operational & Administrative
Ensure timely and accurate documentation in donor management systems.
Submit reports, projections and financial reconciliations in accordance with deadlines.
Collaborate effectively with accounting, marketing and national program teams.
Manage budget oversight and expense controls responsibly.
Team Collaboration & Local Alignment
Work in partnership with the Area Development Director (ADD) to implement local strategy.
Participate in strategic planning sessions.
Share best practices and support cross-market initiatives.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
May directly supervise an administrative assistant.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university and at least 5-7 years of experience in fund-raising.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to conduct major fundraising activities, including capital campaigns and annual giving drives. Ability to think critically and communicate clearly.Excellent organizational skills, outstanding human relations, and managerial aptitude.Demonstrated initiative and ability to work and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.Exceptional responsiveness and a capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ability to travel locally and nationally.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Benefits include:
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Annual Success Sharing
Salary Range: $76,700.00 To $80,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid role: 4 days on-site and 1-day remote per week, located in UNCF’s Detroit, MI Area Office.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
Read LessJob Title: Assistant Vice President, Direct Mail
Department: Development
Reports To: VP, Direct Response, Workplace Initiatives & Prospect Research
FLSA Status: Exempt
Band: AVP, L2
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Assistant Vice President assists in executing the tactics that emanate from the strategic direction for the organization’s Direct Mail program maintaining alignment with the organization’s broader strategic goals. This leader oversees execution, performance, and long‑term growth of a high‑performing fundraising portfolio that generates approximately $9-10 million in net income annually through direct mail, email, and digital campaigns.
The AVP is responsible for assisting in expanding and sustaining a broad-based donor pipeline by:
Driving acquisition of new donors and strengthening stewardship and retention of existing donorsExecuting on multi-channel fundraising and marketing strategies across direct mail, email, and digital. Managing the stewardship program for donors which includes the automated acknowledgement program, donor services, manual acknowledgement of certain donors, e.g. stock, IRA and DAFEnhancing program performance, increasing donor participation, and ensuring long-term revenue sustainability in support of HBCUsABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
This role works in close partnership with the Vice President, Direct Response, Workplace Initiatives & Prospect Research, contributing to strategic planning, program performance, and long-time growth. The AVP will play a key role in advancing priorities, strengthening operations, and ensuring continuity of leadership within the program.
Direct Mail Strategy & Campaign Management
Lead the execution of comprehensive direct mail strategies to drive donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, and upgradesOversee the planning and execution of integrated multi-channel campaigns (direct mail, email, digital, SMS)Develop and refine annual campaign premium offers, segmentation strategies, and test plans to optimize performanceRevenue Growth & Performance Optimization
Manage direct mail revenue and net income goals, ensuring consistent and increasing performance against targetsEvaluate and interpret campaign performances, donor trends, and key metrics (response rates, ROI, retention) to inform strategyDrive testing methodologies and continuous improvement practices to increase donor engagement and lifetime valueDonor Lifecycle & Engagement
Design and manage donor journeys from first gift through sustained engagementDevelop strategies to grow one-time, monthly, annual giving and payroll deductions to deepen donor relationships and increase revenuesEnsure consistent, compelling donor messaging aligned with organizational prioritiesProgram Operations & Vendor Management
Design and oversee relationships with external vendors, including agencies, printers, and data partnersEnsure efficient execution of campaigns, including production timelines, budgets, and deliverablesPartner with internal teams to maintain data integrity, segmentation accuracy, and reporting consistencyFinancial Management & Reporting
Develop and develop and manage budgets for direct mail including forecasting and expense trackingMonitor and report on revenue performance and provide regular reporting and insights to VP, Direct ResponseEnsure accurate tracking and recording of contributions in partnership with internal teamsTeam Leadership & Collaboration
Assist in working collaboratively with marketing, communications, and other development teams to align messaging and campaign execution as assigned by VP, Direct ResponsePartner with VP, Direct Response and senior leadership to support strategic priorities and program growthPerform other duties as assigned (Work with staff of Workplace Initiatives. Prospect Research & Donor Services subdivisions as assigned to learn and understand their processes.)SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. 8–10 years of experience in fundraising, with a strong emphasis on direct response or grassroots fundraising. 3–5 years of management experience
Proven success managing multi-channel fundraising campaigns and driving revenue growth
Experience working with external vendors and campaign production processes
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated strong multitasking and prioritization skills; ability to drive up to six daily projects from planning to delivery without delays.
Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated creative writing skills
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
Deep understanding of donor behavior and direct mail performance drivers
Experience with CRM (Raisers’ Edge, Luminate Online) systems and donor databases
Ability to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication and leadership skills
*The goal is to develop and position the incumbent to successfully transition into a Vice President role.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Benefits include:
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Annual Incentive Pay
Salary Range: $150,300.00 To $160,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid position: 4 days in-person, 1-day remote work schedule, located in UNCF’s Washington DC Headquarters building.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
Job Title: Area Development Director – Indianapolis, IN
Department: Development
Reports To: Regional Development Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Band: D1 – Location 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Area Development Director (ADD) provides strategic leadership for all fundraising activities within the state of Indiana in support of the 37 UNCF member institutions. The ADD is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive revenue strategy that includes individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, special events and volunteer engagement.
This role serves as the primary market leader and brand ambassador for UNCF in Indiana, ensuring revenue growth, donor retention and community visibility aligned with national standards and regional performance expectations.
ABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Develop new sources of unrestricted income primarily through non-event fundraising from corporations, foundations, individuals and local community partners. Plan and implement campaign strategies consistent with UNCF national action plans and policies.Develop and submit solicitation proposals and design and implement special fund-raising events.Write fundraising correspondence, letters of acknowledgment and appeals and maintain a regular schedule of in-person visits with corporations, foundations, individuals, etc. Cultivate and steward relationships with current and potential high net-worth donors.Identify and recruit leadership council members. Establish and maintain close, direct contact with local corporations, government, community, faith and civic leaders to ensure top volunteer leadership.Build, cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with volunteers that advance organizational goals.Supervise and coordinate staff activities related to records management in Raiser’s Edge database, maintaining current and accurate files on all donors and ensuring security and quality controls.Manage office budget and interface with the Accounting and Finance department to fulfill information requests and maintain reporting accuracy.Generate queries, reports and other data as needed to prepare solicitation strategies and financial analysis.Manage area office to ensure compliance with UNCF policies, procedures, rules and regulations.Conduct performance appraisals and recommend employment, termination, promotion and training and development of subordinates.Revenue Strategy & Goal Achievement
Establish and execute short- and long-range fundraising plans aligned with local, regional and national goals.Develop annual revenue projections across all giving streams.Manage cost-to-raise metrics to ensure campaigns are financially sound and yield positive net revenue.Monitor performance against goals and adjust strategy proactively to mitigate risk.Ensure accurate forecasting and revenue pipeline management.Donor Development & Relationship ManagementIdentify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors, corporate executives, foundation leaders and community stakeholders.Maintain a portfolio of qualified prospects with documented moves management strategies.Lead face-to-face solicitations and secure multi-year commitments.Ensure donor engagement strategies to align with UNCF’s mission. Corporate & Community PartnershipsServe as primary relationship manager for corporate partners in the Indiana market.Align corporate social responsibility priorities with UNCF impact initiatives.Identify new business development opportunities within key industry sectors.Signature Events & Campaign OversightProvide strategic oversight for Indiana fundraising initiatives.Recruit, manage and hold accountable volunteer leadership committees.Ensure event revenue goals and sponsorship benchmarks are met.Oversee expense management to maintain net revenue standards.Leverage events as donor cultivation and acquisition platforms.Volunteer Leadership & Governance EngagementEstablish and maintain liaison with volunteer leaders and advisory councils.Set clear expectations, timelines and revenue responsibilities.Identify high-capacity volunteers for leadership pipeline development.Operational & Administrative
Ensure timely and accurate documentation in donor management systems.Submit reports, projections and financial reconciliations in accordance with deadlines.Collaborate effectively with accounting, marketing and national program teams.Manage budget oversight and expense controls responsibly.Team Collaboration & Regional AlignmentWork in partnership with the Regional Development Director to implement regional strategy.Participate in strategic planning sessions and performance reviews.Share best practices and support cross-market initiatives.Demonstrate accountability, responsiveness and leadership maturity.Other duties as assigned.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Will supervise one or more professional and/or administrative level staff
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university and at least 7-10 years experience in fund-raising.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to conduct major fund-raising activities, including capital and annual campaigns; excellent organizational and written and verbal communication skills; outstanding human relations and managerial skills; demonstrated initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision; and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Leadership Competencies
Strategic revenue planningExecutive presence and influenceFinancial acumenHigh-level relationship cultivation and managementResults orientationAccountability and follow-throughVolunteer managementADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Benefits include:
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Annual Incentive Pay
Salary Range: $84,900.00 To $105,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid position: 4 days in-person, 1-day remote work schedule, located in UNCF’s Indianapolis Area Office.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
Read LessJob Title: Senior Director, Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI)
Department: Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute
Reports To: VP, Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Band: D1 – Location 3
JOB DESCRIPTION
The position manages and coordinates the implementation of FDPRI’s research agenda, including the production of the annual statistical report, research on HBCUs and other projects as assigned; assists the VP, FDPRI in strategic and budget planning; represents FDPRI in meetings with partner organizations and ensures that the daily functions of the Institute are operating smoothly.
ABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May directly supervise 4 employees and interns as needed. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
PhD or EdD required. Requires a minimum of ten years related experience; higher education policy and research experience preferred.
OTHER SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES
Strong research knowledge (quantitative and qualitative methodological skills), program management, and program evaluation skills required.Strong knowledge of the following: R-Scripts, Power BI, descriptive and inferential statistics, and big data analytics.Previous experience with use and application of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).Ability to present data to all audiences in and outside of the higher education community.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Benefits include:
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Annual Incentive Pay
Salary Range: $117,000.00 To $125,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid position: 4 days in-person, 1-day remote work schedule, located in UNCF's Atlanta building.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
Job Title: Development Manager
Department: Development
Reports To: Vice President, Corporations and Foundations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Band: C1, Location 2
JOB DESCRIPTION
Assists national directors in managing and coordinating all aspects of the organization’s national corporate campaign/solicitation program. Supports fundraising and sponsorship efforts of the organization by contributing to the development, recommendations and implementation of strategic short and long-term plans. The incumbent will ensure departmental effectiveness by monitoring and tracking corporate and foundation information in RE NXT and ensuring that directors meet all proposals, reporting, and other donor-directed deadlines. In addition, the Development Manager will serve as the point person for UNCF’s National Faith Initiative assisting area offices and the National Faith Advisory Council to ensure a consistent brand that will garner a robust faith fundraising effort across the country.
ABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Corporate & Foundation Relations
Work with the prospect research team to identify and qualify high- and mid-level corporate and foundation prospects.Recommend solicitation and stewardship strategies based on updated research for new, current, and lapsed partners.Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, sponsorship requests, reports, and supporting documentation in collaboration with internal stakeholders.Track corporate and foundation gifts to ensure accurate recording, proper acknowledgment, and compliance with reporting requirements.Support revenue forecasting by maintaining accurate pipeline and projection data.Maintain and improve the quality and integrity of donor information within the CRM system.National Faith Initiative
Collaborate with Branding, Marketing & Communications to update and distribute faith initiative collateral to area offices.Coordinate national faith campaigns to ensure consistent messaging and execution across area offices.Provide guidance and support to area offices in developing local faith-based fundraising efforts.Serve as liaison to the National Faith Advisory Council, supporting communication and engagement efforts.Cultivate and steward faith-based partners within assigned portfolio.Supervisory Responsibilities:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university and at least 2 to 5 years of field experience in development.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Skills in fostering inter-agency collaboration.Ability to work with diverse constituencies.Knowledge of program evaluation procedures.Solid Process Management skills.Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.Training, design and implementation skills.High energy, strong sense of initiative, creative problem solving and flexibility.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Benefits include:
Medical, Dental & Vision
Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave
Life Insurance (Basic & Optional)
Flex Spending Accounts
403(b) Retirement Account
Holiday Savings Plan
Annual Success Sharing
Salary Range: $61,200.00 To $75,000.00 per year (Salary is commensurate with experience.) This is a hybrid role: 4 days on-site and 1-day remote per week, located in UNCF’s Washington DC Headquarters building.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
Read Less