WHO WE ARE

Friends of Grand Rapids Parks (often referred to simply as Friends) began as a grassroots initiative to support local parks during the recession in 2008. What started as neighbors volunteering to maintain these vital spaces has evolved into a dynamic partnership with the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to meet the goals of the City's master plan. Through four key pillars - volunteerism, urban forestry, park activation, and philanthropy- we believe parks are the heart of our thriving community and we aim to empower the community to ensure that everyone can enjoy a thriving, nature-connected city. Since 2008, we have planted over 10,000 trees, engaged with over 3,600 volunteers for a total of over 34,000 volunteer hours. Our work is guided by our core values:

• Care for people and planet
• Collaboration with team and community
• Growth in park, trees, green champions, and team
• Welcoming All into parks and trails
• Play is essential for the well-being of all

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Fund Development Manager plays a critical role in engaging the community, strengthening donor relationships, and ensuring the organization's continued success. This is a full-time position, reporting to the Executive Director, and may require some occasional evenings, weekends or travel but we do our best to prioritize a healthy balance of life and professional priorities. This role will be responsible for leading and managing all annual fundraising efforts, including securing support from individuals, foundations, and businesses. Working closely with the Executive Director, board members, and donors, the Development Manager ensures the organization meets its resource development goals while advancing its mission.

Major duties of the position include:

• Utilize your 3-5 years of hands-on, successful fund development experience within a non-profit organization to establish and achieve annual fundraising objectives and long-term resource development strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Create and oversee detailed fundraising plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Recruit, train, and support committee members and ensure they have appropriate tools, training and support to be effective and efficient in their work on the organization's behalf.
• Plan, manage, and evaluate fundraising events in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board, including sponsorship outreach, renewals, and deliverables.
• Oversee direct mail campaigns, including writing and editing materials, list management, and ensuring best practices are implemented.
• Manage donor database operations, including accurate data entry, gift reporting, and regular maintenance to ensure data integrity.
• Coordinate with a contracted grant writer to track, submit, and monitor grant proposals, including managing deadlines and follow-up reporting.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• Health insurance stipend
• Simple IRA Retirement savings plan
• Cell phone stipend
• Protective footwear reimbursement
• In office requirement of 60% a week when not in the field
• Support for professional development and conferences
• Flex time
• 4 weeks of paid time off
• 12 paid holidays
• 1 volunteer day annually
• Medical and parental leave

We're looking to add someone on our team that believes in the work that we're doing, aligns with our values, is an effective communicator, has an entrepreneurial spirit, believes in park engagement and conservation that is willing to roll up their sleeves and build roots in our community. We grow community, enhance parks, plant trees, build and maintain trails, and cultivate green champions. Join us in creating a legacy of healthier parks and a greener, more vibrant Grand Rapids!

We believe that when all people feel welcome into the outdoors and into organizations, innovation and success follow. We invite individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, hairstyles, or any other characteristic to join us and create a workplace that reflects the richness of our community driving positive change within our organization, Grand Rapids, and West Michigan.