Description
Detroit Bar Association Open Position
FUND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Reports to: Executive Director
Position Type: Part time, contractor/1099 role; 40 to 50 hours per month, varying with the needs of the DBA and its Foundation.
Work Location: Remote with in-person events and client meetings required.
Schedule: Flexible, with evening event commitments. No weekends are required.
Pay Range: $40 - $50 per hour, based on experience and expertise.
Position Overview
The Fund Development Director secures sponsorships and philanthropic support for the Detroit Bar Association (DBA) and its Foundation. Working with the Executive Director and a small, collaborative team, this hands-on professional builds lasting partnerships with the legal community and other supporters. The role requires initiative, sound judgment, confident solicitation, and accurate financial tracking. This position independently manages fund development responsibilities and has no direct reports.
Key Responsibilities
Fund Development & Relationship Management
- Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies, prioritize prospects, and meet revenue goals.
- Cultivate and retain sponsors and donors, including attorneys, judges, law firms, corporate partners, legal vendors, and other businesses; identify new prospects through research, referrals, networking, and professional events.
- Manage the sponsorship pipeline from outreach and direct solicitation through follow-up, stewardship, and renewal; increase engagement and financial commitment of sponsors.
- Develop and refine sponsorship packages, benefit levels, proposals, prospect lists, and renewal schedules to align partner interests with DBA priorities.
- Track commitments, payments, renewals, and benefits; evaluate results and recommend improvements to revenue, retention, and sponsor satisfaction
- Help secure member benefit discounts and advertising for the annual Detroit Lawyer magazine; promote the value of DBA membership.
- Attend monthly staff meetings and provide monthly progress reports to the Executive Director, identifying results, opportunities, and gaps. Protect confidential information and follow recordkeeping practices.
Events
- Lead sponsorship solicitation and fulfillment for events, programs, and special initiatives; secure payment before events and ensure promised benefits and recognition are delivered.
- Communicate sponsorship progress to the planning team; support event preparation and execution as directed by the Executive Director and Special Events Director.
- Attend and work major fundraising events and other programs as required; represent the DBA and its Foundation professionally.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; proficiency in Microsoft applications, especially Excel, required.
- Donor database or CRM experience preferred.
- Three or more years of experience in fundraising, development, sponsorship sales, relationship management, or a related field preferred; familiarity with the legal community, bar associations, foundations, or professional service firms is a plus.
- Strong relationship-building, networking, and communication skills; demonstrated ability to solicit sponsorships and financial support.
- Strong organization, project management, follow-through, and attention to detail; ability to meet deadlines and maintain accurate revenue records.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working remotely and independently while contributing to a collaborative team; available for evening Detroit-area events.
Measures of Success
Success in this role includes:
- Consistent relationship development and follow-up;
- Accurate financial and sponsorship records;
- Steady progress toward fundraising goals;
- Effective collaboration with the Executive Director and team.
Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your fit for this role to:
Executive Director, Detroit Bar Association
tcooley@detroitlawyer.org
The DBA is highly motivated to fill this role as soon as possible.