Title: Development Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full-Time Employee, Exempt
Compensation: $52,500 – $60,000 annual salary, with generous vacation and benefits packages
Organization Information: Accent Pontiac’s mission is to strengthen Pontiac’s youth and
community through equitable access to intensive and consistent music-making. Accent Pontiac is an
El Sistema-inspired during and after-school music program that uses music as a vehicle for social
change. The pilot program launched in September 2016, serving a cohort of 75 students in bucket
band during the school day and a cohort of 30 students in brass class after-school. We currently
serve over 300 students in weekly percussion, brass, and woodwind classes. Accent Pontiac is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at www.accentpontiac.org.
Job Summary: The Development Director provides strategic direction and leadership for all aspects
of Accent Pontiac’s fund development. The Development Director works collaboratively with the
Accent Pontiac Executive Director, Education Director, and the Board of Directors. Some evening
and weekend commitments are required for this position.
Responsibilities include:
● Fund Development Strategy
○ Support the Executive Director, Education Director, and Board of Directors in the
development of long-range fund development goals based on Accent Pontiac’s
strategic plan.
○ Annually create and implement a fundraising plan, using effective
methods and strategies to increase Accent Pontiac’s overall fundraising effectiveness
over time.
○ Generate reports to enhance understanding of donors, evaluate current fundraising
efforts, and develop appropriate next steps.
● Individual and Corporate Donors
○ Develop and manage individual and corporate giving programs and ongoing
donor prospect research.
○ Grow and manage Accent Pontiac’s annual fund, with the goal of building a broader
individual and corporate donor base.
○ With support from the Executive Director and Board of Directors, develop and
implement new fundraising activities, such as a major gifts program, endowment, and
planned giving.
○ Create opportunities for the Executive Director, Board members, and staff to interact
with key prospects.
○ Generate funder communications.
○ Organize direct mail and online donation campaigns.
○ Ensure that all gifts are acknowledged and documented in a prompt and appropriate
manner.
○ In conjunction with the Executive Director and Board of Directors and with a focus on
return on investment, plan and oversee Accent Pontiac fundraising events, including
Music for the Soul, the Green Bucket Run 5K, the signature fundraising event, and
Birdies & Beats Golf outing.
● Other Duties
○ Ensure that the donor database is promptly updated and effectively maintained with
accurate and detailed donor records and histories.
○ Work closely with the Executive Director and Education Director to oversee the creation
of publications and communications to support fundraising activities.
○ Support the Executive Director and grant writer in grant applications, Letters of
Intent, proposal submissions, and generation of funder reports.
○ Provide appropriate leadership and support to the Accent Pontiac Board and relevant
committees, including serving as the staff lead for the External Affairs Committee and
delivering regular reports to the Accent Pontiac Board.
○ Other duties may be assigned as needed.
The ideal candidate will possess:
● Strong commitment to Accent Pontiac’s mission of social change through music in Pontiac,
MI.
● 3-5 years or more of fundraising experience in a professional position.
● Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
● Ability to implement projects from conception to completion with minimal supervision.
● Effective planning and organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to
consistently meet deadlines.
● Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
● Team player, with the ability to work collaboratively.
● Ability to establish contacts with various corporations, foundations, and donors.
● High degree of professional integrity to deal ethically with confidential information.
● Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Bloomerang or
similar CRM, and the ability to learn other software programs as needed.
● Successful completion of a background check.
Inquiry: Please submit a cover letter and resume to sdawson@accentpontiac.org.
