Demo

Development Manager

Fenner Conservancy
Lansing, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 8/10/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/7/2026

Summary:

At Fenner Conservancy, we connect people with nature through conservation, education, and stewardship. Located in the heart of Lansing, Michigan, we operate both the historic destination Fenner Nature Center which includes public nature interpretation, festivals, environmental programming, and venue rentals; and Fenner Nature Preschool which now includes two locations, one of which is the first all-outdoor preschool in Michigan. We rely on income from grants, donations, and program fees to support our ongoing services to the community.

The Development Director is responsible for achieving donor-based fund development goals to advance the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Key activities include leading the cultivation of relationships with supporters, identifying potential donors, soliciting donations, and managing acknowledgement and recognition of donations. Duties also include related fundraising and stakeholder development. Strong organizational support for the position includes an attainable fund development plan, a board-led Fundraising Committee, and an Executive Director with extensive fundraising and management experience.

This is an exempt, full-time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours a week. Scheduled work is generally within normal business hours, with occasional earlier mornings, evenings, and weekends required as needed. This position reports to the Executive Director. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format to director@mynaturecenter.org

Compensation:

  • Starting annual salary range based on qualifications: $50,000.00 to $55,000.00
  • Performance-based lump sum bonus potential: 2% to 4% of annual salary
  • Eligible for annual performance-based salary increases

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off including vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • 403b retirement plan investment opportunity with employer partial match
  • No-cost temporary disability insurance and life insurance
  • Option for Health Insurance benefit (up to 50% of employee premium paid)

Duties & Responsibilities:

Fund Development (70%):

  • Implement Fund Development Plan including donor development, solicitations, and related activities, such as annual seasonal appeals, ongoing solicitations, donor cultivation, etc.
  • Collaborate with staff to identify and develop prospects and donors to increase fundraising capacity
  • Manage recruitment and coordination of volunteers
  • Manage donor database and donor communications
  • Track and report fundraising activities and performance
  • Secure donations to optimize lifetime value of donors to the organization

Strategic Development (20%):

  • Collaborate with Executive Director and Fundraising Committee to set and achieve fundraising goals
  • Assist with stakeholder relationship development to advance the organization’s strategic goals
  • Collaborate with staff and stakeholders on organizational activities

Other Duties (10%):

  • Other duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.
  • This Position Description does not include all tasks that may be completed in this position. Duties may be added, removed, or modified at any time.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required
  • Minimum two (2) years of fundraising or related field experience required
  • Three (3) or more years of professional fundraising experience preferred
  • Supervisory and management experience preferred
  • Ability to work in fast-paced collaborative environment
  • Highly organized with ability to effectively multi-task
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Quantitative reasoning and data management skills
  • Proven record of successful relationship-based income generation

To Apply:

  • Submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format via email to be considered for this position.
  • Use the following email: director@mynaturecenter.org
  • Inquiries regarding this position may be sent to the same address.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 403(b)
  • 403(b) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lansing, MI 48910

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Development Manager?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Development Manager career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$131,989 - $180,602
Income Estimation: 
$171,757 - $234,497
Income Estimation: 
$105,549 - $167,174
Income Estimation: 
$128,536 - $205,780
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Development Manager jobs in the Lansing, MI area that may be a better fit.

  • Capital Area Community Services Inc. Lansing, MI
  • Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is hiring a Professional Development Manager for their Head Start/Early Head Start Programs. This is a job opportunit... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • FASTSIGNS Parker/Castle Rock Lansing, MI
  • Replies within 24 hours Benefits: 401(k) matching Bonus based on performance Competitive salary Paid time off Training & development About Us: FASTSIGNS La... more
  • 2 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!