Job Description
Other Ministries - Full-time
Date: Sept 1, 2025
Title: Senior Development Officer
Salary Level: Full time, Salary, Exempt
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Location Classification: Flex
Reports to: Vice President of Advancement
Supervisory: None
Travel: As needed
Function: Crossroads Prison Ministries is seeking a mission-driven Senior Development Officer to grow and steward philanthropic support across both U.S.-based and international ministry efforts. This role will be responsible for planning and executing donor engagement strategies, overseeing donor communications, engaging in appeals, and supporting global fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, collaborative team member, and results-oriented development professional with experience in both traditional and cross-cultural fundraising environments.
Responsibilities:
Advancement:
Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Develop and implement annual fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
- Manage fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, email, and online appeals, in alignment with the annual appeal calendar.
- Support the launch and coordination of global fundraising efforts with international partners and affiliates.
- Develop segmented donor strategies within the portfolio (e.g., monthly, major, lapsed, international) to encourage increased giving and retention.
- Participate in fundraising events, virtual donor briefings, and other donor-facing activities.
- Cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors through personal outreach, updates, and reporting.
- Work closely with the Advancement team to identify, research, and engage new donor prospects both domestically and internationally.
- Manage donor acknowledgment and stewardship activities to ensure timely and meaningful engagement.
Communications & Content Collaboration
- Collaborate with the VP of Advancement and Business and the Dir of Communications to develop compelling fundraising messaging and content (e.g., newsletters, appeals, impact reports, donor emails).
- Tailor messaging to diverse audiences, including U.S. supporters, international donors, and global partners.
- Contribute stories and data that showcase the impact of giving and inspire continued support.
Data & Reporting
- Use the donor database (CRM) to track fundraising progress, analyze giving trends, and inform strategic decisions.
- Generate reports on donor activity, campaign performance, and fundraising outcomes.
- Ensure data integrity and consistency across donor records.
Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Support
- Serve as a key partner to the International Ministries and Programs teams to support joint fundraising initiatives.
- Assist in grant reporting and international funding proposals as needed.
Qualifications:
Character
- A personal relationship with Jesus Christ that results in a life lived in obedience to the will of God, evident by spiritual fruit and the desire to grow in the Lord.
- Is supportive of other staff members and volunteers.
- Gentle confidence, genuine servanthood and spiritual maturity.
Chemistry
- Expresses flexibility, cooperation and teachability.
- Forward thinker, self-directed, team-oriented.
- Demonstrated passion and ability to promote a culture that values employees and volunteers.
Competency
· Ability to clearly communicate in both written and verbal communication
· Strong logistical skills (attention to detail, ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks concurrently and objectively apply problem-solving skills
· Strong organizational skills
· Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organization
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or development, including donor cultivation, campaigns, and donor communications.
- Experience working in an international or cross-cultural context is highly desired.
- Strong project management skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a heart for storytelling and donor impact.
- Proficiency in CRM systems and donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Virtuous).
- Alignment with the mission and values of Crossroads Prison Ministries, and a passion for sharing the Gospel through restorative, discipleship-centered ministry.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.