Director of Development

Job Description

Director of Development
Detroit, Michigan
Immediate Opportunity

ABOUT THE MINISTRY AND MISSION
Founded in 1992 as a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Mercy Education Project (MEP) is a mission-driven nonprofit serving women and girls from low-income families in Southwest Detroit. Rooted in the Mercy values of compassion, justice, service, and community, MEP exists to expand access to education, life skills, and economic opportunity for those most often excluded from traditional systems.

In partnership with its Board of Directors and executive leadership team, Mercy Education Project has engaged ACELA Solutions to lead this important executive search as the organization seeks its next Director of Development.

For more than three decades, Mercy Education Project has been a trusted and respected presence in the Detroit community. The organization walks alongside women and girls as they pursue academic achievement, workforce readiness, and long-term stability. Today, MEP operates with approximately $1.5 million in annual revenue and is supported by a committed Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and an engaged network of philanthropic partners.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Mercy Education Project seeks a Director of Development to join its senior leadership team at an important moment in the organization's continued growth and sustainability.

This role offers a meaningful opportunity for an experienced, mission-aligned advancement leader to steward and strengthen the philanthropic foundation that makes MEP's work possible. The Director of Development serves as the organization's chief advancement leader, guiding all contributed revenue in support of programs, operations, and long-term vitality.

This is not simply a fundraising position. It is a senior leadership role for someone who understands development as a relational, values-driven vocation.

THE ROLE
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board Development Committee, the Director of Development provides strategic and operational leadership across all areas of advancement, including individual giving, major gifts, foundations, government funding, special events, and development communications.

The Director of Development is a key member of MEP's leadership team and leads a small development staff in a collaborative, mission-centered environment. This leader plays a central role in articulating MEP's impact, cultivating donor relationships, and ensuring that the organization's story is communicated with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Mercy Education Project is seeking a seasoned development professional who brings both strategic perspective and hands-on experience and who is deeply motivated by mission-driven work.

The Board and leadership are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to educational equity and social justice, the ability to build authentic and trust-based relationships with donors and partners, comfort collaborating closely with executive leadership and board members, a leadership style grounded in humility and integrity, and a passion for connecting philanthropy to meaningful impact.

Candidates from nonprofit, education, foundation, or related mission-driven sectors are encouraged to explore this opportunity.

THE VISION
MEP's mission is clear, its programs are strong, and its community relationships are deep. The next Director of Development will play a critical role in ensuring that this important work continues to grow and thrive, helping secure the resources necessary to serve women and girls across Southwest Detroit for years to come.

NEXT STEPS
Our search team is in the process of finalizing the search prospectus and position description. In the meantime, prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to begin exploring this senior leadership opportunity by contacting Katie Shubnell directly. All inquiries and applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality and the greatest respect.

TO APPLY
Visit our Current Searches Page at www.acelasolutions.com

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and a letter of interest. Rather than a traditional cover letter, the letter of interest should address the candidate's motivation for this role, including what draws them to Mercy Education Project, how their professional experiences have prepared them for senior philanthropic leadership, and why this opportunity is compelling at this moment in their career.

Salary and benefits, including a robust incentive plan, are very competitive with the local market and commensurate with experience.

This is an immediate opportunity. The search committee is committed to identifying and securing Mercy Education Project's next Director of Development on an expedited timeline.

CONTACT
Katie Shubnell
Senior Vice President
katie.shubnell@acelasolutions.com
www.acelasolutions.com

About the Employer

ACELA Solutions is a trusted national partner serving Catholic foundations, schools, dioceses, religious communities, and ministries through mission-driven leadership solutions. We advance Catholic education, leadership, and philanthropy through actionable, accessible support rooted in discernment, strategy, and stewardship.

Our leadership partners have served more than 6,000 Catholic institutions nationwide, worked in over 90% of U.S. dioceses, raised more than $2 billion in philanthropic support, secured nearly 600 leaders, and completed over 500 strategic engagements.

ACELA provides executive search, leadership and team development, strategic planning and assessments, system design, partnered counsel, board development, and workshops-guided by a philosophy of mission over margin.