Senior Fundraising Specialist (U.S.)

Detroit Area

About Us

AquaAction is a fast-growing U.S.-registered charity with offices in Detroit and Montreal. Our mission is to empower leaders to solve pressing freshwater challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Since launching operations in Michigan in 2025, we have built strong partnerships with post-secondary institutions and developed a growing network of sponsors and collaborators, particularly in the Detroit area. Our upcoming AquaHacking Great Lakes and St. Lawrence binational Challenge will engage hundreds of young innovators to address critical water issues across the watershed, culminating in a final event on November 5 in Detroit.

As water challenges intensify across North America, AquaAction is expanding its programming to support water-tech entrepreneurs, as well as broader education and awareness initiatives. We are committed to advancing innovative, community-driven solutions that can be piloted and scaled.

Position Summary

As the Senior Fundraising Specialist, you will play a leadership role in securing and growing diversified funding streams to support AquaAction’s expansion across Michigan and the Great Lakes region. You will be responsible for identifying, developing, and advancing strategic funding opportunities across corporate, philanthropic, and government sources.

While you will work closely with our Director of Development, this role requires a highly self-directed professional who can assess opportunities, exercise sound judgment, and drive initiatives from concept to execution. You will be accountable for achieving defined revenue targets and contributing to the long-term financial sustainability of AquaAction’s programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-develop and execute fundraising strategies and capital campaigns aligned with organizational priorities.
• Identify, assess, and pursue new funding opportunities across corporate, foundation, and government sources.
• Build, manage, and maintain a robust fundraising pipeline in HubSpot, including tracking, forecasting, and performance reporting.
• Lead and support the development of proposals, grant applications, and partnership agreements.
• Monitor and report on fundraising performance, including pipeline growth and conversion rates.
• Develop and manage budgets related to fundraising initiatives and partnerships.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to support lead generation and strategic communications.
• Represent AquaAction at events, industry forums, and networking opportunities.
• Apply strong project management practices to coordinate stakeholders and track deliverables.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or partnership development.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve revenue targets and manage complex funding pipelines.
• Strong relationship-building skills with corporate, foundation, and government stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (preferably HubSpot).
• Bilingual in English and French (an asset but not required).

Inclusion

AquaAction is committed to attracting talent from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from equity-deserving groups.

Self-identifying as Indigenous or having first-hand experience working with Indigenous communities will be considered an asset.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000–$110,000, based on experience, along with performance-based incentives.

We also provide a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth. This role may involve periods of increased activity during major campaigns and events.