Development Manager

The Development Manager plays a key role in ensuring the organization's

sustainability and impact by managing development operations, systems, and communications. This position oversees donor stewardship, maintains fundraising infrastructure, and ensures that our communications efforts authentically reflect our mission and programs.

Development Operations & Systems

• Maintain and optimize the donor database, ensuring accurate records and generating regular reports for leadership and the Board.
• Develop and update fundraising tools and materials, including talking points, elevator pitches, presentation decks, one-pagers, and annual reports.
• Work with Executive Director and Exhibitions manager to identify donor recognition gifts.
• Work with the Administrative Associate & Youth Advisory Council to coordinate donor recognition and stewardship efforts, including thank-you letters and acknowledgments.
• Track grant deadlines, deliverables, and compliance requirements across all active grants.
• Prepare development-related materials and reports for Board meetings.

Grant Support & Collaboration

• Write compelling proposals for major grants above $50,000.
• Responsible for maintaining grants calendar; developing and submitting grant reports in a timely manner in collaboration with Executive Director.
• Check in regularly with the contracted grant writer to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and timelines.
• Review and edit grant proposals and reports for quality, accuracy, and compliance.
• Collaborate with Program Managers to ensure program evaluations and data collection tools capture the data needed to strengthen grant applications and reports.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and finance liaisons to ensure budgets and financial reports meet funder requirements.
• Support grant prospecting efforts by researching potential funders and maintaining a pipeline.

Communications & Storytelling

• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator, ensuring newsletters, impact stories, and outreach materials authentically highlight programs and engage supporters.
• Engage with youth during program hours (approximately 4 hours monthly) to gather stories and insights that ground fundraising and communications in lived program experiences.
• Ensure communications materials align with fundraising goals and organizational voice.

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Provide strategic support for individual giving campaigns, including annual appeals and digital fundraising initiatives.
• Support the Executive Director and leadership team in cultivating and stewarding relationships with funders, donors, and partners by preparing briefing materials, follow-up communications, and meeting support.
• Support Board members in their fundraising efforts by providing materials, talking points, and donor information.
• Support the development and execution of board-led fundraising events, including attending and set-up.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization's annual fundraising strategy and revenue goals.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, donor relations, or related fields.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong attention to detail and organizational systems.
• Supervisory or team collaboration experience preferred.
• Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and social justice.
• Experience working with youth-serving organizations is desired but not required.