We are seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic Development Manager to join our team. This new position, reporting to the Executive Director, can be either part-time or full-time and will play a key role in securing new donors, increasing donor retention, and maximizing each donor’s financial support.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute an annual development plan that aligns with SRA’s fundraising goals,
- Organize and participate in SRA events, including house parties, to inform and engage donors and prospective supporters,
- Support and assist the Executive Director by developing a plan to engage prospective major donors and offer stewardship guidance for existing major donors,
- Coordinate and train the SRA board on donor stewardship and activates to enhance donor engagement,
- Cultivate and steward select major donors as agreed upon with SRA leadership,
- Engage lapsed donors through creative outreach initiatives,
- Expand corporate partnership and sponsorships through proactive relationship building,
- Draft all gift solicitation communications and coordinate with the Operations and Communications Manager to ensure consistent messaging across SRA’s outreach,
- Utilize and manage the SRA Donor Management System (Little Green Light) to personalize donor communication, generate reports, and analyze trends. Collaborate with the Operations and Communication Manager to establish best practices and enforce policies,
- Monitor and report on development progress, identifying any areas of concern and proposing strategies to achieve revenue goals,
- Attend relevant conferences and training opportunities as approved,
- Additional duties as assigned to support the SRA’s mission and development efforts.
Qualifications:
- Strong alignment with SRA’s guiding principles and commitment to restoring and protecting the Severn River
- Minimum of three years’ experience in fundraising, with proven success in $1,000 + gift solicitations and stewardship.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the desire and ability to directly interact with donors via telephone, video, in-person, and events to build meaningful and lasting relationships
- Knowledge of best practices to improve donor acquisition, retention, and maximize donation levels.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, including strong attention to detail and copy-editing skills
- Demonstrated strategic, analytical, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with personal productivity tools and at least one donor management system – specific experience with Google Workspace and/or Little Green Light a plus
- High level of discretion in handling confidential information.
- Flexibility for weekend, evening, or extended hours, and willingness to travel when required.