Development Manager

Mar 30

Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2026

Description

This newly created position will be a relationship- and strategy-forward role that reports directly to the Executive Director. The Executive Director has strong relationships with key funders and actively fundraises. This role ensures that engagement with those funders—from preparation to follow-through—is thoughtful, well-coordinated, and strategically aligned.

The Development Manager:

Elevates opportunities to increase the Alliance’s visibility and network with investors and potential investors, including high-net worth individuals
Works closely with the Deputy Director, Communications and Strategy, to develop investor messaging that is tightly aligned with the Alliance’s differentiating positioning
Coordinates with the Deputy Director, Advocacy and Impact, to bring advocacy and state-level insight into funder requests and reports
Ensures consistent, value-added stewardship throughout the year
Maintains high-level funder intel and ecosystem awareness
Leads grant calendar management and manages proposal/report drafting (with communications and programs partners)
Surfaces new funding opportunities (foundation, corporation, individuals)

Responsibilities

In this role you will:

Revenue Generation/Fundraising Strategy Development

Execute and refine the overall revenue generation/fundraising strategy.

Funder Relationship Management

Maintain a 360° view of each funder: priorities, timelines, staff changes, strategic shifts, issue trends
Develop and update relationship action plans for each funder
Prepare call briefs, talking points, follow-up emails, and stewardship messages
Join funder calls, listen for insights and opportunities, note action items
Monitor funder communications, newsletters, and announcements for opportunities or red flags
Coordinate a consistent rhythm of funder engagement (check-ins, updates, and milestone sharing) working with the Executive Director and other staff to ensure timely outreach

Proposal Writing and Project Management

Own the grants calendar, deadlines, and org-wide workflows
Project manage proposals and reports across communications and program teams
Draft or co-draft proposals, concept notes, and narrative sections with staff team
Build and maintain proposal and report templates

Prospecting and Ecosystem Scanning

Track developments in the funder ecosystem relevant to the Alliance mission
Identify aligned prospects and recommend engagement strategies
Build pipelines (leads, intel, connections)

Internal Collaboration

Work with staff to translate program direction into funder-ready language
Coordinate with communications on messaging, annual materials, and funder updates
Collaborate with finance on budgets and grant-related revenue forecasts

Systems

Upgrade or maintain CRM/database practices
Ensure funder touchpoints are documented and deliverables are clearly tracked
Build routines that create clarity and consistency

Requirements

To be successful in the role, you’ll need:

Demonstrated experience (4+ years) shaping and executing a strategic vision and plan for philanthropic partnerships
Proven ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including internal staff and funder representatives
Experience in funder research and analysis, including prospecting and aligning donor interests with organizational priorities
Strong grant management skills, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and managing priorities with precision
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues and programmatic work in compelling, funder-aligned language
Experience managing multiple, high-value partnerships simultaneously
Knowledge of the charitable sector and the philanthropic landscape
The ability to travel 3-5 times per year (1-4 days per trip) for organizational events and network convenings

Preferred Qualifications

Experience cultivating community with a network of members, affiliates, or grantees
Experience working at the state level and/or multi-state networks
Experience with CRM systems (such as Insightly) and knowledge management platforms
Experience working in fully remote team settings

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

$99,000 – $134,000

How to Apply for this Job

Apply Now

About the Organization

WOC is not responsible for the content of job postings.