Development Manager

Position Summary:

Education Action Alliance is seeking an experienced and strategic Development Manager to lead fundraising initiatives and secure financial resources to advance our mission. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including identifying and cultivating relationships with major donors, individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. The Development Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other staff to ensure success in achieving the organization’s fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, goals and strategic plan.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish fundraising goals and track progress to achieve annual revenue goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward a pipeline of individual donors, from grassroots supporters to high-net-worth individuals.
• Develop personalized communication strategies to deepen relationships with current and potential individual donors, ensuring meaningful engagement.
• Implement donor recognition programs and stewardship strategies that foster long-term loyalty and support.
• Design, implement, and manage annual and ongoing individual giving campaigns, including recurring giving programs.
• Lead efforts to expand individual giving through targeted donor engagement and customized campaigns.
• Develop fundraising programs to ensure that our donors reflect the communities in which we work.
• Use creative and engaging strategies to maximize donor participation and contributions during these campaigns.
• Partner with the Communications team to leverage email, social media, and digital platforms to drive individual donations and raise awareness of campaign goals.
• Research, write and/or oversee the research and writing of grant proposals and reports for foundation and local government funding opportunities, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Manage grant reporting to ensure compliance and accurate tracking of funds received.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and staff team to align funding needs with program goals.
• Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns to raise awareness and support for Education Action Alliance’s programs.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop promotional materials, social media campaigns, and other outreach strategies to drive donor engagement.
• Provide leadership and guidance to other team members involved in fundraising efforts, ensuring a cohesive approach across the organization.
• Prepare regular updates and reports on fundraising progress, challenges, and successes for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain donor records in a CRM database, tracking engagement, gifts, and activities.
• Analyze donor data to identify trends, optimize strategies, and measure success.
• As appropriate, represent Education Action Alliance at public events, conferences, and networking opportunities to raise awareness and support for the organization’s mission.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of demonstrated fundraising experience, including individual giving campaigns, donor cultivation and retention, grant writing, and event planning.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with a particular talent for storytelling and inspiring action.
• Proven ability to meet fundraising targets and work independently, with a track record of building and sustaining long-term donor relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, stakeholders, and volunteers, with a commitment to transparency and inclusivity in all aspects of resource mobilization.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required for events and donor engagement.
• Commitment to social justice and knowledge of anti-oppression/anti-racist work.
• Proficiency in donor management software and Google Workspace Tools, with experience in Salesforce being a plus.