Development Manager

DETAILS

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Development Manager plays a critical role within the Reality Changers Development team, which is focused on driving and supporting strategy for three key functions: fundraising, communications, and events. The Development Manager is responsible for supporting the overall operations of the team, with a focus on strategically expanding our small to mid-level donor base to support the organization’s goal of serving more students.

The Development Manager reports to the VP, Development.

BENCHMARKS / GOALS / MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Work with the Development team to achieve the organization’s annual fundraising goal.
• Manage a small-mid level portfolio to cultivate, solicit and steward donors as well as managing up to support the VP and CEO with major donors as needed.
• Manage the organization’s monthly giving program to achieve and help grow the organization’s annual giving goal.
• Manage the successful execution of events, including two large fundraisers (Farm to Tabl(eux) and Over the Edge), friend-raisers, and stewardship events e.g. Speech Nights, etc.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

An incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Relations (50%):

• Work with the Development Team to implement and manage an annual fundraising plan (e.g. peer-to-peer campaigns, year-end appeal, giving events, etc.).
• Plan, organize, and execute successful donor stewardship and fundraising events, including overseeing the timeline, logistics coordination, managing committees, vendor negotiations, and on-site operations.
• Responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding gifts up to $2,500.
• Grow and manage the monthly giving program including cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
• With the Director V.P. of Development, develop targeted mailing lists and prospect lists for campaigns and special events.
• Manage third-party fundraisers by attending planning meetings, coordinating committees, helping sell tickets, stewarding guests, and supporting the Volunteer Manager with recruitment/management of Reality Changers volunteers for special events.
• Support the President/CEO and VP of Development with making regular phone calls to current and potential donors, partners, and sponsors to set up meetings with supporters and maintain communication.
• Conduct ongoing research and analysis on donor prospects to expand the donor base.
• Manage and log communications, solicitations and other contacts to donor records.
• Monitor and update relationship manager portfolios to ensure ongoing engagement with current and prospective donors

Donor Database Management (25%):

• Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Development database including ensuring the accuracy and integrity of data, standard operating procedures, donor management and activities as well as providing department specific end-user training and support.
• Continuously improve and maintain efficient systems for data cleansing, data entry, gift processing, prospect research and relationship management.
• With Finance Assistant, track, record, and code pledges and weekly gifts to ensure timely payment and acknowledgment.
• Analyze and produce reports on fundraising campaign and event performance to measure outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide support as needed with monthly reconciliation between Development and Finance departments.

External Communications and Outreach (20%):

• Draft and review compelling development communications in the form of, but not limited to, proposals, grant applications, development reports, meeting briefs, event packets, and donor correspondence as directed.
• Work closely with Marketing & Communications Manager to develop and manage consistent messaging to prospects, donors and community members.
• Strategically cultivate and leverage relationships with relevant businesses, funding entities, and partners to maximize the impact of Reality Changers’ brand, efforts, and impact in the community.
• Connect with community partners to follow up on leads; assist with planning and coordination of outreach events and community networking opportunities.
• Attend/represent Reality Changers at community and donor-related meetings and events, including speaking on behalf of the organization.

General Administration (5%):

• Support various tasks and projects in the organization’s effort to raise annual fundraising goals.
• Stay current on the latest technology and features of databases as well as other data systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Relevant Field: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is required.
• Master’s Degree (Preferred): A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Public Administration (MPA), can be advantageous.
• Certifications (Optional): Professional certifications in fundraising, such as the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, can be beneficial.
• Professional Experience: 5+ years of development, marketing and communications or related experience, including creating content for social media, email campaigns, websites, video, etc.
• 2+ years project management experience
• Nonprofit experience with communications and fundraising

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and partners.
• Written and Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for crafting compelling proposals, reports, and presentations including proven success in presenting ideas and concepts effectively and persuasively.
• Leadership and Team Management: Ability to lead and motivate a team, including volunteers, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of financial reports and budgeting to ensure effective allocation of resources and meeting fundraising goals.
• Marketing and Public Relations: Skills in marketing and public relations to enhance the organization’s visibility and engage potential donors.
• Event Planning: Experience in planning and executing fundraising events, from small donor meetings to large scale galas.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Ability to analyze data to measure the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and make data-driven decisions.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with fundraising software and CRM systems, as well as standard office software like in Klavio, MailChimp, Salesforce, Canva, Adobe, and G Suite.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
• Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines with an outcomes-oriented approach. Excellent attention to detail and highly organized.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, even when confronted with ambiguity. Willingness to take initiative and do what is necessary to complete the job.
• Networking: Ability to network effectively within the community and industry to cultivate new opportunities.
• Ethical Standards: High ethical standards and integrity, particularly in handling confidential information related to donors and finances.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Represent Reality Changers in a positive manner in all public and private settings.
• Provide positive encouragement to staff, students, and instructors in all public and private settings.
• Exemplify commitment to Reality Changers’ mission and values.

TRAVEL / HOURS

• • Regular weekend and evening work will be expected, especially in November/December and leading up to
    events.
  • Occasional travel will be expected.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• • A valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to and from site location(s), Reality Changers’ headquarters, and related events.
  • Clear Tuberculosis Test (TB) or ability to obtain medical clearance
  • A job offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check
    and fingerprinting.

SALARY / BENEFITS

As a candidate for this position, starting salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors Reality Changers considers relevant factors to the hiring decisions for this position.

Benefits for this position include a 403(b) plan, medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid holidays, paid sick leave (10 days), paid parental leave, pet insurance, sabbatical leave, unlimited flexible paid time off, plus one additional week of office closure to refresh and recharge!

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Due to COVID-19, Reality Changers employees are temporarily operating in a hybrid model—working in-person from the office and remotely from home.

PHYSYCAL REQUIREMENTS

This job requires the ability to sit, use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. It requires moderate dexterity, application of basic skills (calculator, keyboard, hand-eye coordination, etc.) and the ability to bend or stand as necessary.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

At Reality Changers, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) are connected to our mission and critical to the well-being of our staff and our community. In 2021, we were recognized as an “Outstanding Organization for Diversity & Inclusion” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego Chapter.

Reality Changers serves first generation youth from low-income backgrounds and from groups who are traditionally under-represented on college campuses—such as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBT+, Immigrant and/or Undocumented communities. Because we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and/or backgrounds.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following to jobs@realitychangers.org by 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024.

• Current resume.
• A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and Reality Changers’ focus and mission.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. The anticipated start date is Novemner 2024. Applicants who identify as first-generation college students/graduates are especially encouraged to apply.

Please note:

• The starting salary for this position is $66,500 per year plus benefits
• No phone calls.
• Relocation is not available.
• For more information, please visit www.realitychangers.org