Title: Development Manager
Reports to: Director of Development
Direct Reports: Development Associate
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Development, the Development Manager plans and executes the Annual Fund Campaign and Special Events. The incumbent is responsible for meeting revenue goals, managing expenses, and directing annual support and special events to meet established outcomes. This position works with the Director of Development to solicit sponsorships and major annual gifts and assists with donor communication and stewardship.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plans and facilitates Annual Fund campaigns, including Campaign for Equal Justice, developing structure, strategies, and processes for maximum campaign results.
- Sets goals for annual support and oversees processing, recording, acknowledgement, and stewardship of annual fund donors.
- Plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of fundraising events and third-party fundraising programs, including but not limited to, correspondence, marketing, event committee recruitment and coordination, sponsorship, and on-site event direction.
- Develops and oversees all ancillary event pieces to include honorees and awards, silent and live auctions, chance drawings, peer-to-peer fundraising, etc.
- Negotiates and maintains contracts with event venues and third-party vendors and supporters, ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Society guidelines, requirements, and applicable laws, securing discounts and in-kind support where possible.
- Collaborates with marketing professionals to create collateral material for Annual Fund Campaigns and Special Events, including print and digital marketing.
- Develops and maintains budgets for Annual Fund Campaign and Special Events, ensuring expenses remain within budget, and revenue goals are achieved and exceeded.
- Identifies new constituent markets for Annual Fund appeals.
- Cultivates and solicits event sponsorships from individuals and businesses in coordination with Director of Development.
- Works with Director of Development to identify and cultivate major Annual Fund donors.
- Coordinates sponsor recognition, engagement, and impact including but not limited to logo placement, program ads, event tickets and invoicing.
- Creates and facilitates Annual Fund recognition standards.
- Prepares and presents reports on Annual Fund Campaign and Special Event results.
Miscellaneous Responsibilities:
- Is dedicated to the vision, mission, and core values of Legal Aid Society and represents these standards in the community.
- Attends all required trainings and meetings and seeks out learning opportunities that enhance the organization’s ability to raise funds.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Adheres to the standards and ethics of Legal Aid Society.
- Participates actively in the development of environments that foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through words, actions, and attitude.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices.
- Experience managing annual fundraising initiatives and special events.
- Knowledge of business and management principles involved in the coordination of people and resources.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work successfully with colleagues, donors, administrators, and volunteers.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to use specialized fund development software with proficiency; and overall digital, virtual, and technical proficiency.
- Strong public relations skills and the ability to develop community collaborations.
- Ability to work independently to make decisions and solve problems, escalating issues when needed.
- Ability to organize, plan and prioritize work, maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, including thoroughness and proactive follow-up.
- Ability to develop budgets and manage financial resources effectively.
- Ability to tolerate stress and stay flexible when faced with the pressure of multiple or competing deadlines.
- Ability to be reliable, responsible, and dependable and to fulfill obligations and complete commitments.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
- Minimum of three years documented experience in annual fund development, event planning, and sponsorship,
- Understanding and appreciation of Legal Aid Society’s mission and the capability to project that mission to prospective donors and partners required.
- Experience in a nonprofit environment strongly preferred.