Development Manager FullTime
VisArts, Rockville, MD, United States
Reports to: Vice President of Advancement. Supervises: Part‑Time Grant Writer. Status: Full‑time, exempt. Minimum 4 days/week onsite. Limited evenings/weekends.
VisArts seeks a dynamic fundraising professional with at least three years of experience in nonprofit development to join our team as Development Manager. This role plans and executes VisArts’ annual giving strategy, cultivates mid‑level donors, coordinates grants, and manages donor data to build strong, lasting relationships that support VisArts’ mission.
DONOR CULTIVATION & SOLICITATION (30%)
Mid‑Level Donor Management
Maintain and manage approximately 200‑250 grassroots donors ( Conduct personalized outreach, including phone calls, emails, in‑person meetings, and handwritten notes
Develop individualized cultivation strategies based on donor interests, giving history, and capacity
Execute strategic solicitations in collaboration with the VP of Advancement, the CEO, and the Board members
Identify and qualify major gift prospects ($5,000+ capacity) for the VP’s portfolio
Donor Engagement Strategy
Facilitate administrative duties to support the Board Ambassador Program
Develop and execute engagement strategies to deepen donors’ connection to VisArts’ mission and programs
Collaborate with program staff to create meaningful touchpoints between donors and programs they support
Leverage site visits, gallery openings, exhibition previews, and special events to strengthen donor relationships
Work closely with the VP of Advancement on cultivation strategies for donors moving toward the major gift level
Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
Conduct prospect research to identify new individual and institutional donors
Qualify prospects based on capacity, affinity, and giving history
Build and maintain a robust solicitation pipeline across all donor levels
Track prospect movement through the cultivation cycle and adjust strategies accordingly
ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS & DONOR RETENTION (25%)
Campaign Planning & Execution
Plan and execute VisArts’ annual fundraising campaigns, including year‑end giving and spring appeal
Develop multi‑channel campaign strategies incorporating direct mail, email, social media, and personal outreach
Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to ensure alignment of campaign messaging, design, and creative execution
Coordinate with the Grant Writer on campaign materials, appeal letters, and donor communications
Set campaign revenue goals, track progress, and analyze results
Donor Stewardship & Retention
Build and maintain relationships with individual and institutional donors through personalized communication and recognition
Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts (within 48 hours for gifts $1,000+)
Develop and implement retention strategies to reduce donor attrition and increase recurring giving
Create impact reports and stewardship communications demonstrating how donor support advances VisArts’ mission
Manage donor recognition programs, including naming opportunities, donor walls, and annual reports
Event‑Based Fundraising
Leverage programmatic events, gallery openings, receptions, and fundraising events to meet revenue goals and deepen donor relationships
Coordinate donor cultivation events, including behind‑the‑scenes tours, artist conversations, house parties, and exclusive previews
Ensure donors feel valued, connected, and inspired at all VisArts events
GRANTS & CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP (20%)
Grants Coordination
Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar tracking deadlines for applications and reports
Coordinate grant proposal process: assemble application materials (budgets, financial statements, board lists, program descriptions), gather data and outcomes from program staff, and submit completed applications via grant portals
Manage grant reporting process: track deadlines, coordinate with program staff to gather required content and data, work with Grant Writer to draft reports, and ensure timely submission
Maintain organized grant files and documentation for all active and prospective institutional funders
Support the VP of Advancement in cultivating relationships with program officers at foundations and institutional funders through regular communication and site visits
Corporate Sponsorship
Identify, cultivate, and solicit corporate sponsors for programs, exhibitions, and special events
Develop compelling sponsorship packages, aligning corporate community engagement goals with VisArts’ mission and visibility opportunities
Ensure proper sponsor recognition through signage, event acknowledgment, social media, and website features
Provide sponsors with impact reports and stewardship materials demonstrating value and community reach
CRM & DATABASE MANAGEMENT (15%)
Database Administration
Serve as primary administrator of VisArts’ donor database (CRM system)
Ensure data integrity, accurate gift recording, proper donor attribution, and timely acknowledgments
Maintain accurate and current donor records, including contact information, giving history, communication preferences, and engagement activities
Process gift entries, generate acknowledgment letters, and track pledge payments
Train staff on proper database use and data entry protocols
Analytics & Reporting
Generate reports and analytics to track fundraising performance, donor retention, campaign effectiveness, and pipeline health
Analyze donor data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring strategic attention
Prepare regular reports for the VP of Advancement on fundraising progress, donor activity, and revenue forecasting
Use data insights to inform cultivation strategies, campaign timing, and resource allocation
SUPERVISION & COLLABORATION (10%)
Grant Writer Supervision
Supervise Part‑Time Grant Writer, providing guidance on priorities, deadlines, and organizational messaging
Review and approve grant proposals, reports, fundraising appeals, and donor communications for accuracy, alignment with strategy, and compelling storytelling
Ensure Grant Writer has access to necessary information, data, and staff resources
Provide constructive feedback and support the Grant Writer’s professional development
Cross‑Departmental Collaboration
Work closely with the Marketing Manager to coordinate fundraising campaigns with program marketing and ensure consistent messaging
Collaborate with program directors to gather impact stories, outcomes data, and programmatic information for proposals and donor communications
Partner with the finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting for grants and donor communications
Support the VP of Advancement in Board fundraising activities and committee support
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Skills
Minimum three years of relevant experience in nonprofit fundraising, including individual giving, corporate sponsorship, and grants management
Track record of successfully executing annual fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation strategies
Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines independently
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, staff, Board members, and volunteers
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to articulate VisArts’ mission and impact compellingly
Proficiency in CRM database management and donor analytics tools (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar)
Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret donor data and translate insights into strategy
Passion for and commitment to VisArts’ mission and vision
Personal Qualities
Gifted communicator and successful relationship builder
Respectful collaborator capable of turning ideas into measurable outcomes
Proactive self‑starter who anticipates needs and solves problems
Positive attitude, team spirit, and sense of humor
Adaptable and flexible in response to the evolving fundraising landscape
Note: Nonprofit fundraising strategies, opportunities, and responsibilities evolve continuously. Flexibility, adaptability, and proactivity are essential for success in this role. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to still consider applying.
Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 per year + Benefits.
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VisArts seeks a dynamic fundraising professional with at least three years of experience in nonprofit development to join our team as Development Manager. This role plans and executes VisArts’ annual giving strategy, cultivates mid‑level donors, coordinates grants, and manages donor data to build strong, lasting relationships that support VisArts’ mission.
DONOR CULTIVATION & SOLICITATION (30%)
Mid‑Level Donor Management
Maintain and manage approximately 200‑250 grassroots donors ( Conduct personalized outreach, including phone calls, emails, in‑person meetings, and handwritten notes
Develop individualized cultivation strategies based on donor interests, giving history, and capacity
Execute strategic solicitations in collaboration with the VP of Advancement, the CEO, and the Board members
Identify and qualify major gift prospects ($5,000+ capacity) for the VP’s portfolio
Donor Engagement Strategy
Facilitate administrative duties to support the Board Ambassador Program
Develop and execute engagement strategies to deepen donors’ connection to VisArts’ mission and programs
Collaborate with program staff to create meaningful touchpoints between donors and programs they support
Leverage site visits, gallery openings, exhibition previews, and special events to strengthen donor relationships
Work closely with the VP of Advancement on cultivation strategies for donors moving toward the major gift level
Prospect Research & Pipeline Development
Conduct prospect research to identify new individual and institutional donors
Qualify prospects based on capacity, affinity, and giving history
Build and maintain a robust solicitation pipeline across all donor levels
Track prospect movement through the cultivation cycle and adjust strategies accordingly
ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS & DONOR RETENTION (25%)
Campaign Planning & Execution
Plan and execute VisArts’ annual fundraising campaigns, including year‑end giving and spring appeal
Develop multi‑channel campaign strategies incorporating direct mail, email, social media, and personal outreach
Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to ensure alignment of campaign messaging, design, and creative execution
Coordinate with the Grant Writer on campaign materials, appeal letters, and donor communications
Set campaign revenue goals, track progress, and analyze results
Donor Stewardship & Retention
Build and maintain relationships with individual and institutional donors through personalized communication and recognition
Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts (within 48 hours for gifts $1,000+)
Develop and implement retention strategies to reduce donor attrition and increase recurring giving
Create impact reports and stewardship communications demonstrating how donor support advances VisArts’ mission
Manage donor recognition programs, including naming opportunities, donor walls, and annual reports
Event‑Based Fundraising
Leverage programmatic events, gallery openings, receptions, and fundraising events to meet revenue goals and deepen donor relationships
Coordinate donor cultivation events, including behind‑the‑scenes tours, artist conversations, house parties, and exclusive previews
Ensure donors feel valued, connected, and inspired at all VisArts events
GRANTS & CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP (20%)
Grants Coordination
Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar tracking deadlines for applications and reports
Coordinate grant proposal process: assemble application materials (budgets, financial statements, board lists, program descriptions), gather data and outcomes from program staff, and submit completed applications via grant portals
Manage grant reporting process: track deadlines, coordinate with program staff to gather required content and data, work with Grant Writer to draft reports, and ensure timely submission
Maintain organized grant files and documentation for all active and prospective institutional funders
Support the VP of Advancement in cultivating relationships with program officers at foundations and institutional funders through regular communication and site visits
Corporate Sponsorship
Identify, cultivate, and solicit corporate sponsors for programs, exhibitions, and special events
Develop compelling sponsorship packages, aligning corporate community engagement goals with VisArts’ mission and visibility opportunities
Ensure proper sponsor recognition through signage, event acknowledgment, social media, and website features
Provide sponsors with impact reports and stewardship materials demonstrating value and community reach
CRM & DATABASE MANAGEMENT (15%)
Database Administration
Serve as primary administrator of VisArts’ donor database (CRM system)
Ensure data integrity, accurate gift recording, proper donor attribution, and timely acknowledgments
Maintain accurate and current donor records, including contact information, giving history, communication preferences, and engagement activities
Process gift entries, generate acknowledgment letters, and track pledge payments
Train staff on proper database use and data entry protocols
Analytics & Reporting
Generate reports and analytics to track fundraising performance, donor retention, campaign effectiveness, and pipeline health
Analyze donor data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring strategic attention
Prepare regular reports for the VP of Advancement on fundraising progress, donor activity, and revenue forecasting
Use data insights to inform cultivation strategies, campaign timing, and resource allocation
SUPERVISION & COLLABORATION (10%)
Grant Writer Supervision
Supervise Part‑Time Grant Writer, providing guidance on priorities, deadlines, and organizational messaging
Review and approve grant proposals, reports, fundraising appeals, and donor communications for accuracy, alignment with strategy, and compelling storytelling
Ensure Grant Writer has access to necessary information, data, and staff resources
Provide constructive feedback and support the Grant Writer’s professional development
Cross‑Departmental Collaboration
Work closely with the Marketing Manager to coordinate fundraising campaigns with program marketing and ensure consistent messaging
Collaborate with program directors to gather impact stories, outcomes data, and programmatic information for proposals and donor communications
Partner with the finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting for grants and donor communications
Support the VP of Advancement in Board fundraising activities and committee support
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Skills
Minimum three years of relevant experience in nonprofit fundraising, including individual giving, corporate sponsorship, and grants management
Track record of successfully executing annual fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation strategies
Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines independently
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, staff, Board members, and volunteers
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to articulate VisArts’ mission and impact compellingly
Proficiency in CRM database management and donor analytics tools (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar)
Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret donor data and translate insights into strategy
Passion for and commitment to VisArts’ mission and vision
Personal Qualities
Gifted communicator and successful relationship builder
Respectful collaborator capable of turning ideas into measurable outcomes
Proactive self‑starter who anticipates needs and solves problems
Positive attitude, team spirit, and sense of humor
Adaptable and flexible in response to the evolving fundraising landscape
Note: Nonprofit fundraising strategies, opportunities, and responsibilities evolve continuously. Flexibility, adaptability, and proactivity are essential for success in this role. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to still consider applying.
Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 per year + Benefits.
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