Manager of Development & Strategic Partnerships

SFA is seeking a Manager of Development & Strategic Partnerships to generate revenue for our three of initiatives that provide scholarships, mentorship, and programming to young Black men in San Francisco.

The ideal candidate is creative, analytical, and passionate about SFA’s mission. This is a highly visible role where the ideal candidate has the opportunity to expand the scope of the role and the breadth of their leadership as the organization grows.

The person will bring the ability to multi-task along with a high level of organization, communication skills, and relationship-driven. The Manager of Development & Strategic Partnerships is to spear head fund raising intiaves and help grow and sustain our fundraising efforts, with a strong emphasis on major donor cultivation and individual giving.

SFA is seeking an experienced development leader to help expand the organization’s annual operating budget from $1.6 million to $2.4 million over the next two years.

This role is ideal for someone who understands the Bay Area philanthropic landscape and is excited to build meaningful relationships that directly support scholarships and programming for young Black men. The Manager of Development & Strategic Partnerships will partner closely with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen SFA’s donor base and strategically increase revenue.

This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to grow in scope and leadership as SFA continues to scale its development function and overall budget.

What You’ll Do

Major Donor Cultivation & Individual Giving

• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of major donors and high-potential prospects
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to leverage networks and expand giving opportunities
• Strengthen and grow SFA’s major donor pipeline and long-term philanthropic base
• Develop and lead donor communications including outreach, appeals, and stewardship touchpoints
• Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts

Revenue Strategy & Planning

• Partner with the Executive Director and the Development Committee to implement and strengthen SFA’s annual development plan with strategies for funders in all groups, including individuals, corporations, and programs, to address the annual fund, major gifts, and legacy gifts.
• Work with the Executive Director and Development Committee on revenue goal setting, with a focus on individual giving and donor growth
• Track progress toward fundraising goals and support reporting to leadership and the Board
• Help identify opportunities for long-term sustainability and revenue diversification

Partnership Development & External Relations

• Build and manage relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations
• Identify and support funding opportunities aligned with SFA’s mission and programs
• Represent SFA externally to increase visibility, credibility, and community engagement
• Support sponsorship development tied to events and program initiatives

Grants & Institutional Funding

• Support grant strategy including research and funder relationship management
• Collaborate on proposal development, submission, and grant reporting
• Help ensure compliance with grant requirements and timelines
• Manage external consultants (grant writers, event planners, etc.) as needed
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, both public and private

Events & Donor Engagement

• Work with the Executive Director and the Development Committee to plan and execute donor cultivation events.
• Support the strategic planning of SFA events (e.g., Changemakers Ball, Awards Ceremony, Friends and Family Day)
• Focus on sponsorship development and donor engagement opportunities tied to events
• Coordinate with staff, board members, and external partners to execute high-quality events
• Ensure events serve as meaningful cultivation opportunities for current and prospective donors

Donor Communications & Storytelling

• Work with the Executive Director and Development Committee to implement donor-facing communications, including email campaigns, appeals, and impact updates
• Help translate program outcomes into compelling stories that resonate with funders
• Ensure messaging is aligned, consistent, and reflective of SFA’s impact

Systems, Data & Performance Tracking

• Maintain and oversee donor records in Neon CRM, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Track donor engagement, fundraising performance, and key metrics
• Use data to inform strategy and improve fundraising outcomes
• Support development reporting for leadership and Board engagement

Required

• 3–6+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or relationship management
• Strong relationship builder with experience cultivating donors or partners
• Familiarity with the Bay Area philanthropic landscape is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in communications, relationship
• building, and storytelling
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a small, growing organization where collaboration is key
• Deep alignment with SFA’s mission and a commitment to advancing educational equity for Black youth
• Experience managing external consultants (grant writers, event planners, etc.) as needed

• Employee benefits include: Health, Dental, Vision, basic life insurance, and Cal Savers
• Paid Holidays off
• Hybrid work schedule
• Attend events of premier partners
• Professional Development