Development Manager, Corporate and Individual Giving

ABOUT US: At New Jersey Future (NJF), we believe that great places help build great lives. To help create and preserve our great places, we promote sensible and equitable planning, redevelopment, and infrastructure investments that foster vibrant cities and towns; protect natural lands and waterways; enhance transportation choices; support a strong economy; and provide access to safe, affordable, and aging-friendly neighborhoods for everyone. We do this through original research, innovative policy development, coalition-building, advocacy, and hands-on strategic assistance. Embracing differences and advancing fairness is central to our mission and operations, and we are firmly committed to pursuing greater justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work and culture. NJF offers a fast-paced and supportive work environment. NJF is located in downtown Trenton, NJ. For more information, visit www.njfuture.org.

Position Summary: New Jersey Future seeks a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser to lead and grow our corporate and individual giving program on a part-time basis (20-30 hours per week) or full-time. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager will design and execute a comprehensive strategy to cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate partners and individual donors with an emphasis on major gifts. This role will build the giving engagement ladder, manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects, expand NJF’s philanthropic network, and strengthen long-term revenue sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

The Development Manager’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Strategy & Portfolio Management
  • Develop and implement corporate and individual fundraising strategies with measurable revenue goals
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate sponsors and individual major donors
  • Identify, research, and cultivate new high-capacity prospects and donor-advised funds
  • Track campaign goals, pledges, pipeline activity, and revenue performance
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
  • Schedule and lead donor meetings (virtual and in-person)
  • Work with the Communications team to prepare tailored appeals, case statements, sponsorship packages, and gift agreements
  • Steward donors through consistent communication, recognition, and impact reporting
  • Ensure timely acknowledgments and follow-ups
• Board & Organizational Engagement
  • Work with the Executive Director, Development team, Communications team, Board Fundraising Committee, and Board of Trustees to expand donor networks
  • Manage and assist in leading the Fundraising Committee for the Board of Trustees
  • Prepare staff and trustees to serve as ambassadors and fundraisers
• Campaigns & Events
• Increase corporate and individual support for NJF’s signature events, including: NJ Planning & Redevelopment Conference, Smart Growth Awards, and Jersey Water Works Conference
• Develop and execute fundraising opportunities tied to NJF’s 40th anniversary (2027)
• Collaborate with the Communications team to align messaging and campaigns with fundraising priorities
• Systems & Reporting
  • Working with the Development team, maintain accurate donor records and prospect lists in the CRM
  • Establish key performance indicators, monitor progress, and provide regular fundraising reports to leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least 2 years in major gifts
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting significant gifts or high-value sponsorships
• Strong relationship-building and donor engagement skills, and interest
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including appeal writing
• Experience with CRM systems (Neon One is a plus) and donor tracking tools
• Strong project management skills with the ability to establish and meet measurable goals
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Motivated by the organization’s issues and possesses a solid mission-driven work ethic
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in professional practice
• Bachelor’s degree required

Compensation: The full-time salary range is $75,000 - $100,000. The part-time position (20-30 hours per week) salary will be a pro-rata portion of the full-time equivalent salary. The negotiated salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Benefits: New Jersey Future values hard work and a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible, family-friendly employment policies. Our competitive benefits package for full-time employees includes 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance coverage for staff and partial sponsorship of dependents. In addition, we offer a generous health reimbursement account and options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs. New Jersey Future employees enjoy a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan with a variable employer match, flexible work schedules including the opportunity to work partially remotely, generous paid time off policies, and paid holidays. To encourage use of public and active transportation, we offer commuter transit subsidies and access to a company car for work meetings. New Jersey Future is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative, inclusive workplace culture.

While the benefits listed above are typically available for employees working at least 30 hours per week, the benefits package may be tailored to meet the needs of the selected candidate.

New Jersey Future employees are working on a hybrid work-from-home and in-office schedule. The New Jersey Future team will work with the Development Manager to determine the final individual hybrid schedule.