Senior Development Manager

Description

Barbershop Books, an award-winning and nationally recognized literacy nonprofit, inspires Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming and content. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and values-aligned fundraising professional to join our team as Senior Description

Barbershop Books, an award-winning and nationally recognized literacy nonprofit, inspires Black boys and other vulnerable children to read for fun through child-centered, culturally responsive, and community-based programming and content. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and values-aligned fundraising professional to join our team as Senior Development Manager. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about literacy equity, nonprofit fundraising, and relationship building. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Senior Development Manager oversees day-to-day development operations and owns the implementation of the annual fundraising plan. This includes serving on the Leadership Team to cultivate and engage individual and institutional donors, and effectively manage the fundraising database.

PROGRAMS:

Barbershop Books: Award-winning early literacy program that distributes boy-approved books to a national network of barbershops and provides early literacy training to barbers.

Barbershop Books E-Library: Free online collection of independently published children books by Black and Brown authors and fun storytime videos.

Reading So Lit Summer: A virtual summer reading program that hires and trains male high school students of color to lead fun, interactive reading explorations with Black and Brown boys ages 6-8.

Reading So Lit (platform): A first-of-its-kind learning personalization solution for PK-3 designed to support reading identity development and other social-emotional drivers of literacy success.

VALUES:

Child-centered: We embrace the possibilities, strengths, and interests of children

Leadership: We empower individuals and communities to expand learning opportunities

Fun: We inspire and model the joy of lifelong reading

Collaboration: We partner with diverse community stakeholders to create system change

Innovation: We develop unique, compelling, and transformational content and programs

Excellence: We pursue measured impacts and organizational efficiencies that support long-term sustainability

Responsibilities

The Senior Development Manager leads fundraising and development efforts, executing a cohesive fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact.

Fundraising Implementation:

• Implement a fundraising strategy in collaboration with Leadership Team
• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities from individuals and institutional donors
• Collaborate with Executive Director on cultivation, stewardship, and engagement initiatives that align with Barbershop Books’ mission, values, and strategic objectives
• Manage donor recognition program: special gifts, personal outreach, publicity, and stewardship events
• Oversee execution of fundraising campaigns, appeals, and small cultivation events
• Partner with the Communications team to craft compelling fundraising materials and ensure alignment across all external communications and campaigns
• Work collaboratively with the Programs team to align fundraising efforts and proposals with programmatic goals, impact metrics, and community needs

Development Operations:

• Collaborate with the team to manage accurate tracking of revenue and in-kind gifts in Bonterra EveryAction
• Supervise one part-time Development Assistant, providing guidance on campaign support, grant preparation, and administrative tasks related to fundraising operations.
• Assist with grant prospecting, writing, submission, and tracking of reporting deadlines
• Assist with monthly revenue reconciliation to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Generate regular revenue reports and giving trend analyses for COO
• Ensure compliance with grant agreements, contracts, and reporting requirements
• Collaborate with team to support meaningful corporate and donor volunteer experiences

Qualifications and Experience

We’re seeking a purpose-driven, systems-oriented nonprofit leader with hands-on fundraising experience. The ideal candidate is energized by the fast-paced, dynamic philanthropic landscape and brings curiosity, creativity, and a growth mindset to their work. The Senior Development Manager will ensure effective fundraising operations and help expand Barbershop Books’ impact through the cultivation and stewardship of meaningful donor and institutional relationships.

• 5+ years of professional experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related fields
• Proven ability to operationalize and execute individual giving strategies, including email marketing, peer-to-peer giving campaigns, and social media fundraising
• Experience managing individual and institutional donor relationships, with defined goals for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Familiarity with Candid and other grant prospecting platforms or databases
• Demonstrated success with prospect research and grant writing
• Skilled in CRM use and donor data management (Bonterra EveryAction preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling fundraising content
• Experience generating development reports and participating in revenue reconciliation process
• Contributed to the stewardship and growth of successful strategic partnerships
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally with Program, Operations, and Leadership team
• Deep commitment to literacy equity and community engagement
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and project management tools (Asana preferred)
• Familiarity with AI tools to enhance fundraising efforts

Barbershop Books is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise specified in a written employment agreement.