Development Manager

Position Summary:

The Development Manager is responsible for supporting all fundraising functions of the Development team, including funder prospecting, proposal writing, donor stewardship, and outcomes management. Working closely with the Development Director, this position will help grow and diversify GEMS' funding base, strengthen relationships with donors and institutional funders, and ensure fundraising goals are met.

We welcome candidates with diverse experiences, perspectives, and professional backgrounds. While fundraising experience is important, we also value transferable skills, sound judgment, and a thoughtful, mission-driven approach. We are open to candidates at different career stages, and for those with significant experience leading similar work, the scope or title of the role may be adjusted.

GEMS is a collaborative and reflective workplace. We value staff who communicate openly, support one another, and approach complex situations with patience, care, and a willingness to learn.

Tasks and Responsibilities: This statement of duties is for purpose of identifying this position but it is not limited to:

Key Duties:

• Develop and implement strategies for solicitation that will grow annual revenue from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Manage all appeal campaigns
• Manage and monitor online giving initiatives
• Oversee foundation and government grants
• Liaise with Board of Directors for individual fundraising initiatives
• Work collaboratively with other program areas to advance fundraising goals
• Meet with funders
• Manage department’s workflow including overseeing departmental calendar that integrates direct mail, online giving, foundation proposals, awareness campaigns, newsletters and events
• Evaluating the organization strategic master plan and develop a 5-year fundraising strategy
• Analyze new business opportunities for donor expansion.
• Reconcile records with fiscal department
• Monitor progress to goals on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis

Management Responsibilities:

• Manage new funder prospecting, including: research, analysis of fit, and proposal/grant writing;
• Oversee and monitor the processing and acknowledging of all philanthropic contributions to GEMS
• Supervise management of donor records on Salesforce and gift recognition
• Oversees and monitor all events management
• Oversees and monitor the coordination of third party fundraising
• Oversees and monitor the management of GEMS donors database
• Oversees and monitor all grants prospecting, cultivation, writing and reporting functions.
• Track progress of funder relationships and supervise maintenance of an outcomes database
• Support and coordinate fundraising volunteers
• Lead and manage fundraising activities of auxiliary fundraising group, e.g. Young Professionals, and steward relationships with committee members.
• Coach and develop staff, including holding performance reviews

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 2–5 years’ experience working on a fundraising team, supporting overall fundraising goals of department
• Working of knowledge of Salesforce and experience with wealth screening and grants prospecting tools required
• Commitment to the vision and mission of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services
• High energy, self-managing, entrepreneurial personality
• Demonstrated record of conceiving and implementing fundraising strategies to successfully raise funds from various constituencies
• knowledge of fundraising concepts, proposal writing, and donor software and reporting;
• Ability to create systems, track progress to goals, and communicate this information regularly
• experience interacting with high level contacts, including board members, government representatives, foundation officials, corporate representatives and major donors
• Adept at managing multiple projects and complex situations.
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Ability to gather and synthesize data
• Adapts strategy to changing conditions and communicates changes effectively.
• Speaks clearly and effectively in positive or negative situations.
• Writes clearly and informatively, varies writing style to meet specific needs.

Professional Qualities

We are especially interested in candidates who demonstrate:

• Thoughtfulness and Organization: Approach projects with clear plans, strong attention to detail, and an ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Reflection and Continuous Improvement: Welcome feedback, use data to assess effectiveness, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Collaboration and Communication: Build positive working relationships, communicate openly, and contribute to a supportive team environment.
• Patience and Sound Judgment: Navigate complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and a grounded approach to problem-solving.
• Initiative and Adaptability: Work independently, identify opportunities for improvement, and respond thoughtfully to changing needs.
• Commitment to the Mission: Demonstrate a genuine interest in advancing GEMS' work and supporting the young people and communities we serve.

Our Workplace

GEMS is committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and reflective work environment. We believe strong teams are built through open communication, mutual respect, accountability, and a shared commitment to learning and growth.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Account
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 3 weeks vacation
• 12 sick days
• 4 personal days
• Hybrid schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• 14 Holidays
• Summer Fridays
• Parental leave