Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager

Overview

Live Out Loud is seeking a dedicated and results-driven Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager to secure funding for our national program, Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project, while supporting the organization’s fundraising, communication, and community engagement strategies. This role plays a key part in advancing our mission to empower LGBTQ+ youth by connecting them with positive role models and creating affirming spaces in schools.

The Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager will play a crucial role in Live Out Loud's Homecoming Project by securing the necessary resources to cultivate LGBTQ+ individuals to return to their hometown high schools across the nation. Through their efforts in fundraising and relationship-building, they will enable the program to inspire and support the next generation of queer youth during a vulnerable time in their lives. By fostering community connections, providing essential resources, and helping to grow the Live Out Loud program, the Development Manager will directly contribute to transforming lives, empowering LGBTQ+ youth, and creating long-lasting positive change in communities throughout the country.

The Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and our Board of Directors to ensure the success of Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project, raise critical funds to support this Live Out Loud initiative, and expand our visibility through strategic partnerships. This position requires creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion and empowerment.

We are accepting resumes and cover letters for the Development Manager position until July 11th. In your cover letter, please share why this is your dream job, why you're the right fit for this role, and the impact your previous fundraising experience has had on the organizations you've worked with.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Development

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Individual Giving

Donor Cultivation: Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, ensuring consistent engagement and personalized stewardship to foster long-term loyalty and increased financial support. Work closely with leadership to create engagement strategies, tailored to each donor’s interests and giving history.

Major Gifts: Identify and research potential major donors, developing strategies to secure significant contributions. Build relationships with key prospects and create custom approaches for soliciting and stewarding major gifts, ensuring proper recognition and continued donor engagement.

Annual Giving Campaigns: Plan and oversee the organization’s annual giving campaigns, including strategy development for direct mail, online giving, and other fundraising methods. Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to create impactful messaging and materials that encourage donor participation and drive financial support.

Cultivation and Fundraising Events: Engage potential donors and corporate partners by inviting them to participate in Live Out Loud’s galas, fundraising events, and cultivation activities. These events are designed to connect supporters with the organization’s mission, showcase the impact of their contributions, and foster long-term relationships. Your efforts will be key in securing continued support and increasing investment in our programs for LGBTQ+ youth.

Corporate Giving

Corporate Cultivation: Develop and maintain relationships with corporate partners, identifying potential corporate donors and sponsors. Collaborate with corporate leaders to build mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance Live Out Loud’s visibility and financial support.

Sponsorships: Secure sponsorships for events, programs, and campaigns, building corporate support through tailored sponsorship packages that align with the company’s values and Live Out Loud’s mission. Manage all aspects of sponsorship relationships, from outreach to post-event stewardship.

Corporate Giving Programs: Identify opportunities for corporate participation in matching gifts, employee volunteer programs, and other corporate giving opportunities. Work with the corporate community to create long-term partnerships that encourage employee involvement and corporate donations.

Corporate Fundraising Events: Coordinate corporate engagement in fundraising events, working closely with companies to ensure they are represented and engaged. Create opportunities for corporations to sponsor or participate in events that align with their business objectives and social responsibility goals while supporting Live Out Loud’s mission.

Budget Management & Administration

Record Keeping:

• • Maintain accurate records of donor communications and funding outcomes to track progress and inform future efforts.
  • Log all donor interactions and document funding initiatives to measure effectiveness and improve future strategies.

Donor Stewardship:

• • Develop strategies to recognize and engage donors, ensuring they feel valued for their support.
  • Plan donor appreciation events and manage personalized thank-you messages to build long-term relationships.

Financial Reporting:

• • Track and report on fundraising progress, revenue, and expenses to executive leadership and the board.
  • Prepare performance reports to provide insight into fundraising results and opportunities for improvement.

Budget Management:

• • Oversee the development department’s budget to ensure alignment with revenue targets and organizational goals.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to track spending and maximize fundraising outcomes while staying within budget.

Strategy

Fundraising Strategy:

• • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan for the Homecoming Project that aligns with organizational goals.
  • Identify funding sources, set goals, and design campaigns to ensure long-term program sustainability.
  • Regularly assess and adjust strategies to improve donor engagement and campaign success.

Collaboration:

• • Work closely with the executive director, board members, and staff to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
  • Engage stakeholders to leverage networks and ensure fundraising goals integrate with broader strategies.

Strategic Thinking:

• • Use strategic thinking to identify fundraising growth opportunities and set clear, achievable goals.
  • Adjust strategies as needed to ensure timely and effective achievement of fundraising objectives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• • Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, or program management.

Skills and Experience:

• • Strong fundraising skills, with a track record of securing funding from diverse sources.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors, sponsors, and community partners.
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Familiarity with LGBTQ+ communities and a passion for advancing equity and inclusion.
• Financial Acumen: A solid understanding of nonprofit financial management and budgeting.
• Ethical Standards: Adherence to ethical fundraising practices and a commitment to maintaining donor confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Nonprofit Regulations: Familiarity with nonprofit regulations and compliance, including tax laws and reporting requirements.
• Passion for the Mission: A genuine passion for and commitment to the nonprofit’s mission and values.

Preferred Skills:

• • Experience working in schools or with youth-focused programs is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of CRM tools and fundraising platforms is a plus.
  • Spanish-language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Why Join Live Out Loud?

As the Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager you will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and impact of Live Out Loud’s signature program, The Homecoming Project, while also contributing to broader organizational goals. This is an opportunity to combine your skills in program management, communications, and fundraising to make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.