Development Manager

Kindle Project is a creative philanthropic organization that supports community-led work at the frontlines of social, cultural, and ecological issues. We believe that meaningful change grows from trusted relationships, bold experimentation, and the wisdom of those closest to the issues.

Are you ready to join an innovative philanthropic organization reimagining giving? Kindle Project is hiring a Development Manager to support our dynamic work and focus on securing and stewarding institutional funding and individual donors, particularly those aligned with Kindle Project’s values and funding priorities.

Our next Kindle Project team member will come with their own professional skills and personal attributes that will make our potential new collaboration just the right fit. We are looking for someone who is deeply aligned and committed to our mission and has the organizational skills and visionary thinking to implement a robust development strategy. We are a team of individuals who are deeply dedicated to our work and each other, value creativity and collaboration, and are committed to our mission. We have a culture of can-do teamwork with all hands on deck. If you are excited about this position we’d love to meet you!

About the Role

The Development Manager will play a key role in securing and stewarding institutional funding and individual donors, particularly individuals aligned with Kindle Project’s values and funding priorities. The ideal candidate will be a strategic fundraiser with a strong track record in cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and foundations. They will excel at building authentic connections, stewarding long-term partnerships, and representing Kindle Project’s mission with confidence and care.

In addition to donor cultivation, this role involves leading all aspects of grantwriting – from identifying funding opportunities to crafting compelling proposals and managing the full grant lifecycle, through reporting.

Candidates with experience in capital campaigns, endowment building, or legacy giving will be strongly preferred, as Kindle Project is preparing for future growth and sustainability initiatives.

Finally, this person will assess and strengthen existing development systems, files, and processes – designing and implementing sound, efficient structures that support a dynamic and evolving fundraising program.

Key Responsibilities

High-Net-Worth Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Cultivate relationships with individual donors and aligned funders, with an emphasis on high-value prospects
• Manage follow-ups from donor meetings, public Kindle Project webinars, and events
• Ensure timely and thoughtful donor communications and touchpoints
• Create compelling donor materials in alignment with Kindle Project's voice and values
• Maintain donor intimacy and values alignment throughout the giving cycle

Grantwriting & Fund Development

• Research and qualify prospective funders aligned with the organization’s mission and priorities while expanding a vision for opportunities
• Write clear, persuasive grant proposals and letters of inquiry tailored to diverse funder guidelines
• Assist Program and Operations staff with preparing budgets and supporting documentation for grant proposals and reports
• Oversee grant calendars, track deadlines, and coordinate with Program and Operations staff to communicate timelines for and ensure timely submission of proposals and reports
• Coordinate with Operations staff to monitor accounts receivable, track revenue against fundraising goals, and ensure timely follow-ups on outstanding pledges

Prospecting & Strategy

• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director, contributing to fundraising strategy, donor engagement ideas, and overall development vision
• Demonstrate forward-thinking and initiative in connecting, coordinating, and working with Kindle Project’s Directors, Managers, Fundraising Consultants, and Board to create and execute fundraising strategies that advance organizational goals
• Create and lead fundraising campaigns (e.g., match campaigns), including prospecting, donation tracking, and donor follow-ups, ensuring all staff members are apprised on developments and updates (including additional follow-ups needed or reporting requirements)
• Initiate and advance outreach and opportunities with prospective donors and philanthropic partners
• Manage, update, and advance prospecting materials in a timely manner from all relevant staff and consultants
• Work toward a monthly and/or quarterly goal of building relationships/outreach with qualified donor prospects

Fundraising

• Create, manage, and update fundraising budgets and fundraising progress sheets
• Create fundraising materials, collaborating with communications consultants as needed
• Support leadership in preparing for and participating in donor-facing opportunities
• Co-produce in-person and online fundraising events as needed.

Representation & External Engagement

• Identify relevant events, conferences, and networks for donor engagement
• Coordinating, organizing, and updating input on networks from key staff and consultants
• Represent Kindle Project at select conferences and donor events as needed (occasional travel may be requested)
• Serve as a public-facing ambassador of Kindle Project’s philanthropic approach and values
• Collaborate with Programs staff to write and review public-facing materials, such as conference proposals, webinar scripts and framing, etc.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising from individuals and foundations, with a strong track record of success
• Comfort and experience with using tools like Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive), Slack, Zoom, and task trackers (Asana)
• Grantwriting experience and ability to gauge strong prospects
• Experience with nonprofit CRMs, such as Blackbaud, Sage, Little Green Light, etc.
• Skilled in prospect research, relationship development, and donor strategy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to independently manage a flexible workload and meet cultivation goals
• Comfort representing Kindle Project’s voice and values to diverse audiences both in 1-1 donor meetings and in public webinars, meetings and events
• Proactive – thinking 10 steps ahead for the team
• Creative outside-the-box thinker
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated and a team player
• Excited and comfortable working on the ground and rolling up sleeves for every level of work.

Bonus

• Experience with scaling an organization
• Experience with endowment campaigns, legacy planning, investment fundraising
• Familiarity with participatory grantmaking, and social/environmental movements
• Experience with multicultural and cross-class spaces.

What We Offer

• A flexible, remote work environment that values collaboration and innovation
• The opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, innovative nonprofit
• A chance to make a meaningful impact by supporting trust-based, participatory philanthropy
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, and a retirement

plan.

To Apply

Send a brief cover email and resume to hiring@kindleproject.org. Please include a short paragraph about what interests you in the role and your availability to start.

All job applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Kindle Project is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of any race, creed, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, income class, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status, as well as applicants who have been previously incarcerated. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

• A flexible, remote work environment that values collaboration and innovation
• The opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, innovative nonprofit
• A chance to make a meaningful impact by supporting trust-based, participatory philanthropy
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and life insurance, and a retirement

plan.