Development Manager, Start Early WA

As champions for Washington's children and families, Start Early Washington (SEWA) builds on two decades of deep expertise in home visiting and advancing strong early childhood systems statewide. We focus on informing early childhood systems, driving innovation, supporting a diverse, well-supported early childhood workforce, and culturally responsive prenatal-to-five early experiences, and ensuring all families have access to high-quality services for our youngest residents.

We are recruiting individuals who share our commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication. Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Development Manager supports fundraising for Start Early Washington (SEWA), working with the Director of Development & Communications to build and steward relationships with foundation, corporate, and individual funders at the national and local levels. The core focus of the role is identifying new funding opportunities, drafting grant proposals and reports, and managing reporting to meet funder requirements. The Development Manager will also help launch the Washington Fund, SEWA's individual giving strategy, and will partner with SEWA program and policy staff and the national Start Early Development team on joint fundraising. May require some evenings and weekends. This position must reside in Washington State.

In partnership with the Director of Development & Communications, ensure highest-quality fundraising and development efforts throughout donor lifecycle, including:

Prospecting and Pipeline Development:

• Identify, research, qualify, and cultivate prospective individual, family foundation, corporate, and philanthropic funders, with a focus on small- to mid-level donors and investors.
• Build and manage a funder pipeline, and help the Director of Development & Communications prepare cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for priority prospects.

Grants Management:

• Manage the full lifecycle of foundation and corporate grants: proposal development, submission, award processing, reporting, renewals, and closeout.
• Maintain grant calendars, deadlines, and reporting schedules to ensure timely, accurate submissions and funder deliverables.

Funder Stewardship and Relationships:

• Steward current and prospective funders through personalized communications, impact updates, meetings, site visits, and engagement opportunities; coordinate acknowledgments and reports that strengthen retention.
• Support communication, cultivation, and stewardship for the Early Childhood Donors & Funders Learning Circle, with the Director, the SEWA Executive Director, and a contracted consultant.

Washington Fund:

• Help develop, launch, and steward the Washington Fund, SEWA's individual giving strategy, including prospect identification, funder profiles, cultivation strategies, and ongoing stewardship plans.

Collaboration and Content:

• Work with SEWA program, policy, and leadership teams to gather impact stories, data, and outcomes for proposals, reports, presentations, and donor communications.
• Serve as primary liaison to the national Start Early Development team to align fundraising strategy, prospect management, shared funding opportunities, and reporting requirements.
• Provide content and input to the SEWA Communications Manager, who leads design and production of donor and funder materials.

Operations, Planning, and Team:

• Maintain accurate donor, prospect, and grant records in Salesforce and the grants management system; track opportunities, proposal status, and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to SEWA's annual fundraising plan and efforts to diversify funding sources and strengthen fundraising infrastructure.
• Prepare for funder meetings (funder profiles, agendas, follow-up) and support project work plans and timelines.
• Contribute to a collaborative, cross-team culture and support quarterly retreats and team building. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Five or more years of experience in proposal writing, funder and foundation relations, grant reporting, and budget development.
• Grant writing and editing skills with exceptional attention to detail; ability to turn complex ideas into clear, compelling messages for varied audiences.
• Advanced project management skills to balance multiple large projects and deadlines.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills with senior internal and external stakeholders, including interpersonal savvy and knowing when to escalate decisions; experience working across departments and with external partners.
• Strategic and analytical thinking; self-motivated and comfortable with ambiguity and change.
• Knowledge of the Washington State philanthropic community, and knowledge of (or desire to learn about) early childhood, state government programs and systems, and related policy issues.
• Discretion in handling confidential information.
• Deep commitment to advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion.
• Three or more years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including individual giving.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products and fundraising databases (Salesforce preferred); some experience with design software such as Canva; ability to learn new software as needed.

Base Annual Salary: $77,400 - 87,720

As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.