Development Manager

The Development Manager is a new, full-time administrative position that plays a critical role in supporting Potomac Conservancy’s fundraising program by ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and integrity of core development operations. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Manager will be responsible for executing essential internal processes including gift processing and acknowledgment, donor data management, reporting on fundraising performance, and coordination with key fundraising contractors.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys managing systems, supporting teams, and ensuring that donors receive timely, thoughtful communications. The Manager will work closely with Development staff to support donor engagement strategies, prospect research, and fundraising events. Additionally, the Manager will assist the Development team with leading communications to contractors and ensuring smooth coordination and implementation on key projects. Regular in-office time is required to support gift processing, correspondence, and administrative coordination.

Potomac Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and clean water leader in the Potomac River region. We’re committed to restoring the Potomac to full health for the five million people who rely on the river for drinking water and outdoor enjoyment. By protecting and restoring natural areas, we reduce water pollution, stop reckless deforestation/habitat destruction, and strengthen our community’s defenses against the climate crisis. Our impassioned base of over 35,000 supporters empowers us to conserve and expand streamside forests, pass water protection laws, and restore habitat and shorelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Gift Recording and Acknowledgment – 40%

• Timely and accurate inputting of gift information into the CRM (Every Action)
• Making and reconciling bank deposits
• Sending gift acknowledgment letters to donors
• Generating accurate and timely monthly gift reports
• Maintaining documentation of incoming gifts

Prospect Research and Pipeline – 25%

• Under direction from the Director of Corporate and Midrange Giving and Senior Director of Development, use wealth screening tools and other sources to identify existing donors and new prospects with the greatest potential to give more to the organization.
• Prepare research and background materials for weekly Development strategy sessions and track results.

Contractor Support and Coordination – 25%

• Serve as the primary liaison with development-related contractors by coordinating communications, scheduling meetings, tracking assignments and deadlines, and ensuring timely follow-up. Contractors include direct mail, digital fundraising, and donor-related events.
• Internal administrative and event-related duties to support fundraising team as assigned

Data Management (Tracking and Analysis) – 10%

• Using the donor database (EveryAction), track annual metrics and year-over-year giving data including:
• total number of donors and dollars raised;
• average gift size; donor retention rate;
• new, upgraded, and lapsed donors; and monthly/quarterly gift flow.

QUALIFICATIONS*

• 1–3 years of relevant administrative or operations experience, preferably in a nonprofit, development, finance, or mission-driven setting. Experience supporting fundraising, data management, or customer- or donor-facing operations is a plus.
• Strong project coordination and follow-through, including the ability to track processes, maintain documentation, and ensure timely completion of recurring tasks such as gift processing, reporting, and acknowledgments.
• Proficiency with donor management software/CRMs, Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word), and online fundraising platforms, or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and tools. Experience with EveryAction is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and data streams simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Clear communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal staff, external contractors, and vendors, and to represent the organization professionally in written and verbal communications.
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach, with a willingness to support a team, take direction, and contribute to continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Interest in environmental conservation or public-interest work is a plus, though not required.

*This position uses a wide variety of skills. We encourage you to apply if you think you would be a good fit, even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

• This position is fulltime and allows for a hybrid work environment
• The nature of this position requires 1-2 days per week working in our Bethesda, Maryland office balanced with the option of remote work within the watershed.
• Benefits include medical coverage, with 80% of premiums covered by the Conservancy;
• Competitive rates on dental and vision coverage
• 18 days paid time off, 11 holidays, and 3 floating personal holidays per year with leave increasing over tenure;
• Half-day Fridays in July and August and one week ‘end-of-year' break;
• Flexible work schedule that reflects Potomac Conservancy’s commitment to a healthy work/life balance;
• 403 (b) matching, with no vesting period and flex spending accounts;
• Working with bright, fun coworkers; and interacting with a supportive board of directors.