Development Manager

Are you a dedicated development professional interested in improving the state of our democracy? Do you believe in the power of nonprofits and nonpartisan voter engagement? If so, we have an opportunity to utilize your skills in a mission-driven environment that fosters a more inclusive and engaged democracy.

Nonprofit VOTE equips our nation’s nonprofits with nonpartisan tools and resources to help the communities they serve participate in voting and democracy. In doing so, we aim to close participation gaps among underrepresented populations in the political process.

In addition to our core work, Nonprofit VOTE is the managing partner of National Voter Registration Day, the country’s largest single-day civic holiday. Each year, this day brings together thousands of partners through coordinated field, technology, and media strategies to help hundreds of thousands of Americans register to vote.

Role of the Development Manager

The Development Manager will be a key supporting member of our small, collaborative, and flexible team, working closely with the Executive Director to advance Nonprofit VOTE’s development goals while providing secondary support for operations. This position is primarily responsible for managing the full grant cycle, from prospect research and proposal writing to reporting and donor stewardship. The Executive Director will lead most high-level foundation and donor relationships, while the Development Manager ensures that our proposals, reports, systems, and donor stewardship processes are effective and professional. The Development Manager will also support corporate sponsorship work and operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated development professional who thinks strategically, thrives on collaboration, attention to detail, and building the systems that sustain high-level donor and foundation partnerships.

Core Responsibilities

Grants & Development (60%)

• Manage the foundation grants calendar, including proposal deadlines, renewals, reports, and stewardship communications.
• Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports that highlight program outcomes and organizational impact.
• Conduct prospect research to identify and evaluate potential grant opportunities, recommending strong prospects for active solicitation.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and finance team to draft budgets and financial narratives for proposals.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of grants and donors in the CRM/database.
• Prepare and send major donor stewardship materials, including thank-you letters, acknowledgments, and updates.
• Work closely with the communications department which leads small donor initiatives and campaigns to ensure coordination of efforts.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to leverage the Board, Steering Committee, and Leadership Council for introductions and relationship-building.
• Coordinate and support donor and stewardship events, meetings, and presentations.

Corporate Sponsorship (20%)

• Prospect, cultivate, and steward corporate financial supporters of National Voter Registration Day, i.e. Premier Sponsors.
• Ensure consistent communication with potential and renewing sponsors, providing relevant updates and sponsorship opportunities.
• Support the National Voter Registration Day Program Director with sponsorship pitches, presentations, and materials.

Development Operations & Organizational Support (20%)

• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM/database and ensure timely gift processing, acknowledgment letters, and year-end communications.
• Oversee development operations and general organizational systems, including CRM/database management, cloud file storage, and internal tools.
• Regularly update donor resource platforms (e.g., Charity Navigator, GuideStar) to reflect organizational transparency and promote giving.
• Serve as contact for key vendor relationships (e.g., CRM, digital tools, office systems).
• Support organizational compliance, recordkeeping, and financial reporting in collaboration with the Executive Director and outside finance firm.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to craft persuasive proposals and clear reports.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and coordinate input from diverse stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in written and data-related work.
• Proficiency with foundation prospecting tools (e.g. Candid’s FDO or Impala).
• Knowledge of democracy funder landscape is a plus.
• Experience maintaining and updating CRM/databases (e.g. Action Network, FileMaker).
• Proficiency in digital collaboration and project management tools (e.g. ClickUp).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• Experience working with diverse communities and commitment to inclusive communications and practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or better required.
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit grant writing, fundraising, or related development responsibilities.
• Commitment to Nonprofit VOTE’s mission and values.

Location: Fully Remote (with Hybrid option for Boston-area candidates). Candidates from across the nation will be considered, with preference given to Boston-area candidates able to work hybrid. All staff work Eastern Time zone work hours.

Travel: Occasional travel for events and team meetings.

Reports to: Executive Director