Development Operations Manager

Job Description:

Development Operations Manager

Reports To:

Chief Development Officer (CDO) Classification:
Exempt, Full-time Position Summary

The Development Operations Manager is a systems-oriented and detail-driven professional responsible for building, managing, and optimizing the infrastructure that supports fundraising success at Trailhead Community Health Foundation. This role ensures the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of development operations, including data management, reporting, donor systems, and process improvement.

As a key member of the development team, the Manager plays a critical role in enabling strategic decision-making through accurate data, streamlined workflows, and actionable insights. This position is ideal for a proactive problem solver who thrives in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment and is passionate about supporting philanthropy through strong operational excellence.

Oversee and manage the Foundation’s CRM/database to ensure accurate, up-to-date donor and prospect records.

Establish and enforce data entry standards, policies, and procedures.

Maintain data integrity through regular audits, clean-up, and quality assurance processes.

Serve as the primary administrator for CRM systems, including user support, training, and system enhancements.

Manage integrations between fundraising systems and other organizational tools as needed.

Oversee the accurate and timely processing of all gifts, including entry, acknowledgments, and receipting.

Ensure compliance with gift acceptance policies and IRS regulations.

Reconcile development records with finance on a regular basis.

Track pledges, recurring gifts, and planned gifts to ensure proper documentation and reporting.

Develop and monitor procedures for acknowledgment and stewardship workflows.

Design and produce regular reports and dashboards for leadership, board members, and development staff.

Analyze fundraising performance, donor trends, and pipeline metrics to inform strategy.

Support forecasting and goal tracking across development initiatives.

Provide data insights to guide prospect management, campaign planning, and donor engagement strategies.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability of development operations.

Develop and document standard operating procedures for key development functions.

Support implementation of new tools, technologies, and best practices.

Partner with development staff to streamline workflows related to donor engagement and fundraising execution.

Support prospect tracking, portfolio management, and moves management systems.

Assist with prospect research and donor segmentation strategies.

Ensure accurate tracking of donor interactions, proposals, and outcomes.

Provide operational support for fundraising campaigns and events, including data tracking and reporting.

Manage event registration systems, attendee tracking, and post-event data integration.

Support campaign setup within CRM systems, including coding, tracking, and reporting.

Collaborate with development, finance, and leadership teams to align systems and reporting needs.

Train staff on CRM usage, data standards, and reporting tools.

Serve as a resource for troubleshooting and continuous improvement of development operations.

Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with Trailhead’s values.

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, information systems, business, or related field preferred.

3–5 years of experience in development operations, database management, or nonprofit administration.

Strong proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Donor Perfect, or similar).

Demonstrated experience in data management, reporting, and analytics.

Knowledge of fundraising processes, donor lifecycle, and development best practices.

Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

$70,000, commensurate with experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Hybrid schedule: in-office in Akron (Monday–Thursday) and remote on Fridays. Standard hours: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

• Trailhead Community Health Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.