Development Manager

Position Summary: Responsible for overseeing and managing the operations behind fundraising and development activities. These key operational areas include - but not limited to - grants, donor relations, systems, and online platforms. The Manager is responsible for creating and implementing effective strategies to maximize fundraising efforts, build donor relationships, and ensure the smooth operation of the development department. Works closely with all members of the team to bridge the gap between operations and major fundraising efforts.

This role requires strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive innovation in development practices.

Primary Duties:

• To be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ to co-workers, clients and ministry partners
• Actively leads the team in a manner aligned with scripture including, but not limited to, praying for and with them, sharing scripture in daily activities and leadership, modeling the character of Jesus Christ in interactions with team and any external clients, partners, vendors, etc.
• Disciples employees for the benefit of our ministry partners (i.e., families in process, expectant parents, etc) through the child placement process
• Aligns team dynamics, internal & external processes, and final product of team’s work with Biblical principles and with Lifeline's Core Values

STRATEGY - 30%

• Lead the implementation of comprehensive strategies for development operations as agreed and set by the VP of Advancement and/or Executive leadership.
• Partner effectively with staff and leaders throughout Lifeline to obtain appropriate information as an understanding of all ministry developmental needs.
• Assist the Development team to ensure donors receive proper communication and fundraising materials tailored to their areas of interest and respond to donor requests in a timely manner.
• Collaborate frequently with Lifeline ministry leaders to stay abreast of the current issues and work that may be of interest to donors.
• Stay up to date on best practices and innovations in the field of fundraising and development and drive the integration of new approaches and technologies.
• Collaborate with Database Manager to implement new management strategies in the CRM.
• Work closely with other departments, including marketing, communications, and program teams, to develop integrated strategies and collaborative initiatives.

MANAGEMENT - 20%

• Manage day-to-day fundraising operations, including campaign planning, donor pipeline management, gift processing coordination, and progress tracking toward annual revenue goals.
• Oversee and direct the Grants Manager, ensuring the grant application process and reporting requirements are met in a timely and collaborative effort including prospect research, proposal writing, and grant compliance. Foster collaboration and proactivity with Grants Manager, Development Officers, State Directors, and programs managers as to needs for grants and opportunities for grants.
• Oversee, direct, and support the Development Assistant, ensuring that all ministry donations and donor information are properly recorded, ensuring timely and personalized communication to State Directors and the Finance Department as needed.
• Assist with Alabama Stewardship initiatives and events as needed, providing operational support and coordination.
• Interact with donors in person, by phone call and/or written communication.
• Contribute to the advancement department’s success in supporting Lifeline’s mission by helping increase fundraising efforts annually.
• Manage the donor database and other development systems to track donor interactions, gifts and prospect research. Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Implement and maintain systems for gift…