Development Manager

Position: Development Manager

Pay: $55,000 - $76,000

Location: Amherst, NY

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 37.5 hrs./week for full time

The Summit Center is Western New York’s leading provider of evidence-based services for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. Our team is dedicated to helping every individual we serve achieve their highest level of independence. If you're passionate about making lives better and in search of a good job with dedicated supervisors, great benefits, and a supportive environment become a Difference Maker and join our team.

• Up to 42 days of paid time off
• 14-16 paid holidays annually
• Potential for annual raises and profit sharing
• Health, dental, and vision insurance/Medical opt-out payment (up to $1,000/year)
• 401K with up to 4% employer match
• Life and long-term disability insurance

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for all philanthropic initiatives at The Summit Center. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports annual operations, strategic growth, endowment development, and long-term sustainability. The Director oversees major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned giving, donor stewardship, board engagement, grant funding, and advancement operations – fostering meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders that translate into lasting support for The Summit Center’s mission.

• Develop and manage the annual development budget, revenue projections, and fundraising goals
• Create and implement a comprehensive multi-year strategic fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities
• Analyze fundraising data, campaign results, and donor giving trends to guide segmentation, retention, and revenue growth strategies
• Partner with executive leadership on long-range philanthropic initiatives and campaign planning
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications to align fundraising, donor storytelling, and institutional communications strategies

• Lead foundation relations strategy, including cultivation, stewardship, and ongoing communications with program officers
• Write and oversee grant proposals and reports for funding opportunities of $10,000 and above (Grants under $10,000 are managed by the Development Manager)
• Manage foundation communication timelines, reporting requirements, and stewardship plans
• Collaborate with program leadership to gather needs, data, stories, and outcomes for funding narratives

• Manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects through moves management
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for individual donors capable of four-, five-, and six-figure gifts
• Develop and oversee capital and endowment fundraising initiatives in collaboration with Finance and executive leadership
• Manage and grow the Vista Legacy Society, including long-term stewardship strategies for estate and planned gift donors
• Build relationships with financial advisors, estate planners, and community partners to generate planned giving referrals and educate prospective donors

• Develop and execute corporate partnership and sponsorship strategies that align organizational needs with business interests
• Oversee stewardship and renewal plans for key corporate partners, ensuring fulfillment of benefits and recognition commitments
• Write or review compelling proposals and impact reports for top-tier sponsors and…