Development Manager

About the Position

Playworks Colorado is seeking a Development Manager who reports directly to and works in close partnership with the Executive Director to execute the organization’s fund development strategy. The Executive Director sets strategic direction, priorities, and key relationships, and this role is responsible for driving execution, coordination, and follow-through across all development efforts.

This role oversees development operations, stewardship coordination, event execution, Salesforce management, and day‑to‑day relationship support, while managing defined fundraising goals tied to events, sponsor ships, and partner renewals. The role also supports individual giving efforts as part of the broader fundraising mix, in alignment with Colorado priorities.

The Development Manager is a highly collaborative, detail‑oriented role focused on strong execution, follow‑through, and coordination in support of organizational strategy, narrative, and relationships. While this role collaborates closely with the Playworks HQ Development team through shared planning and aligned initiatives, all Colorado work is directed by and accountable to the Executive Director.

• Manage a defined portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual partners, in alignment with Executive Director priorities, with a focus on renewals, stewardship, and growth; be accountable for fundraising goals tied to events, sponsor ships, and partner renewals.
• Steward and upgrade corporate grants, sponsor ships and engagement opportunities across Playworks Colorado initiatives, leading early cultivation and advancement of next steps.
• Cultivate and close Colorado new corporate sponsor ships for Colorado events as required.
• Support relationship‑building with foundation partners through ongoing engagement and positioning for future funding opportunities.
• Coordinate Colorado efforts and relationships with HQ Development Team.
• Own grant coordination and proposal support, including maintaining the grants calendar, grant‑writing, coordinating submissions and reporting, and ensuring alignment with organizational voice.

• Plan and execute core fundraising and engagement events, including logistics, vendors, sponsorship fulfillment, volunteer coordination, and partner engagement activities.
• Manage event budgets in partnership with the Executive Director, ensuring expenses are tracked and events remain within approved budgets.
• Oversee event‑related communications and follow‑up, including materials, run‑of‑show development, and post‑event stewardship.

• Independently manage the Young Professional (YP) Board, responsible for recruitment and retention, setting and hosting monthly meetings.
• Set and meet annual goals with the YP board which could include annual events.

• Own Salesforce and development systems, ensuring accurate data, effective workflows, reliable reporting, and coordination with HQ Development Operations.
• Track grants, deliverables, and reporting requirements, coordinating internal timelines and follow‑through.
• Prepare development reports and maintain fundraising calendars, deadlines, and follow‑through for Colorado leadership and HQ.

• Manage development‑related communications, including social media posts, partner acknowledgments, event highlights, and newsletter content.
• Coordinate with marketing, digital, and program teams to develop content and assets that support fundraising, stewardship, and partner engagement.
• Oversee preparation of development‑related reports and materials, including grant reports, partner reports, the annual report, and development‑focused newsletters.

Responsibilities may evolve over time based on organizational needs and priorities.

• 4–6 years of experience in development, fundraising operations, account management, or related nonprofit roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor relationships, events, and revenue goals.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills; able to manage…