Development Manager

Welcome! Please note that we process all applications directly through our HR inbox instead of Linked In. To apply, please skip the "Apply" button and email your resume and cover letter directly to HR.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your relevant fundraising experience, interest in Border Light, and approach to working collaboratively in a small organization. We encourage you to highlight experience with grants, sponsor ships, donor communications, direct mail or digital campaigns, major gifts, and fundraising events, as applicable. Applications will be reviewed as received. The anticipated start date is as soon as mutually agreed.

Part-Time Independent Contractor (Ongoing/Long-Term) | Primarily Home-Office-Based | Greater Cleveland

Job Summary:

Border Light Theatre Festival seeks a detail-oriented, resourceful Development Manager to help carry out and grow its fundraising program. Working 15 hours per week, this hands-on, mid-level position works closely with the Executive & Artistic Director, staff, and board members across individual giving, grants, corporate sponsor ships, major gifts, special events, donor stewardship, and fundraising communications.

The strongest candidate will combine excellent writing and follow-through with sound judgment, warmth, and a genuinely collaborative approach. Border Light is a small, fast-moving arts organization, so success requires someone who communicates clearly, takes initiative, welcomes feedback, adapts as priorities shift, and enjoys working as part of a close-knit team.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Manage day to day development strategies as directed by leadership.
• Manage fundraising campaigns and events, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Compose personalized thank you notes, donor communications, and sponsorship materials.
• Steward donors and sponsors, ensuring fulfillment of benefits and timely recognition.
• Research and track grant opportunities that align with Border Light’s strategic priorities.
• Write select grant proposals, provide feedback on others, and support the grant development process. Assist with grant budgets as needed and help ensure timely and accurate grant reporting.
• Coordinate grant deliverables and budgets, ensuring that funding aligns with the organization’s long-term growth strategy.

Database Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor and sponsor records in the donor database (e.g., Little Green Light).
• Track and report fundraising progress to leadership and the board on a regular basis.

Collaboration with Marketing

• Coordinate with the marketing team to incorporate fundraising and donor recognition strategies into newsletters, social media, and outreach materials.
• Identify opportunities for engaging sponsors, donors, and partners in the annual theatre festival.

Resource Management

• Ensure cost-effective use of resources to maximize returns on fundraising efforts.
• Support the processing and tracking of donations, sponsor ships, and pledges, ensuring accurate reporting and acknowledgment.
• Assist in the development of budgets for fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, or a related field.
• Experience with grants and fundraising campaigns; experience with corporate sponsor ships, major gifts, direct mail, online campaigns, or fundraising events is especially valuable.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with experience in grant writing and reporting preferred.
• Familiarity with donor databases (e.g., Little Green Light or similar CRM).
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently in a flexible, part-time role.
• Skilled at working independently while collaborating effectively with the Executive & Artistic Director, staff, and board members.
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Compensation and Contract Details

This part-time independent contractor engagement provides annual compensation of $20,000 to $22,000, based on qualifications and experience, paid in equal monthly installments. The anticipated workload averages approximately 15 hours per week,…