Development Manager

Job Title:

Development Manager

Position:
Full-time, 40 hours weekly, occasional evening & weekend hours

Classification:
Non
- Exempt

Department:
Development & Communications Department

Reports to:

Director of Development and Communications

Location:

505 N East Ave, Waukesha / partially Remote

We provide safety, shelter and support to empower all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking.

The Development Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and executing the organization's internal and external fundraising and community events, leading external communications efforts, and managing the annual fund. This role is key to strengthening donor relationships, enhancing community visibility, and supporting the organization's overall development strategy. The ideal candidate is a consummate professional with strong project management skills, proven experience in a similar role, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and creativity.

• Plan, organize, and execute all internal and external fundraising events from concept to completion, including the largest fundraising event, the EmPower Luncheon, with an average attendance of 500 and a fundraising goal of $250,000. Responsibilities include soliciting sponsor ships and auction items, coordinating with the venue and vendors, creating and executing the marketing plan, and managing day‑of logistics.
• Collaborate throughout the year with staff, volunteers, and donors to build and expand relationships, and advance the organization's profile through tabling events, internal client‑focused events, and other external fundraising opportunities.
• Work closely with the Development Director and Development Assistant in planning and executing multiple annual fund requests, using mail, email, and other platforms to promote and solicit gifts from the community.

• Develop and manage external communications, including newsletters, donor emails, social media content, flyers, marketing collateral, and the annual report.
• Support branding initiatives and marketing campaigns to raise visibility while ensuring consistent messaging and branding across all platforms.
• Create compelling stories and content to engage supporters, donors, and the broader community.

• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering high‑quality results.
• Maintain project timelines, coordinate with internal teams, and ensure accountability.
• Work closely with program staff to align fundraising and communication strategies with program goals.
• Monitor budgets and expenses related to events and communications projects.

• Support donor stewardship through clear, timely, and personalized communications.
• Build relationships with community partners, vendors, and sponsors.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong project management and organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools (social media platforms, email marketing software, Canva/Adobe, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, vendors, donors, and volunteers.
• Flexible, resourceful, and solutions‑oriented professional.
• Strong organizational and excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Understands fundraising and development principles and is willing to think…