Development Manager

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.

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

Summary/Objective: 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 annual EmPower Luncheon (average attendance 500, fundraising goal $250,000). Responsibilities include soliciting sponsor ships, coordinating vendors and venue, creating marketing plans, and managing day‑of logistics.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and donors to build and nurture relationships, and advance the organization’s profile through tabling events, client‑focused events, and other external fundraising opportunities.
• Work closely with the Development Director and Development Assistant to plan and execute multiple annual fund requests using mail, email, and other platforms to solicit community gifts.
• 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.
• Create compelling stories and content for supporters and the broader community.
• Manage multiple development projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering high‑quality results.
• Maintain project timelines and coordinate with internal teams for accountability.
• Collaborate cross‑departmentally 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.
• Note:
  
  This job description is not an exhaustive list; duties may change without notice.

• 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, solutions‑oriented professional.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Understanding of fundraising and development principles and creative thinking in expanding fundraising efforts.
• Previous event‑management experience, especially significant fundraising events.
• Experience planning and executing annual fund appeals from inception to mail.
• Ability to manage a marketing calendar encompassing email, social media, and print.
• Critical thinking skills, using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, marketing or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in development, fundraising, event planning or nonprofit communications.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge, including RE NXT, preferred.

• Ability to read, write and comprehend English.
• Knowledge of English composition and grammar.
• Understanding of written sentences and paragraphs for work documents.