Position Description
The Development Manager supports the growth and sustainability of CFSN by contributing to fundraising operations, donor engagement, and development initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager works closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain donor records, support donor stewardship efforts, coordinate events, and assist with grant and fundraising activities. This is an in person position, with opportunity to work flexibly.
This is an ideal role for a detail-oriented, mission-driven professional looking to build a career in nonprofit fundraising and development.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
Fundraising and Development Support
- Assist the Executive Director in implementing the annual fundraising plan.
- Conduct prospect research to identify potential donors, foundations, and funding opportunities.
- Support preparation of grant applications and reports by gathering necessary data and documentation.
- Track deadlines and submission requirements for grants and fundraising initiatives.
- Help manage donor communications and fundraising appeals across channels (print, digital, social media).
- Maintain accurate donor and gift records in the database; generate reports as needed.
- Review/analyze the fundraising potential of existing initiatives and provide recommendations for new programs and/or events to meet the organization’s strategic objectives.
Donor Engagement and Stewardship:
- Draft and send timely thank-you letters and acknowledgments to donors.
- Help coordinate donor communications and recognition efforts (e.g., newsletters, impact updates).
- Support donor and mentor cultivation events and fundraising campaigns, including logistics and follow-up.
- Maintain and update donor profiles, notes, and interactions within the database.
- Develop sponsorship opportunities to recruit new major donors and special events supporters.
Event Coordination
- Assist in the planning and execution of development-related events such as fundraising campaigns, donor appreciation gatherings, and community engagement events.
- Provide logistical and administrative support before, during, and after events.
Administrative and Team Support
- Provide general administrative support to the Executive Director.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas to strengthen fundraising strategies and donor relationships.
- Help maintain systems and processes that support a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.
- Stay up to date on fundraising trends and best practices, especially within literacy, youth development, and the local philanthropic community.
Team Leadership and Collaboration:
- Stay current with evolving fundraising technologies, anticipate and respond to philanthropic trends
- Support organization-wide data collection related to fund development efforts.
- Participate in team meetings and demonstrate leadership throughout the organization related to fundraising, building a culture of philanthropy, and contributing to organizational goals aligned with our mission, vision, and values.
- Represent the organization at community events, networking functions, and relevant forums to promote partnerships and raise awareness.
Qualifications
Required:
- A passion for philanthropy and fundraising to increase equity through literacy.
- Demonstrated interest in nonprofit fundraising and development work.
- Transportation to attend community events and connect in person with the network.
- Excellent communication skills—written and verbal.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
- Comfort with databases, spreadsheets, and digital communication tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Availability for occasional evening or weekend events.
Preferred:
- 1–2 years of professional or internship experience in a nonprofit or similar environment.
- Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems (e.g., Little Green Light, Bloomerang, Salesforce).
- Experience planning or supporting events or campaigns.
- Knowledge of the Detroit philanthropic landscape is a plus.
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter that captures why this position is a great match for your skills and interests, along with your resume to andrea.meyer@center4success.org. Include “Development Manager” in the subject line.