Development Manager

Ecarams; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Emmanuel Christian Academy in Akron, OH, is seeking a Development Manager to lead fundraising initiatives, build donor relationships, and oversee campaigns. The role reports to the Head of School and is full-time, with responsibilities spanning strategy, grant writing, events, and donor data management.

The candidate will drive outreach, coordinate campaigns, and work with volunteers and staff to meet financial goals while aligning with the organization’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field.
• 1–3 years of fundraising experience.
• Strong interpersonal and donor stewardship skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for proposals/reports.
• Experience with fundraising software and CRM systems.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising events.

Responsibilities

• Develop fundraising strategy and implement initiatives to support programs and operations.
• Cultivate and maintain donor relationships; provide regular updates for long-term engagement.
• Organize campaigns, events, auctions, and online giving efforts; track results.
• Identify grants and write compelling proposals; prepare progress reports.
• Plan galas, dinners, runs, and other events; manage logistics and sponsorships.
• Maintain donor database, track donations, and generate progress reports.
• Collaborate with marketing to align campaign messaging with brand.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Campaign management

Grant writing

Event planning

CRM experience

Marketing communications

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

DonorPerfect

Bloomerang

Salesforce

Job description

The Development Manager will play a key role in planning, organizing, and executing fundraising initiatives. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining donor relationships, overseeing campaigns, securing sponsorships, and ensuring the organization’s financial goals are met. The ideal candidate will have experience in fundraising, excellent communication skills, and a passion for the organization’s mission.

Job Title: Development Manager
Job Location: Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA)
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Head of School

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy Development:
Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure financial support
for the organization’s initiatives, programs, and operations.

Donor Relations:
Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors,
foundations, and other funding partners. Provide regular communication and updates to
ensure long-term engagement.

Campaign Management:
Organize and oversee fundraising campaigns, including online giving campaigns, events,
auctions, and direct mail efforts. Track results and ensure goals are met.

Grant Writing & Reporting:
Research and identify grant opportunities. Write compelling grant proposals and reports
to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government entities.

Event Planning & Execution:
Coordinate fundraising events such as galas, dinners, charity runs, or auctions. Oversee
logistics, sponsorships, ticket sales, and post-event follow-up.

Database & Reporting:
Manage and update donor database, track donations, and generate reports to analyze
fundraising progress and trends

Marketing & Communications:
Work closely with the marketing team to create promotional materials for campaigns,
events, and donor communication, ensuring that messaging is aligned with the organization’s brand and mission.

Collaboration:
Collaborate with team members, leadership, and volunteers to ensure alignment on goals
and strategies. Provide training and support to volunteers and staff on fundraising efforts.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.

1-3 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related fields.

Strong interpersonal skills with experience in donor stewardship and relationship
management.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write
proposals and reports.

Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple
projects and deadlines.

Proficient in fundraising software and CRM systems (e.g., DonorPerfect, Bloomerang,
Salesforce).

Experience in planning and executing successful fundraising events.

Knowledge of grant writing and securing funding from foundations and corporations.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with digital fundraising, including crowdfunding and online giving platforms.

Knowledge of tax laws related to charitable giving and nonprofit fundraising.

Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.