Development Manager

Ecarams; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA) seeks a Development Manager to lead fundraising strategy, donor relations, and campaign execution. This role builds partnerships with individuals, sponsors, foundations, and government entities to advance ECA’s mission.

You will oversee campaigns, grants, and donor communications, coordinating events and ensuring timely reporting while collaborating with staff and volunteers to achieve financial goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of fundraising or nonprofit management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with donor stewardship experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including proposal writing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure support for programs and operations.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and funding partners.
• Organize and oversee fundraising campaigns, events, and direct mail efforts; track results.
• Identify grant opportunities and write compelling proposals and reports to secure funding.
• Plan and execute fundraising events, manage logistics, sponsorships, ticketing, and post-event follow-up.
• Manage donor database, track donations, and generate progress reports and trends.
• Collaborate with marketing to create promotional materials for campaigns and donor communications.
• Provide training and support to volunteers and staff on fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment on goals and fundraising strategies.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Campaign management

Grant writing

Event planning

CRM software

Nonprofit management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management

Bachelor’s degree in business or communications

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.