Development Manager

Kansas State University Foundation; Manhattan (KS); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, life insurance

Company-paid HSA contributions

403(b) with 10% company contribution

Paid holidays, vacation, wellness, and

Tuition and certification assistance

Annual wellness reimbursement of $300

Job summary

Kansas State University Foundation is seeking a Development Manager to lead our Digital Development Officer team in building donor relationships and growing the major gifts pipeline. You will use data-driven strategies and personalized outreach to engage potential donors across multiple channels and coach two team members toward measurable fundraising goals.

This role emphasizes collaboration with development partners, CRM-driven donor insights, and strong analytics to optimize outreach and

Qualifications

• 5+ years in outbound/inbound calling, sales, fundraising, or business development with measurable goals.
• Experience managing projects, priorities, and multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems to manage donor data.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and MS Office.
• Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-channel prospecting strategy across phone, email, and video to engage donors and generate major gift referrals.
• Use data and analytics to identify prospects and develop outreach strategies for current and prospective donors.
• Collaborate with development partners to refer qualified major gift prospects and determine next steps for engagement.
• Capture key prospect insights and preferences in the CRM to strengthen donor data and support future relationship-building.
• Track and report outreach activity and results, maintaining timely and accurate records of prospect contacts, qualifications, and referrals.
• Lead, coach, and develop 2 team members in a results-focused environment while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Skills

Excellent communication

Relationship building

Analytical skills

CRM experience

Data-driven approach

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Competitive health, dental, life insurance, plus voluntary benefits including company paid HSA contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution
• Paid leave for holidays, vacation, wellness, personal, parental, and volunteer
• Tuition and certification assistance and a $300 annual reimbursement wellness program
• A work environment that embraces flexibility inside of a framework
• Mission-driven work that changes the lives of people around the world

Turn your talent for building relationships, developing opportunities, and leading people into an opportunity with purpose. As a Development Manager, you’ll lead our Digital Development Officer team, using data-driven strategy and personalized outreach to identify and engage future major gift donors for K-State.

This role is built for a results-driven leader who enjoys coaching others, developing outreach strategies, and finding new ways to create meaningful connections. Whether you come from fundraising, sales, business development, or another relationship-focused field, you’ll have the opportunity to use your experience to grow a team, build K-State’s donor pipeline, and make an impact.

What You'll Do:

• Lead a multi-channel prospecting strategy across phone, email, and video to engage potential donors, conduct qualification conversations, and generate major gift referrals.
• Use data and analytics to identify prospects and develop effective outreach strategies for current and prospective donors.
• Collaborate with development partners to refer qualified major gift prospects and determine the best next steps for engagement.
• Capture key prospect insights and preferences in the CRM to strengthen donor data and support future relationship-building.
• Track and report outreach activity and results, maintaining timely and accurate records of prospect contacts, qualifications, and referrals.

Lead the Team

Lead, coach, and develop 2 team members in a results-focused environment while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in outbound and inbound calling, sales, customer engagement, fundraising, business development, or a related field with measurable goals and outcomes
• Experience managing projects, priorities, and multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Experience utilizing CRM systems or similar platforms to manage customer or constituent data
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills

Bonus Expertise That Sets You Apart:

• Understanding of fundraising or development strategies and systems
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a metrics-driven environment
• Strong work ethic and a proactive, goal-oriented mindset

Ready for a Career Move with Purpose?

If you're passionate about leading teams, building relationships, and achieving goals, imagine using those skills to create meaningful impact at Kansas State University. Transform your experience in sales, customer success, business development, or people leadership into a rewarding career that helps advance the future of K-State.

Join us—apply your talents and ambition to a higher-purpose team that thrives on innovation, impact, and excellence.