Development Manager

Kansas-State-University-Foundation; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 67,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

HSA contributions

403(b) plan

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Wellness stipend

Flexible environment

Job summary

Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS seeks a Development Manager to lead the Digital Development Officer team, building donor relationships and driving major gift opportunities. You'll coach two teammates, design multi-channel outreach, use data analytics to identify prospects, and collaborate with partners to grow the donor pipeline and measure impact.

This exempt, full-time role offers comprehensive benefits and a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in outbound/inbound calling, sales, fundraising, or related field with measurable goals.
• Experience managing projects, priorities, and multiple initiatives.
• Experience using CRM systems to manage constituent data.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-channel prospecting strategy across phone, email, and video to engage potential 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 plan engagement steps.
• Capture prospect insights in the CRM to strengthen donor data and future relationships.
• Track outreach activity and maintain accurate records of contacts, qualifications, and referrals.

Skills

Outbound/Inbound calling

Sales/Fundraising

CRM usage

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Compensation: $67,000-77,000 annually

Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Manhattan, KS (onsite only)

Our Promise to You

• 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
• View more benefits on our website or click here!

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

What You'll bring:

• 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:

• Bachelor's degree
• 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.