Development Manager

KSU 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) retirement plan with company 10

Paid holidays and vacation

Tuition and certification assistance

Wellness program reimbursement

Flexible work environment

Mission-driven work

Job summary

Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS seeks a Development Manager to lead the Digital Development Officer team and drive donor engagement for major gifts. The role focuses on data-driven outreach, relationship-building, and strategy development to expand K-State's donor pipeline.

You will coach two team members, collaborate with partners, and ensure accurate CRM records while pursuing measurable fundraising goals.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-channel prospecting across phone, email, and video to engage donors and generate referrals.
• Use data and analytics to identify prospects and design outreach strategies.
• Collaborate with development partners to refer qualified major gift prospects.
• Capture prospect insights in the CRM to support relationship-building.
• Track outreach activity and maintain accurate prospect records.

Skills

Outbound/inbound calling

CRM usage

Microsoft Excel

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job 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

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.