Manager, Development Research and Operations

KIPP Foundation; United States; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 holidays plus additional flexible PTO

100% paid parental leave

Full medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with 4% match

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking a Manager of Development Research and Operations to lead fundraising efforts and enhance educational opportunities for students from Black and Latinx communities. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills and at least 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising. The role includes conducting donor research, managing data, and collaborating with frontline fundraising teams. The position offers a salary range of $80,000 - $95,500 and full benefits, including flexible PTO and a 401(k) matching program.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or project management.
• Experience with donor prospect research practices.
• Curiosity about using AI for research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fundraising research to identify potential donors.
• Manage data for research and annual campaigns.
• Coordinate and oversee Development Operations projects.

Skills

Passion for KIPP’s mission

Effective work management

Strong communication skills

Continuous learning mindset

Collaboration

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Manager, Development Research and Operations

Join KIPP Foundation as a Manager of Development Research and Operations. The role fuels fundraising plans and advances educational opportunity for students from Black and Latinx communities.

About the Position

Reporting to the Senior Director, Development Operations, you will identify and research potential individual and institutional donors at national and regional levels and manage data for research, annual campaigns at the Friends Donor Level (Up to $25,000), and other Development Operations projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive fundraising research to identify individuals, corporations, and foundations with the capacity to make major and principal gifts to KIPP Foundation. Utilize internal and external databases, wealth screening tools, AI, and publicly available information.
• Work closely with frontline fundraising teams to align prospect research efforts with fundraising goals and priorities, and provide support in prospect identification and cultivation strategies.
• Assist with meetings and events preparation, creating well‑written and researched profiles, event bios, and briefs.
• Support fundraisers in tracking donor interactions, solicitations, and outcomes to measure portfolio progress.
• Proactively suggest targeted wealth screening to conduct new prospects based on KIPP knowledge and the charter school sector.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of prospect information in the database.

Friends‑Level Giving & Development Operations

• Operationalize plans for frontline fundraisers to secure annual fundraising gifts from individuals in their portfolios, using a variety of outreach methods.
• Coordinate and oversee Development Operations projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with goals and expectations.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, timelines, and resource allocation, to guide team efforts and track progress.
• Facilitate communication among project stakeholders to maintain transparency and project alignment.
• Monitor project performance, identify any issues or risks, and implement timely solutions.
• Conduct project reviews and create reports to document learnings and provide insights for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Skills and Mindsets

• Passion for KIPP’s mission and commitment to core values (Excellent Results for Students, Collective Impact, Courageous Action).
• Demonstrated record of co‑creating ambitious goals and driving toward desired outcomes.
• Effective work management; clear action planning, time management, and partnership with stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills; ability to lead change efforts through compelling communications.
• Continuous learning mindset; self‑development and growth orientation.
• Collaboration; building trusting relationships and removing barriers across teams.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of full‑time work experience in a related field, preferably in nonprofit fundraising, prospect research, and project management.
• Experience with CRM systems for tracking and reporting.
• Curiosity about and ability to use AI for research, with guardrails and ethics.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment; K‑12 or charter school sector preferred.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and privacy laws.
• Familiarity with biographical and financial reference sources and donor prospect research practices.
• Experience working with high net‑worth donor constituencies.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Additional Information

Work Conditions

• Travel: 0–10%
• Full‑time, exempt role.

Location

Role can be based out of a KIPP Foundation office in NYC or Chicago, or work remotely full‑time.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $80,000 – $95,500. Benefits include 25 holidays plus additional flexible PTO days, 100% paid parental leave, full medical/dental/vision coverage, wellness benefits, 401(k) with 4% match, life/disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

EEO Statement

KIPP Foundation embraces diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.