Resource Development Manager

Plazakc; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Plaza District Council seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising focused on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation support, partnering with the CEO to grow revenue and donor engagement.

This role requires a confident relationship-builder with strong writing and presentation skills, experienced in building donor portfolios, managing moves, and coordinating events in a growing nonprofit.

Qualifications

• 5+ years fundraising experience with success securing major gifts or corporate/foundation support.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable making asks.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and closing gifts of $10,000+.
• Excellent writer and presenter.
• Organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-growing nonprofit.
• Knowledge of Kansas City’s philanthropic community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to significantly grow contributed revenue.
• Build a diversified portfolio of major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Track goals, progress, and donor engagement activities.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit high-capacity donors and stakeholders.
• Prepare the CEO and board members for major donor meetings and asks.
• Build corporate partnerships that align with PDC’s mission and priorities.
• Secure sponsorships for events, programs, and public realm initiatives.
• Research and prepare foundation grant proposals and reports.
• Partner with the team to manage a high-level advisory group of business leaders and donors.
• Coordinate quarterly meetings, communications, and engagement activities.
• Support donor gatherings, district tours, and special events that showcase PDC’s work.
• Maintain accurate donor records, reports, and moves management tracking.
• Prepare fundraising materials, impact updates, and donor communications.

Skills

Major gifts

Corporate partnerships

Foundation support

Donor relations

Communication

Project management

Donor engagement

Tools

Bloomerang

QGiv

Job description

The Plaza District Council (PDC) strengthens Kansas City’s iconic Plaza District by improving the public realm, convening stakeholders, and supporting thoughtful, transparent development. As the district prepares for major investment and growth, PDC is expanding its fundraising capacity to match the scale of its vision.

Position Summary:

The Director of Development will lead PDC’s fundraising efforts with a focus on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation support. This role works closely with the CEO to grow revenue, build strong donor relationships, and help PDC achieve significant budget expansion over the next several years. The ideal candidate is a confident relationship-builder who enjoys making meaningful asks, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is excited to help shape a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to significantly grow contributed revenue.

Build a diversified portfolio of major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.

Track goals, progress, and donor engagement activities.

Major Gifts

Identify, cultivate, and solicit high-capacity donors and stakeholders.

Prepare the CEO and board members for major donor meetings and asks.

Corporate & Foundational Support

Build corporate partnerships that align with PDC’s mission and district priorities.

Secure sponsorships for events, programs, and public realm initiatives.

Research and prepare foundation grant proposals and reports.

Business Advisory Group

Partner with the team to manage a high-level advisory group of business leaders and donors.

Coordinate quarterly meetings, communications, and engagement activities.

Events & Donor Experiences

Support donor gatherings, district tours, and special events that showcase PDC’s work.

Create meaningful engagement opportunities for major donors and partners.

Systems & Administration

Maintain accurate donor records, reports, and moves management tracking.

Prepare fundraising materials, impact updates, and donor communications.

Requirements:

5+ years fundraising experience with success securing major gifts or corporate/foundation support.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable making asks.

Experience managing donor portfolios and closing gifts of $10,000+.

Excellent writer and presenter.

Organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-growing nonprofit.

Knowledge of Kansas City’s philanthropic community.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with civic, public realm, arts, or community development organizations.

Comfort building systems and processes in a growing organization.

Experience with Bloomerang and QGiv

Knowledge of tax based public funding mechanisms such as Community Improvement Districts, TIF Plans, TDD’s, GO Bonds and more.

Compensation & Enviorment:

Salary range: $70,000–$90,000

Hybrid schedule with regular presence in the Plaza District.

Some early mornings/evenings for events.