South Alabama Development Manager

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama, Inc.; Mobile (AL); Remote; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama, Inc. seeks a South Alabama Development Manager to lead fundraising, donor relations, event planning, and community engagement across the South Alabama region.

This home-based, salaried role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a remote setting, coordinates with the Regional Advisory Council, and reports to the Chief Advancement Officer. Must reside in the greater Mobile area and travel 20-30% as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• 3–5 years of successful fundraising and nonprofit experience with demonstrated growth.
• Experience with event planning and donor relations preferred.
• Willingness to travel 20–30% and work evenings/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a regional fundraising strategy for individuals, foundations, corporations, and schools.
• Assist the Regional Advisory Council in identifying major donors.
• Manage and grow revenue streams and donor relationships using moves management.
• Maintain donor records for the assigned South Alabama region.
• Plan, organize, and execute regional fundraising events and initiatives.
• Coordinate event logistics, budgets, and on-site operations.
• Engage with the local business and philanthropic community to raise mission awareness.
• Represent the Chapter at events and public engagements as needed.

Skills

Self-motivated

Organized

Independent working

Entrepreneurial mindset

Strong verbal and written comms

Presentation skills

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Education

Bachelor's degree

Equivalent work experience considered

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Salesforce

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: South Alabama Development Manager (Salaried, Full-Time)

REPORTS TO: Chief Advancement Officer

TERRITORY: South Alabama Counties: Autauga, Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Bullock, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Elmore, Escambia, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tallapoosa, Washington, Wilcox

LOCATION: Greater Mobile Area (Home-based out of Mobile/Baldwin Counties)

JOB SUMMARY: The South Alabama Development Manager is a multifaceted role responsible for fundraising, event management, community engagement, and supporting wish granting in the South Alabama region. This home-based position requires a self-starter who thrives in a remote work environment, demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills, and is passionate about advancing the Make-A-Wish mission.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and Donor Relations:

• Develop and implement a regional strategy for financial and in-kind solicitation of individuals, foundations, corporations, organizations, and schools to achieve assigned goals
• Assist the Regional Advisory Council in identifying and soliciting major donors
• Responsible for managing and growing current revenue streams and revenue-generating relationships, while also identifying additional/new revenue streams
• Responsible for managing a portfolio of individual and corporate donors, while implementing a moves management approach to their engagement
• Maintain accurate and thorough donor records for the assigned region

Event Planning and Management:

• Plan, organize, and execute regional fundraising events and initiatives
• Coordinate event logistics, including vendor management, budgeting, and day-of-event operations
• Ensure events and activities adhere to chapter policies, procedures, and processes

Community Engagement:

• Actively network within the local business and philanthropic community to increase mission awareness, attract support, and identify new initiatives adaptable for the Chapter
• Represent the Chapter at special events, public speaking engagements, and community functions as requested by the Leadership Team

Other Duties:

• Participate in local and statewide events as needed
• Inclusion in Mission Delivery efforts by being on-site for wishes needing staff member support
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Leadership Team

SALARY RANGE: mid to high $50,000s

Requirements

Location

Location: Must reside in the greater Mobile area; position is home-based

Education

Education: Bachelor's degree required; equivalent work experience may be considered as a substitute.

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of successful fundraising and nonprofit experience with demonstrated progressive growth; event planning and management experience preferred
• Experience working with families, vendors, or service providers is a plus

Skills

• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently in a goal-oriented environment
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, energetic approach to achieving results
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Travel and Availability

• Regular travel within the South Alabama region, Montgomery/Central Alabama region, and occasional statewide travel required (20%-30%)
• Must possess a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as necessary (two Saturdays per month January - April plus approximately 2-3 weekends May - December)

Non-negotiable soft skills

• Self-motivation and Initiative
• Strong Communication Skills
• Adaptability
• Outgoing and professional demeanor
• Attention to detail
• Emotional maturity and intelligence

SALARY RANGE: mid to high $50,000s