Overview

Heartland Forward is seeking a development manager who will play a crucial role in enhancing the organization's fundraising efforts by managing key activities. This professional will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to meet the organizations financial goals, identify and pursue new funding opportunities and organize fundraising events. Additional responsibilities include assisting with grant research, requests, portal entries and submissions as well as drafting proposals and development communication materials. The role will also arrange team travel, schedule meetings, support prospect research and create agendas for prospect meetings This professional will develop and execute fundraising opportunities to meet Heartland Forward’s fundraising goals. They will identify and pursue new funding streams through grants, donations and sponsorships. They will build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors. The development manager will prepare and submit grant proposals as well as manage grant reporting to ensure timely submission The manager will work collaboratively with the development team to ensure all development efforts are supported in the giving cycle: research, prospects, solicitation, follow-up and recognition. This position reports to Heartland Forward’s director of development.

About the Position

Heartland Forward is a think-and-do tank dedicated to being a resource for states and local communities in the middle of the country. We do this by studying broad economic trends and building data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies to address the needs of the heartland - all while helping to change the narrative about the middle of the country and kick-starting economic growth. Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status of protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising opportunities to meet the organizations financial goals.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, donations and sponsorships.
• Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Ensure timely and effective communication with donors – including renewal and thank you letters.
• Manage and update website for donor recognition and accuracy.
• Research and identify grant opportunities that align with the organization’s mission.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
• Manage grant reporting and ensure timely submission of reports to funders.
• Track and report on fundraising progress.
• Ensure fundraising efforts are managed and entered into the data management system.
• Arrange team travel, schedule meetings, support prospect research (using GuideStar and other tools) and create agendas for prospect meetings.
• Assist at various special events in coordination with events and development team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long-term fundraising plans
• 2-3 years of fundraising, development, or donor relations experience
• Experience in data management systems preferred

Characteristics that support success:

• Unquestionable ethics and integrity
• Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• Strong people skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain grace under pressure when adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Team-player, solution-oriented, intellectual agility and the ability to analyze and think critically
• Effective independently and in a semi-remote environment