Development Manager

Job Posting: Development Manager - Annual Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, and Foundations & Grants

Position Title: Development Manager
Department: Resource Development
Reports To: Chief Advancement Officer
Status: Full-time

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS):
Founded in 1997, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS, formerly Dundee Township) is dedicated to enabling all young people, especially those who need it the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible community members. With 12 strategically located program sites and a new 45,000 square foot Community Impact Center, BGCNWS provides innovative afterschool programming that empowers youth in areas such as Life & Workforce Readiness, Healthy Lifestyles, Creative Arts, and more.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for a passionate Development Manager to join our team and contribute to our mission by managing and executing annual fundraising initiatives. This role will focus on marketing and communication strategies, as well as identifying and developing relationships with foundations, corporations, and other grant-making entities.

Position Overview:
The Development Manager will lead efforts to manage and execute BGCNWS's annual fundraising strategy. A key focus will be to enhance our marketing and communication efforts to engage and steward existing and prospective donors while identifying new funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and other grant-making entities. This role requires an individual with a proven track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and grant management, combined with strong organizational and communication skills to drive our resource development initiatives forward.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing & Communications

• Fundraising Campaign Development
• Develop and implement annual fundraising campaigns and multi-channel strategies, including digital, email, print, and social media platforms.
• Lead communications for key campaigns such as Giving Tuesday, year-end appeals, and community engagement initiatives.

• Donor-Focused Content Creation
• Create compelling donor communications including appeal letters, donor and board spotlight features, newsletters, thank-you materials, and impact reports.
• Collaborate with the digital experience team to coordinate photography and videography at events to support donor engagement, including thank-you videos, member testimonials, and spotlight stories.
• Prepare materials such as PowerPoints, program books, and social media content for fundraising events and initiatives.

• Media and Promotions
• Manage the creation and distribution of pamphlets, newsletters, save-the-dates, and branded visual content (e.g., signs, posters, slideshows).
• Support video promotions for grants and interviews, ensuring alignment with campaign messaging and organizational brand.
• Maintain organized libraries of sponsor logos and promotional assets for use in digital and print materials.

• Brand & Messaging Alignment
• Collaborate with the broader marketing team to ensure all donor-facing content reflects BGCNWS’s brand, tone, and mission.
• Ensure accurate and consistent use of brand elements such as logos, naming, and contact information across all platforms.

• Platform & Reporting Support
• Utilize donor software and email platforms (e.g., Blackbaud, Constant Contact) for executing and tracking communications and supporting donor stewardship.
• Prepare and submit annual reports, donor recognition materials, and accreditation documentation (e.g., Candid, BBB).

• Performance Tracking & Analysis
• Monitor campaign performance, donor engagement metrics, and adjust strategies as needed to meet or exceed fundraising goals.

Foundations & Grants Outreach and Management:

• Identify and cultivate potential funding sources from foundations, corporations, and government entities.
• Lead the full lifecycle of grant management, including research, proposal writing, reporting, and stewardship.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key foundation contacts and corporate sponsors to ensure continued engagement.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting for funded projects, meeting all grant requirements.

Annual Fund Development:

• In collaboration with the Resource Development team, oversee the annual fund program, developing strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades.
• Manage a portfolio of individual and institutional donors, with a focus on increasing donor engagement and support.
• Implement donor recognition strategies to show appreciation and build long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer to set fundraising goals and provide regular updates on progress.

Qualifications and Qualities of Our Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on annual fund development, marketing, and grants management.
• Proven ability to secure foundation and corporate funding through effective grant writing and relationship building.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with donor management software and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, Constant Contact, HubSpot, and online giving platforms.
• Experience in developing and executing donor engagement strategies and fundraising campaigns.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, creativity, and a passion for the mission of BGCNWS.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in major gift solicitation and capital campaign management.
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising strategies and trends.
• Knowledge of the local community and business landscape is a plus.

What We Offer:

• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in our communities.

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and interest in the position to kkay@bgcnws.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (BGCNWS) is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.Bottom of Form