Development and Fundraising Manager

Position Title: Development & Fundraising Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Full-time, Salaried

Compensation: $55K - $65K per year, structured incentive plan, competitive medical, dental, vision, 401K and fringe benefits (Holidays, PTO, Parental Leave or more)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

About First Tee – Greater New Orleans:

First Tee – Greater New Orleans empowers youth through the game of golf and a life skills curriculum that promotes character development, resilience, and self-confidence. By offering innovative programs at golf courses, schools, and youth centers, we aim to equip children with the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges and grow continuously. Our mission is to create learning experiences that help kids build inner strength and resilience, preparing them to succeed in everything they do.

Position Summary:

The Development & Fundraising Manager will support the Executive Director in planning, organizing, and managing all aspects of fundraising and marketing initiatives to achieve the strategic goals of First Tee – Greater New Orleans. This role requires a passionate commitment to youth empowerment, focusing on donor stewardship, event planning, and strategic marketing. The Development Manager will also work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners to develop and execute strategies that support our mission. The position will involve comprehensive planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, events, and communications to ensure sustainable support for the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development Strategy & Fundraising:
• Support the creation and implementation of a comprehensive development and marketing strategy, including annual appeals, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events.
• Work with the Executive Director to plan and execute fundraising campaigns and events, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Event Planning & Coordination:
• Assist in the development of event budgets, timelines, marketing, PR, and logistics in collaboration with committees.
• Lead the execution of fundraising events, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
• Donor Stewardship & Relationships:
• Build and maintain effective relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and external partners.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Development Committee (including board members and volunteers) on all fundraising initiatives.
• Lead grant writing efforts, including the preparation and submission of applications, managing reports, and fostering relationships with grant makers.

Marketing & Communications:

• Lead the creation of fundraising and promotional materials, including donor presentations and collateral.
• Develop a strategic communications plan to share the FTGNO story and impact with potential donors, supporters, and community members.
• Collaborate on the creation of marketing materials, emails, and social media content that aligns with branding and highlights programs, events, and successes.
• Ensure marketing effectiveness through the evaluation of analytics and outcomes.
• Team Collaboration & Reporting:
• Attend and contribute to Fundraising/Development Committee meetings, providing updates and input on campaigns and events.
• Continuously contribute to the development and implementation of new ideas to meet fundraising and marketing goals.
• Complete additional tasks and projects as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Sales, Communications, Business Management or related field highly preferred AND
• 3-5 years of professional level fundraising experience in a non-profit setting or for-profit trust management services with a proven/successful track record of raising money and engaging donors required. (*Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis)
• Certified FundRaising Executive (CFRE) highly preferred
• Experience with Major Gift fundraising and Capital Campaigns a plus

Skills & Expertise:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a solid understanding of fundraising, sales and major gifts donor environments.
• Proficiency in producing marketing collateral, with experience in design applications such as Adobe InDesign, Canva, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with managing social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc) is a plus.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive marketing and communication strategies.

Core Competencies:

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Transparent, inclusive communicator with a collaborative and respectful approach to team dynamics.
• Enthusiastic advocate for youth development, with a commitment to engaging donors, community and corporate partners, board members, families and volunteers.
• Motivated to continuously learn and develop professionally, fostering a culture of philanthropy and teamwork.
• Demonstrated affinity for the mission of raising money for a real passion.

Additional Qualities:

• A passion for empowering youth and an enthusiasm for supporting their growth through life skills programs.
• A self-starter with a proactive attitude, willing to take initiative and lead by example.
• A creative and strategic thinker who can adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.