Development Operations Manager

Who We Are...

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) is one of four Girl Scout Councils supporting the New Jersey area. We service all of Hudson, Essex, Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, and portions of Middlesex and Warren counties. We operate offices in Westfield and North Branch, NJ; and maintain camp properties in Maplewood, Hillsborough, and Middleville, NJ.

The Mission...

Building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Here at GSHNJ, we offer every girl a chance to do something amazing!

The Role...

We are looking for a talented individual to join our dynamic and experienced team as Development Operations Manager who plays a critical role in ensuring the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Fund Development department. Exercising independent judgement, the Development Operations Manager, oversees grants management, donor data systems, process development, and reporting to support fundraising and donor engagement strategies. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate donor records, managing grant processes, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the success of the council’s fundraising efforts.

Here's What You Will Be Doing...

• Strategic Database Management & Reporting
  • Serve as the lead for managing the donor database, ensuring the accuracy of gift entry, acknowledgment letters, donor records, and fundraising reports.
  • Oversee and enforce data integrity protocols to maintain accuracy in gift entry and ensure donor data consistency and completeness.
  • Develop and lead comprehensive monthly data reporting strategies, including:
    • Revenue tracking against fundraising goals.
    • New donor acquisition trends analysis
    • Custom reports and mailing/email lists for appeals and donor communications.
  • Direct the preparation of the Monthly Development Report for the CEO, VP Strategic Philanthropy and Board of Directors.
  • Oversee and manage the reconciliation process with the Finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Grants Management & Compliance
  • Lead and maintain GSHNJ’s grant pipeline in the donor database, ensuring it is updated annually.
  • Develop and implement a systematic approach for tracking grant application and reporting deadlines.
  • Oversee data compilation for grant proposals and reports in collaboration with program staff, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
  • Develop and refine internal processes for effective grants management and compliance tracking.
• Donor Research & Prospect Development
  • Conduct research on current and prospective donors, corporations, and foundations to inform strategic donor cultivation initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain high-level prospect profiles for the CEO, VP Strategic Philanthropy, and Board of Directors.
  • Identify and assess new funding opportunities and assist in developing strategies for donor cultivation.
• Event Support & Donor Engagement
  • Assist with event registration, logistics, and on-site execution for donor and fundraising events, ensuring a high-quality experience for participants.
  • Collaborate with the Event Contractor and other staff to support event planning, follow-up, and data management.
  • Track and evaluate event performance and donor participation.
• Process Development & Operational Support
  • Lead process development and implementation of best practices in data management, reporting, and donor stewardship.
  • Create and maintain training guides and procedures for database management and operational processes.
  • Provide essential operational support to the Fund Development department, contributing to department-wide strategic planning and process improvements.
• Active participation in the development of environments which foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through words, actions, and attitude.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.

Is this you?

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field.
• 3 - 5 years of experience in development operations, grants management, or donor database management, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Experience in donor database management (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, or similar).
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising operations, donor stewardship, and nonprofit compliance best practices.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office, Customer Relationship Management systems (Salesforce, or similar) and data visualization tools.
• Experience with grants management and reporting.
• Familiarity with fundraising event planning and donor engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial processes and reconciliation.
• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive problem solver who can work independently and take initiative.
• Proven ability to develop and implement operational systems and process improvements.
• Excellent organizational, leadership and project management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities – able to effectively communication with a diverse range of audiences including board members, volunteers, internal staff, donors, executives, potential fundraising partners, and all constituencies.
• This role is ideal for someone who thrives on structure, efficiency, and continuous improvement—playing a vital role in strengthening the organization’s development efforts.
• Commitment to the mission of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey.
• Must be highly motivated and able to function in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Flexibility to shift work hours as needed, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to lift and manipulate up to 30 pounds of Girl Scouting products, supplies, or materials.
• A valid driver’s license is required if driving a council vehicle. Reliable transportation, whether the employee’s own vehicle or public transportation, is necessary for travel between council properties and throughout the entire service area as needed.
• Become a registered member of Girl Scouts and maintain membership for duration of employment.
• The job is primarily performed remotely, but Employee may work from the offices as needed. Occasionally, Employee will need to attend meetings, trainings, or work events that may be held in any of these locations, others throughout council jurisdiction, or virtually.  This position may require occasional evening and weekend hours for fundraising events and critical deadlines.

Sound Interesting?

Apply today! Please upload your resume and your cover letter. 

We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, along with a comfortable work environment.

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. GSHNJ does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Employer reserves the right to change the job descriptions at any time.

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000