Development Manager

Position: Development Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Payroll Status: Salaried, Exempt

Location: Louisville, KY

Hours: Full-time

Who We Are: New Life Directions Ministries exists to empower, encourage, and equip homeless single mothers. Through gospel-centered holistic care, New Life Directions Ministries’ (NLDM) vision is to see every mother know her identity in Christ, develop life skills, and ultimately become a self-sufficient single mother.  We support each woman by providing a Single Mom University training program, case management, life skills training, counseling, social services, child care assistance, and some financial client assistance. 

Summary: The Development Manager will lead and execute the fundraising and donor engagement strategies to support the mission and vision of NLDM. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with donors, overseeing fundraising initiatives, and securing financial resources to sustain and grow the ministry’s programs. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for faith-based work, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in non-profit fundraising and donor relations.

Role Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, including major gifts, grants, planned giving, annual giving campaigns, and special events.
• Donor Relations & Stewardship: Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, churches, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Grant Writing & Management: Research, write, and manage grant applications and reporting processes.
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and strengthen relationships with faith communities, business leaders, and other stakeholders to enhance fundraising opportunities.
• Marketing & Communications: Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling fundraising materials, donor newsletters, impact reports, and digital campaigns.
• Database & Reporting: Maintain accurate donor records, track engagement activities, and analyze fundraising performance using CRM software. Regularly present and share with the Board and Executive Director.
• Leadership & Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Director, board members, and staff to develop and implement fundraising plans to meet annual and long-term fundraising goals.
• Event Planning: Oversee fundraising events, donor appreciation gatherings, and community engagement activities.
• Faith Alignment: Ensure all fundraising activities align with the organization’s Christian values and mission.

Qualifications and Skills:

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and/or Grant Professionals Certified (GPC) credential is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and development.
• At least 5 years of experience in grant writing.
• Demonstrated success in securing awards of all types is preferred, including large private and federal awards.
• The skills to effectively represent the organization in meetings for sharing knowledge, collaborating, and building partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in storytelling and donor communications.
• Experience with donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and data-driven fundraising strategies.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check
• Commitment to the mission and values of New Life Directions Ministries

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• SEP IRA (Retirement Savings)
• Paid time off and holidays