What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Manager position at Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day?
Why Work for Wonders Early Learning Extended Day?
Play isn't just fun, It's fundamental! Children need playtime, it is crucial for healthy development. Children learn about the world by exploring ideas, manipulating objects, investigating creative materials, and problem-solving with others. Using imagination and creativity, children take on new roles and test new concepts. Wonders teachers use observation and planning to create learning experiences that are intentional and provide meaningful context for children to practice skills and express ideas.
Join the Wonders family of caring, dedicated, and fun educators!
About Wonders
Our Mission - To create and advance high quality, diverse educational communities that teach children the foundations of life-long learning and social responsibility.
Since our inception in 1976, our goal has been to provide non-profit, quality child care to working families. Over the years, we have grown from a single center in the basement of All Saint's Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland to multiple accredited early learning, extended day, and summer camp programs across the DC Metropolitan Region.
Our programs support today's workforce, while growing the workforce of tomorrow.
Job Summary
The Development Manager is responsible for planning and implementing a fundraising program that promotes the Wonders culture of philanthropy and ensures the financial sustainability of the organization. Working with the Wonders Board of Directors Advancement Committee, the Development Manager will grow strategic initiatives to promote the success of our programs and meet the needs of the community.
This position will research, identify and pursue funding sources; develop and coordinate fundraising activities; pursue grant funding; and oversee acknowledgment and tracking of all gifts and donations. Additionally, the Development Manager is responsible for providing staff support to the Wonders Board Advancement Committee.
This is a full time, 12 month position.
Essential Functions
- Leadership of the organization's initiatives to advance investment through philanthropy and engagement in Wonders Early Learning Extended Day.
- Formulate the annual development plan in conjunction with the Board of Directors Advancement Committee.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts through a strong community presence and relationships.
- Lead major gifts campaign for the upcoming anniversary of the organization.
- Plan and implement Board engagement activities for current and former Board members.
- Coordinate strategic goals for growing philanthropic investment in Wonders in partnership with the Executive Director and Advancement Committee.
- Develop, execute, and manage new fundraising strategies, specifically focused on individual, online giving, events, and current and alumni families.
- Understand Wonders' program and operational goals and write grants to corporate, private and family foundations. Establish and maintain relationships with fund representatives.
- Oversee all gift processing including gift entry, data input/analysis, and acknowledgments.
- Ensure the timely maintenance of the CRM system and provide reports to the Advancement Committee and Executive Director.
- Develop and communicate a deep understanding of the business model and value of early care and education and out of school time.
- Maintain accurate and timeline records.
- Other duties or responsibilities as assigned.
Core Competencies
Success in the position will require a willingness to learn, strong communication skills, ability to develop connections and relationships within the Wonders community and its partners. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively are essential. A deep commitment to equity is essential.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a BS or BA degree
- 5 years of direct experience in nonprofit development required. Additional experience in communications preferred
- Knowledge of development CRM is strongly preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with WordPress and social media preferred
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to draft high quality written materials and correspondence
- Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a willingness to be adaptable to dynamic needs
- High degree of organization and attention to detail and ability to manage and make progress on multiple projects simultaneously
- Passion for early care and education and out of school time and the impact that they can achieve, with a strong interest in learning about and excelling within the nonprofit sector
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- A firm commitment to advancing equity through program delivery, policies and practice
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
EEO Statement
Wonders provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, citizenship, current or future military status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
ADA Compliance
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Wonders to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000
