Development Manager
Quick Summary
Create and implement a comprehensive annual development plan to achieve financial and programmatic goals.
Organization: Discovery Center Collective - DHDC & WBDC
Position Title: Development Manager
Position Classification: Full-time (part-time consideration possible)
Reports to: Director of Advancement
Direct Reports: Up to 1-2 PT employees
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Development Manager at the Discovery Center Collective is responsible for working with the Director of Advancement to lead the fundraising and development efforts for the Collective. This position reports directly to the Director of Advancement and collaborates closely with the senior leadership team and the Marketing and Programs Manager to ensure the development plan is implemented in a way complementary to the strategic plan. The Development Manager will grow and execute DHDC’s development plan, including identifying new funding sources, donor cultivation and stewardship, and managing all contributed revenue to the institution through donations, special events, community partnerships, grants, and other identified sources. The Development Manager may manage 1-2 PT employees or contractors.
Development:
- Create and implement a comprehensive annual development plan to achieve financial and programmatic goals.
- Follow an annual development schedule and goals integrating all elements of development and fundraising, including annual fund, grants, exhibit and program underwriting/sponsorship, endowment, foundation support, memberships, and capital campaigns as needed.
- Support and manage donor stewardship, including acknowledgment letters and calls, and coordinate with the Marketing Department to ensure proper donor recognition.
- Research, identify, and approach new and current sources of funding and develop major gift strategies.
- Plan, oversee, write, and submit grant proposals to individuals, private foundations, corporations, governments (local, state, and/or national), and other potential donors as needed.
- Oversee planning, promotion, and execution of special events to achieve established goals.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with foundations, community businesses and nonprofits.
- Represent DHDC at appropriate functions during the year.
- Actively pursue professional development in fundraising and relationship building.
- Promote and cultivate a fundraising culture among all staff and board members at the Discovery Center.
- Work with directors/staff to coordinate and participate in community outreaches, including setting up booth/area, working the event, and breaking down.
- Remain up-to-date on trends in the fundraising industry, and innovate new ideas to generate contributed and/or earned revenue for the Collective.
- Other duties as assigned and needed.
Administration
- Meet regularly with the Director of Advancement and Chief Executive Officer to develop strategies and report on fundraising efforts.
- Ensure DHDC’s database and donor files are accurate and up to date to facilitate fundraising initiatives.
- Attend all Fundraising Events and Development Committee meetings.
- Participate in top-to-bottom event planning and/or management.
- Work with Executive Leadership to create, track, and manage the development budget and income and expense projections.
- Coordinate department duties with applicable development support staff and other departments.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required or commensurate job experience.
- Preferred 2 - 4 years of professional fundraising experience.
- Preferred 2+ years of experience in grant writing or comparable experience
- High level of integrity and discretion.
- Demonstrated potential in fundraising, with an eagerness to cultivate and solicit donors, closing on gifts, and following up on gifts.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organization abilities, including managing simultaneous projects and keeping track of details.
- Experience in grant writing, event planning, and/or management.
- Strong public relations skills.
- Goal-oriented and driven by success.
- Strong awareness of established community connections.
- Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, publishing, email, and web software.
- Ability to work within a high-energy, collaborative team environment.
Compensation
Annual starting salary ranges from $42,000 - $48,000 and is commensurate with experience. Full-time 40 hours a week. Benefits package is included.
Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- Posted
- July 15, 2026
- First seen
- July 16, 2026
- Last seen
- July 17, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- July 16, 2026
Signal breakdown
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