Development Manager

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Development Manager supports and advances the Elizabeth River Project’s fundraising strategy by managing annual giving, donor engagement, new donor acquisition, and mid-level donor cultivation. This role ensures high-quality execution of campaigns and events and plays a key part in building a strong donor pipeline for future major gifts. The Development Manager works collaboratively across all departments and with all program staff to ensure alignment between fundraising initiatives and organizational goals.

This position reports to the Director of Development.

• Implement ERP’s annual giving campaigns, including direct mailings, membership renewals, and donor stewardship touchpoints.
• Lead new donor acquisition efforts, identifying and testing strategies to attract new supporters through events, campaigns, partnerships, and outreach across the watershed.
• Identify opportunities to increase donor giving potential by conducting prospect research and leveraging tools such as wealth screening, philanthropic research platforms, and donor analytics.
• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, conducting outreach, stewardship, and solicitations.
• Support major gift efforts through prospect research and coordinated moves management.
• Lead planning and logistics for fundraising events and donor gatherings, including Drinks on the Deck and ERP’s River Holiday Party.
• Identify and lead coordination of events that are realistic, mission-aligned, and effective for donor acquisition and visibility within the watershed.
• Coordinate with Director of Marketing and Communications and program staff to ensure donor-centered, cohesive messaging across print, digital, and event materials.
• Assist with donor database processes to strengthen donor engagement.
• Produce regular development reports, dashboards, and segmentation lists to track progress and support strategy.
• Support the Director of Development with revenue forecasting, donor acquisition and prospecting, budgeting, and campaign planning.
• Assist the Director of Development with writing foundation grant proposals and cultivating strong relationships with foundation partners.
• Manage and help develop third-party and volunteer fundraisers; track progress and provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure fundraising success.
• Under the direction of the Director of Development, maintain organized digital and physical records of fundraising materials, correspondence, and event planning documents.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Employees at all levels are expected to work collaboratively to meet the needs of the organization while demonstrating Elizabeth River Project’s core values. The Development Manager is expected to lead by example, uphold the highest ethical standards, and demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and integrity in all interactions.

• Principles of fundraising, especially those related to donor acquisition, cultivation, and retention.
• Event planning and sponsorship development strategies.
• Familiarity with foundation and corporate grant processes is preferable.

• Fundraising & Relationship Building: Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and sponsors.
• Organization & Coordination: Strong planning and multitasking skills; ability to manage multiple projects.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; adept at creating compelling fundraising materials and correspondence. Confidence and ability to pitch and close an “ask.”
• Event Management: Experienced and enjoys tabling at events and managing fundraising events and related volunteers.
• Technical Competence: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable using donor databases and online grant systems. Ability to analyze data from donor database to identify trends and build pipeline to increase donor support.
• Team Leadership: Skilled in supervising volunteers and working with colleagues, providing direction, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

• Creativity & Adaptability: Develops innovative approaches to engage donors and…