Development Manager

Development Manager

Position Description

Classification:  Exempt

Hours:  Full-time

Reports to:  Executive Director

To apply: email resume and cover letter to HR@dsacf.org

Our Organization

Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida was Founded in 1991 and is an accredited and award-winning nonprofit organization. It has grown from serving a few families to over 1,200 individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout 10 counties. 

We change what’s possible for people with Down syndrome  by offering: Programs that propel children with Down syndrome toward their full potential; Resources to support families at every stage of life and Advocacy to promote inclusion and protect the rights of people with Down syndrome.  

Together, we create a Central Florida community composed of and dedicated to individuals with Down syndrome – and those who love them – so that each may realize their potential. For more information, visit www.dsacf.org. 

Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager will spearhead development efforts as the DSACF intentionally and strategically grows fundraising to better fulfill its mission.

The Development Manager plays a key supporting role to ensure successful fundraising – now and in the future – for the DSACF. In partnership with the Executive Director, the Development Manager provides input for and helps to execute the development plan. The Development Manager is essential in ensuring that the organization successfully executes cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities according to industry best practices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Support the strategic resource development for the DSACF, while cultivating an emerging pipeline of donors and prospects.

Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director to create and execute the DSACF’s annual development plan
• Manage the implementation of the Bloomerang CRM system and oversee staff responsible for generating correspondence, data entry, and gift processing
• Oversee the organization’s marketing and branding plan and help ensure the organization maintains a consistent brand and image on all digital and printed platforms
• Hire and manage development/special events interns

Fundraising

• Manage the implementation and execution of the organization’s fundraising strategy with the assistance of the Executive Director and Board of Directors. 
• Cultivate relationships, solicit, and steward individuals to generate annual contributions and achieve a progressively larger goal year-over-year as relationships are established and grow.
• Research new foundations and grants to support the DSACF’s programs and operations and submit timely applications to reach annual goals. Manage a grant calendar, complete required reporting, and ensure funds are spent according to award letters.
• Oversee planning and execution of special events (Step Up Walk, Down to Party Gala and other events as assigned)
• According to a set development communications calendar, lead the crafting and implementation of written and digital communications for donors (solicitations, newsletter content, acknowledgements)
• With support from the Office Administrator, ensure donors receive appropriate recognition and reporting on the impact of their gifts

Outreach and Public Relations

• Helps ensure the organization follows branding and style guide standards
• Develop a library of appropriate stories of impact to share (to be conveyed via newsletters, annual reports and the like), creating a matrix of content that can be sorted to constantly convey the impact and success of the DSACF and its charitable investments
• Participates in community initiatives, public speaking events, or networking events to promote the organization and philanthropy

Innovation

• Assist the Executive Director in the development and management of innovative approaches and initiatives to increase prospect leads and connectivity to existing donors
• Develop and coordinate recognition opportunities, materials, and events for continuity and donor stewardship

Miscellaneous

• Other duties as assigned
• Willing and able to work nights and weekends as required

Qualifications and Characteristics Required

• Bachelor's degree required
• At least 4 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and special events
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and practices
• Excellent and persuasive communication skills, both written and oral
• High level of organizational and attention to detail
• Proficiency in marketing, social media and basic website maintenance
• Strong technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Canva, Adobe, etc.
• High degree of integrity, ethics, dedication, and optimism; commitment to mission and to maintaining confidentiality and accuracy
• Personal or professional connection to individuals with intellectual disabilities a plus