Development Manager

Description

Position Summary

The Development Manager is a dynamic leader responsible for designing, executing, and evaluating the organizations signature fundraising events, donor receptions, and community engagement initiatives. This role plays a critical part in advancing the Organization’s mission of empowering individuals in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges. The Development Manager provides operational oversight for event planning and volunteer engagement, drives revenue generation through sponsorships and partnerships, and serves as a key liaison to the NextGen Board.

Responsibilities

Event Leadership & Fundraising Innovation

• Spearhead the planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising events, donor stewardship receptions, and community engagement activities.
• Provide visionary leadership over event logistics, including venue selection, vendor negotiations, guest lists, timelines, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
• Lead event strategy and execution of annual events action plan, aligning team efforts, marketing strategies, and fundraising goals to maximize impact and exceed revenue targets.
• Drive event budget planning and management oversight, ensuring fiscal responsibility while delivering high-quality and mission-aligned experiences.
• Drive sponsorship and in-kind donation efforts by cultivating and securing meaningful partnerships with businesses, community leaders, and donors.
• Create and execute impactful marketing campaigns that highlight the mission through invitations, promotional content, and social media engagement. Provide on-site leadership during events, inspiring staff and volunteers, engaging attendees, and troubleshooting challenges in real time.
• Lead post-event evaluation processes with the Database Manager, analyzing outcomes to refine strategies and strengthen donor engagement pipelines.

Volunteer Engagement & Leadership Development

• Build and lead a vibrant volunteer program, recruiting individuals who align with The Organization’s mission and values.
• Forge relationships with local schools and organizations to expand volunteer and intern opportunities within the Advancement team.
• Partner with the HR team to design and deliver training and onboarding programs that empower volunteers to succeed.
• Manage the design, implementation, and ongoing administration of a cross-organizational volunteer program, guiding staff and volunteers to achieve program objectives
• Foster a culture of appreciation through regular communications and volunteer recognition events to strengthen retention and engagement.

NextGen Board Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the NextGen Board, empowering its members to advance the organization’s mission through fundraising, outreach, and community engagement.
• Ensure guidance and mentorship to strengthen the NextGen Board’s impact and cultivate future leaders for the organization.
• Guide Board Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary in in creating impactful meetings with agenda development, preparing communications, and inspiring participation to drive results.
• Oversee NextGen members on the planning and execution of innovative, mission-focused fundraising initiatives.

Organizational Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with The Organization policies and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Partner with the Office of Ethics, Compliance & Quality to proactively identify and address areas of risk.
• Embrace opportunities to contribute to organizational initiatives beyond events and fundraising, as assigned by the Chief Advancement Officer.

Other Duties

• Follows all applicable policies, federal and state laws, and East House compliance standards.
• Collaborates with the Office of Ethics, Compliance & Quality to address non-compliance, and document corrective actions.

Note: This job description may not cover all job duties and is subject to change without notice. Job duties, responsibilities, and/or activities may change at any time with or without notice.

COMPETENCIES

Alignment with East House Values

• Humanistic, Collaborative, Optimistic, Progressive, Integrity.
• Represents the organization professionally and aligns with its mission.
• Performs work with integrity and in compliance with established processes, procedures, and regulations.

Accountability

• Takes responsibility for all work activities and personal actions.
• Follows through on commitments; implements decisions that have been agreed upon.
• Maintains confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Acknowledges and learns from mistakes without blaming others.
• Recognizes the impact of one’s behavior on others.

Commitment to Belonging, Respect, and Building a Supportive Community

• Values and appreciates the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of every individual.
• Actively includes others in conversations and decision-making, fostering connections by learning about others' interests, and celebrating achievements to make individuals feel valued.
• Listening without judgment, communicating and interacting politely and civilly, and acknowledging others' contributions to show appreciation and build trust.
• Offering help, encouraging collaboration, and creating safe spaces where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.

Operational Efficiency, Feedback, Continuous Improvement:

• Manages day-to-day operations efficiently.
• Focus on process improvements and optimization.
• Provides and receives constructive feedback in a respectful manner and uses feedback to learn and improve both individually and as a team.

Relationship Building/Collaboration:

• Develops and maintains positive relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual support.
• Builds and leads high-performance

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Training

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in event leadership, fundraising, or donor relations within a nonprofit environment.
• Proven success in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals and leading high-profile events.

Required skills/Abilities

• Strong financial acumen with experience creating and managing complex budgets.
• Dynamic leadership presence with the ability to inspire and mobilize staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills to engage donors, sponsors, and community partners at all levels.
• Strategic thinker with creativity and solutions-oriented problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge CRM and event management systems (e.g., Bloomerang, OneCause).
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility working evenings and weekends as needed for events.

Other Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing and access to a personal vehicle for work-related tasks.

Salary : $35 - $36