Development & Partnerships Manager

Position Title: Development & Partnerships Manager 

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried, Benefits Eligible 
Hours: Flexible based on organizational needs; minimum 40 hours/week 
Starting Salary Range: $60,000–$70,000 
Location: Columbia, Missouri 
Reports to: Development Director 

Position Overview 

The Development & Partnerships Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding strategic relationships that advance the mission of Welcome Home, Inc. (WHI). 

This role plays a key part in achieving WHI’s $1M annual fundraising goal by managing donor relationships, securing grants and sponsorships, and strengthening community partnerships. 

Working closely with the Development Director, this position focuses on owning a portfolio of donors and partners, executing high-impact fundraising strategies, and increasing community investment in WHI’s work serving veterans experiencing homelessness. 

What You’ll Own 

• A portfolio of individual donors and prospects (mid-level with opportunity to grow into major gifts) 
• Corporate partnerships and sponsorship revenue  
• Grant pipeline development and submissions  
• Planning and Execution of fundraising events and donor engagement strategies  
• Ongoing stewardship and retention of donors and partners  

Key Responsibilities 

Donor Development & Revenue Generation 

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects, building authentic, long-term relationships 
• Drive donor engagement and solicitation strategies in partnership with the Development Director  
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit mid-level donors with pathways to major gifts 
• Ensure timely, meaningful stewardship that increases retention and lifetime value  

Partnerships & Sponsorships 

• Proactively identify and secure corporate and community partnerships 
• Develop and pitch sponsorship opportunities aligned with WHI’s mission and programs  
• Grow revenue through sponsorships, in-kind support, and strategic collaborations

Grant Strategy & Execution 

• Support grant writing and reporting efforts, primarily for smaller to mid-level grants, using existing templates and a well-established internal system. This role is not responsible for independently securing large, complex grants but will assist in preparing and submitting materials as part of the development team.
• Track deadlines, reporting requirements, and outcomes to ensure strong funder relationships 

Events & Engagement 

• Lead execution of fundraising events, ensuring they meet revenue and engagement goals 
• Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and sponsors to deliver high-quality experiences  
• Leverage events as relationship-building and donor acquisition tools—not just logistics  

Community Engagement & External Relations 

• Represent WHI as a confident and compelling ambassador in the community 
• Build relationships that expand awareness, credibility, and financial support  
• Identify new opportunities to connect WHI with mission-aligned partners  

Collaboration & Performance Tracking 

• Partner with the Development Director to implement fundraising strategy and priorities 
• Track and report on revenue progress, donor engagement, and pipeline activity  
• Contribute to campaign messaging, donor communications, and storytelling efforts  

Success Metrics (First 12–18 Months) 

• Actively manage current portfolio of donors and secure new donors and prospects. 
• Contribute significantly to achieving WHI’s $1M annual fundraising goal  
• Secure and grow corporate sponsorship revenue  
• Maintain a consistent and successful grant submission pipeline  
• Improve donor retention and deepen engagement across key relationships  

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience 
• 5 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, sales, or relationship management  
• Demonstrated success in building relationships and generating revenue  
• Experience with donor portfolios, partnerships, or grant writing preferred  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills  

Core Competencies 

• Relationship-driven and externally focused 
• Strong storyteller and communicator  
• Results-oriented with a focus on revenue growth  
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proactive, self-motivated, and accountable  

Additional Requirements 

• Ability to occasionally work evenings or weekends for events 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation  
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.  

Why This Role Matters