Development Manager

About the role

The Development Manager at Democracy North Carolina serves as a funder organizer, building authentic relationships with supporters, connecting donors to the organization's mission, and creating opportunities for deeper engagement and investment.

Responsibilities

• Funder Organizing & Relationship Building (40%): Build and maintain meaningful relationships with Democracy NC supporters through one-on-one outreach, stewardship, events, and engagement opportunities. Develop pathways for donors to deepen their involvement and investment in Democracy NC's mission. Create opportunities for supporters to connect with staff, organizers, Democracy Summer participants, and community leaders. Support donor cultivation and stewardship efforts in partnership with the Development Director. Maintain regular contact with donors through personalized communications, meetings, and follow-up.
• Donor Cohorts & Giving Communities (30%): Serve as the primary staff lead for several key donor engagement communities: Monthly Sustainers, Democracy Summer Friendterns & Alumni, and Mobilizers and Power Builders – Giving Society. Grow and steward Democracy NC's recurring donor program. Develop engagement opportunities that increase retention and long-term giving. Serve as development lead for Democracy Summer fundraising efforts. Coordinate and expand the annual Fund Our Friendterns campaign. Cultivate relationships with program alumni, families, and supporters. Manage the Democracy Summer Mini-Grant fundraising initiative. Develop communications, recognition opportunities, and engagement strategies to steward donors giving between $250 and $1,500 annually. Create opportunities for members to connect with Democracy NC's work and each other.
• Progressive Business Partnerships (20%): Build relationships with mission-aligned businesses and community partners. Identify sponsorship, matching gifts, and event partnership opportunities. Lead implementation of fundraising campaigns, including digital appeals, direct mail, peer-to-peer fundraising, and special initiatives. Develop compelling donor-centered communications that highlight the impact of Democracy NC's work. Partner with Communications staff to create integrated fundraising campaigns. Track campaign performance and recommend strategies for growth and donor retention.
• Development Operations & Stewardship (10%): Maintain donor records and engagement tracking within the organization's CRM. Generate reports to support fundraising planning and evaluation. Ensure timely gift acknowledgments and donor stewardship activities. Support donor event planning and follow-up.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in fundraising, organizing, community engagement, membership development, or related work.
• Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience planning and executing campaigns, events, or engagement initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using a CRM or donor database.
• Specific experience with EveryAction/NGP VAN a plus.
• Deep commitment to participatory democracy and racial, social, and economic justice.

How to Apply

Please send the following to jobs@democracync.org with the subject line “Development Manager:”
Cover letter with an overview of your professional background and interest in the position
Resume
In your email, please share how you first learned about this position