Development Manager

Playworks NYNJ is seeking a Development Manager who reports directly to the Executive Director and works in close partnership to execute the organization’s fund development strategy. This role oversees development operations, grant writing, stewardship coordination, Salesforce management, and day-to-day relationship support while managing defined fundraising goals tied to grants, sponsorships, and partner renewals.

Responsibilities

• Manage a defined portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual partners, focusing on renewals, stewardship, and growth; be accountable for fundraising goals.
• Steward and upgrade corporate grants, sponsorships, and engagement opportunities across Playworks NYNJ initiatives.
• Cultivate and close regional new corporate sponsorships as required.
• Support relationship-building with foundation partners through ongoing engagement and positioning for future funding opportunities.
• Coordinate regional efforts and relationships with the National Development Team.
• Own grants coordination and proposal support, including maintaining the grants calendar, grant-writing, coordinating submissions and reporting, and ensuring alignment with the organizational voice.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding requests to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, including prospect research, application development, submission, reporting, and renewal planning.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure timely submissions, reporting deadlines, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with program and leadership staff to gather programmatic information, budgets, outcomes, and supporting materials needed for competitive proposals.
• Develop clear, compelling narratives that communicate Playworks' mission, impact, and funding priorities while tailoring proposals to each funder's interests and guidelines.
• Support the planning and execution of organizational events and meetings, providing project management and logistical support.
• Coordinate logistics and materials for board meetings, including scheduling, preparation, and follow-up.
• Capture and maintain clear records of decisions and action items from board meetings.
• Manage Salesforce and development systems to ensure accurate data, effective workflows, and reliable reporting.
• Track grants, deliverables, and reporting requirements, coordinating internal timelines and follow-through.
• Prepare development reports and maintain fundraising calendars, deadlines, and related documentation for leadership.
• Manage development-related communications, including social media posts, partner acknowledgments, event highlights, and newsletter content.
• Coordinate with marketing, digital, and program teams to develop content and assets that support fundraising, stewardship, and partner engagement.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in development, fundraising operations, account management, or related nonprofit roles.
• Demonstrated success writing and securing foundation, corporate, and/or government grants, with experience managing the full grant lifecycle from prospect research through reporting.
• Experience managing donor relationships and achieving fundraising goals.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with Salesforce or comparable CRM systems; comfort with data, reporting, and systems.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills; ability to edit and tailor content to organizational voice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort representing the organization in meetings, events, and site visits.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a highly engaged, fast-moving environment.
• Knowledge of local business, civic, or philanthropic communities preferred.
• Willingness to attend occasional evening or weekend events and travel locally as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Pay

Salary range: $72,400 - $76,700.

Schedule

Full-time, exempt position based in New York or New Jersey with local travel required.