Development Manager

Position Overview

Playworks NYNJ is seeking a Development Manager who reports directly to the Executive Director and works in close partnership with them to execute the organization’s fund development strategy.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Fund Development & Stewardship
• Manage a defined portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual partners, in alignment with Executive Director priorities, with a focus on renewals, stewardship, and growth;
• Be accountable for fundraising goals;
• Cultivate and close regional new corporate sponsorships as required;
• Support relationship-building with foundation partners through ongoing engagement and positioning for future funding opportunities;
• Cook up regional efforts and relationships with 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;
• Coordinate logistics and materials for board meetings, including scheduling, preparation, and follow-up, under the direction of the Executive Director and Associate Director;
• Capture and maintain clear records of decisions and action items from board meetings.
• Grant Strategy & Writing
• 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;
• Work closely with the Executive Director to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities that align with regional priorities and revenue goals.
• Governance & Leadership
• Coordinate logistics and materials for board meetings, including scheduling, preparation, and follow-up, under the direction of the Executive Director and Associate Director;
• Capture and maintain clear records of decisions and action items from board meetings.
• Development Operations & Salesforce
• 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.
• Communications & Reporting
• Manage development-related communications, including social media posts, partner acknowledgments, event highlights, and newsletter content;
• Cook up 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;
• Strong organizational and project management skills; able 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.

About Playworks

At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position based in New York or New Jersey and reporting to the Executive Director, with a salary range of $72,400 - $76,700. Playworks offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, a retirement plan, paid time off, and holidays.

Application

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter.