Development Manager

Position Overview

The Executive Director sets strategic direction, priorities, and key relationships, and this role is responsible for driving execution, coordination, and follow-through across development efforts. 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.

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;
• Cookordinate 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;
• Support the planning and execution of organizational events and meetings, providing project management and logistical support as organizational needs evolve.
• 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
• Capture and maintain clear records of decisions and action items from board meetings;
• Coordinate logistics and materials for board meetings, including scheduling, preparation, and follow-up, under the direction of the Executive Director and Associate Director.
• 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;
• Cookordinate 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;
• 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.

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.

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. As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities, or board service on a merit basis.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter.