DEVELOPMENT MANAGER POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Development Manager is responsible for the organization and management of the capital campaign for St. Thomas Episcopal Church. This role is central to strengthening donor engagement, cultivating relationships, and supporting the church’s mission through effective resource development and volunteer coordination.

This position reports to the Rector and works closely with the Vestry and the Co-Chairs and committee of the Capital fund raising campaign and assumes primary responsibility for supporting the staff and volunteer leadership teams in carrying out the campaign.

The Development Manager works to set up systems and implement strategies and management plans to effectively coordinate campaign responsibilities. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Campaign Management

  • Oversees the daily operations of the capital campaign in close collaboration with campaign co-chairs, church leadership, and volunteers
  • Serves as the primary staff liaison for all campaign volunteers and committees, coordinating activities such as scheduling committee meetings, preparing materials, recording minutes, and assigning volunteer tasks
  • Supports the design and execution of campaign-related events and donor engagement activities 
  • Maintains comprehensive prospect lists and tracking reports to monitor campaign progress, and regularly distribute progress updates to church leadership and volunteer committees
  • Maintains strict confidentiality regarding gifts, donors, prospects and the database
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards in fundraising practice

Fundraising and Donor Relations

Leads the development and implementation of a long-term fundraising strategy in partnership with leadership and counsel, ensuring robust systems and processes for relationship-based donor engagement

Develops, implements and markets a Planned Giving program and ensures that the program becomes an integrated part of the overall development

Provides support to church leadership, Vestry, and volunteers for the capital campaign 

Develops and manages donor communications, including proposals, impact reports, and periodic donor updates. Plan, draft, and oversee fundraising communications including direct-mail, appeals, emails, articles, eNews, newsletters, social media, etc

Develops and implements a best-practice donor recognition plan

Qualifications 

  • At least three years of proven fund development experience including annual campaign, donor solicitation, and gift tracking
  • Ability to manage information from multiple sources  
  • Computer and database skills to generate timely campaign reports and track supporter data 
  • Experience coordinating and working with volunteers 
  • Outstanding communication skills, including working with websites and social media, and including experience with ecclesiastical terminology
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as with a team 
  • Flexibility and a sense of humor a must!