Manager, Development

Manager, Development

Women Building Futures (WBF) is a non-profit organization that empowers women to become economically prosperous through industry recognized training. WBF is building an inclusive culture that encourages, uplifts, and celebrates diversity of our employees and the communities we serve. WBF is committed to workplace inclusion based on values of Integrity, Health & Safety, Courage, and Compassion. Career opportunities with WBF are open to all genders. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

WBF is entering an exciting and transformative period of growth. Philanthropy is poised to play a pivotal role, empowering the organization to expand and enhance its already exceptional suite of programs through innovation and strategic development. This position sits at the heart of that evolution, helping to shape and advance a forward‑looking agenda.

The Manager, Development reports to the Director, External Relations and Development. Supported by a Development Officer, this leadership position will lead the development and execution of WBF’s philanthropy and fundraising strategy. This includes securing and stewarding long-term, values-aligned partnerships with donors. This role is accountable for cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. The role is critical to our strategic goal of annually generating a target of unrestricted revenue through major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Provide information, advice and recommendations to the Director, External Relations and Development, to support the development of Business and Strategic Plans, including supporting goals and metrics


• Clear and productive track record for managing people, including experience in performance management, supporting motivation, fostering innovation, and dealing with uncomfortable discussions


• Recruit, hire and onboard staff; develop related job descriptions as required


• Establish goals and accountable measures for team members based on WBF strategic and business plans


• Implement & foster processes to maintain strong cross-functional communications

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants to achieve $500K in direct revenue


• Identify, cultivate and solicit major donors and corporate sponsors to build sustainable funding partnerships


• Build and maintain a strategic pipeline of prospects, track progress against fundraising goals and ROI metrics


• Manage and improve the organizations’ donor database and CRM (Raiser’s Edge), track fundraising metrics, donor engagement, and campaign performance


• Design and execute multi-channel fundraising campaigns


• Collaborate with Director, External Relations and Development and the WBF Senior Leadership team on fundraising priorities, strategy and major donor cultivation


• Serve as a primary point of contact for major donors and corporate sponsors, ensure strong stewardship and relationships management


• Research and pursue foundation and grant opportunities outlined with organizational priorities

Strategic Planning & Operations

• Develop annual fundraising plans and budgets, monitor spending against targets in collaboration with Director, External Relations and Development


• Prepare quarterly and annual reports on fundraising performance, donor trends, and communication effectiveness


• Work with Director, External Relations and Development to set clear KPIs and track performance metrics including funds raised, cost-per-dollar-raised, donor retention, and pipeline velocity


• Work cross-functionally within the division in addition to Marketing and Communications and Client Operations divisions to support organizational priorities


• Timely and consistent data management and follow up

Communications

• Work with Marketing and Communications to develop and execute a donor-centered communications strategy (including newsletters, donor reports, impact statements, giving campaign messaging, and donor recognition)


• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert on donor-focused communications


• Ensure brand consistency and message clarity across all fundraising and communications initiatives

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong relationship-building skills and experience cultivating and stewarding relationships in Alberta (including Edmonton and/or Calgary)


• Proven track record of generating revenue and building donor/sponsor relationships; ability to show specific campaigns and results


• Experience managing and leading teams


• Strong written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to craft compelling donor communications, fundraising appeals, and impact messaging


• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities; experience developing multi-year fundraising plans and executing against revenue goals


• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to build trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups


• Quick study/learner and self-starter with a high degree of intellectual curiosity, continuous improvement mindset and learning agility.


• Awareness of cultural, economic and social barriers to adult learning and employment, especially for women


• Demonstrated commitment to WBF’s mission


• Class 5 Drivers license with an ability to drive

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in philanthropy or business development


• Experience in team development, coaching and leadership


• Experience working with community social organizations


• Related postsecondary education (Degree or Diploma) in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field


• Evidence of ongoing learning in a related field (HR, coaching, facilitation, teaching etc.)


• Experience with information management, data collection and analytics.


• Proficiency with donor database management and CRM systems (e.g. Raisers Edge)


• Grant writing and foundation relations experience


• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising best practices and industry standards


• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential an asset.