Development Manager

Operation Smile Philippines is seeking a highly motivated and strategic Development Manager to drive revenue growth through diversified fundraising efforts. This role will be responsible for significantly increasing funding through high-impact corporate partnerships, institutional grants, and philanthropic giving from foundations and individuals.

The Development Manager will work collaboratively with local and international teams to design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies. The individual will lead the creation of compelling donor-facing proposals and materials, manage the full grants lifecycle, and actively cultivate relationships with potential funders. This position plays a critical role in delivering on our mission by securing both restricted and unrestricted funding to support our growing programs across the Philippines. The Development Manager will lead two direct reports.

Essential Functions:

1. Fundraising Strategy and Development

• Develop and execute a fundraising strategy to meet annual revenue targets, focusing on corporate sponsorships, CSR partnerships, institutional grants, and major gifts.
• Lead the preparation of compelling proposals, concept notes, and LOIs for funding opportunities from corporate foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies, and large grant-making institutions.
• Proactively identify, research, and pursue funding opportunities aligned with Operation Smile Philippines’ priorities and programs.
• Maintain an active pipeline of fundraising prospects and renewal opportunities to ensure continuous growth and sustainability.
• Oversee the end-to-end grant acquisition, including proposal development, submission, and grant renewal processes.
• Drive local and regional corporate engagement initiatives to position OSPhil as a premier CSR partner.

2. Donor Communications & Stewardship

• Develop clear, concise, and persuasive donor communication materials, including proposals, stewardship reports, pitch decks, and tailored program updates.
• Collaborate closely with program, finance, and M&E teams to gather data and content for accurate reporting and donor accountability.
• Develop donor recognition plans and maintain strong post-funding relationships to enhance long-term support.
• Maintain and strengthen high-level relationship management with donors to ensure good partnerships and that they remain engaged with OSPhil’s mission.
• Support and manage donor engagement events (in-person and virtual) to strengthen relationships and create new funding leads.

3. Data-Driven Fundraising & Financial Management

• Utilize data analytics and insights to drive decision-making and optimize fundraising performance.
• Develop forecasting models to track and report on revenue trends, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Manage fundraising budgets, ensuring efficient resource allocation and return on investment.
• Train the development team in maintaining accurate records of donor communications, commitments, and pipeline activity using the organization’s CRM and donor management systems.

4. Organizational Collaboration & Leadership

• Work directly with the Executive Director and leadership team to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals and budget forecasts.
• Collaborate with the OSI Development team on global corporate funding initiatives and co-branded opportunities.
• Act as a key contributor to strategic planning, revenue forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, medical, and operations teams.
• Participate in team planning, training, and continuous professional development to enhance fundraising capacity across the organization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing fundraising team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics for fundraising activities, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

Knowledge and Experience Required (education/work):

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, journalism, English, writing, international relations, humanities, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree preferred
• 8+ years’ experience working in an environment where strong writing skills and project management are an essential job function, preferably in a relationship fundraising role in a medium to large charity
• Experience leading multi-channel fundraising programs, including corporate partnerships, major gifts, events, and capital campaigns
• Experience using online databases and other sources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information to support growth and engagement initiatives
• Experience using customer relationship management software to track and manage funding pipelines
• Track record of leading projects from conception through to successful implementation

Characteristics/Skills Required:

• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals and budgets.
• Proficiency in analyzing fundraising data and market insights to inform decision-making and optimize results.
• Strong skills in planning, executing, and overseeing fundraising initiatives to ensure successful delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and inspire donors and partners.
• Advanced written and interpersonal communication skills.
• An acute understanding of corporate and sophisticated donor audiences and a continual drive to innovate to capture audience attention.
• Highly self-motivated and able to handle multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines while remaining flexible and resourceful.
• Able to craft communications that are clear, compelling, and succinct.
• Ability to work with a variety of departments and personalities in a dynamic and fluid environment.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Be self-directed and capable of working and problem-solving with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of the Philippines’ fundraising regulatory and compliance framework.