Development Manager

Spread the Word Nevada Overview

At Spread the Word Nevada, we believe every child deserves the chance to discover the joy and power of reading. Since 2001, we've placed millions of books into the hands and homes of children across Nevada's underserved communities - inspiring a lifelong love of learning and brighter academic futures.

Position Summary

The Development Manager reports to the Director of Development and is responsible for securing new donors, cultivating existing donor relationships, and soliciting fundraising initiatives. This role encompasses the planning and execution of year-round fundraising events, the implementation of donor engagement and stewardship strategies, and the leadership of the Storybook Gala in partnership with an event contractor. The Development Manager also contributes to donor data analysis and reporting, while collaborating cross-functionally with other departments to support organizational goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Create ways to find new donors; engage first-time donors and steward donors


• Conduct research and vetting of potential new donors


• Work closely with the Director of Development in annual strategic planning


• Speak at public events on behalf of STWN


• Prepare fundraising proposals for donors and meet with them to discuss the funding opportunities.

Donor Outreach, Stewarding and Retention

• Accompany Director of Development/CEO on major gift meetings when needed


• Conduct tours for potential and current donors as well as strategic partners


• Cultivate all donors by engaging them in school openings, program events, book distributions, fundraising events, impact and EOY report distributions, etc.


• Support the preparation and distribution of timely thank-you letters, donor communications, and year-round engagement touchpoints


• Collaborate with the Development team to maintain consistent and meaningful donor outreach and stewardship efforts

Events

• Plan and execute the Annual Storybook Gala. Duties include (but are not limited to):
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with the team to secure an in-kind "Library of Dreams" sponsor.
  
  
  • Manage auction procurement and coordination, including sourcing items from vendors, tracking 90 silent and 10 live auction items, coordinating pickup, creating certificates, coordinating photos, storage, and website listings, including writing item descriptions
  
  
  • Support the production of all marketing collateral (print and digital) related to the event, including night of show assets.
  
  
  • Orchestrate all logistics for the night of, including set up, décor, F&B, vendor management, entertainment, host property needs, software needs, financial processing, run of show, staffing, etc. (in conjunction with Event Contractor and OneCause staff)
  
  
  • Adhere to the gala budget and maintain accurate records of all expenditures
  
  
  • Reconcile end-of-event reports with One Cause
  
  
  • Steward all event donors afterward
  
  
  
  


• Plan and execute any other miscellaneous events for the organization (examples include ribbon cuttings, celebrations, school adoptions, and third-party fundraising events resulting in no less than $5,000, etc.)


• Coordinate with partners, vendors, and internal staff for timelines, production, and sponsorship fulfillment of all events

Administration

• Update DonorView with all contacts, donations, and interactions


• Ensure donors are thanked for gifts that you procure with proper letter template and signature


• Co-manage the annual Program Champions Wall with the Marketing Manager, ensuring accurate and timely donor recognition.


• Support cross-departmental efforts to improve fundraising strategies


• Pull data and reports as needed to support campaigns and stewardship


• Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the Director of Development that are related to the aspects of the Director of Development or related positions.

Education and/or Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in development, fundraising, event planning, or equivalent position


• College Degree

• Proven ability to interact effectively with the community and develop relationships with local businesses and organizations


• Experience with a donor database structure program, DonorView/Blackbaud preferred


• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint


• Must possess proficient ability to communicate in English in oral and written formats


• Use of a reliable personal vehicle, valid auto insurance, and a valid driver's license


• May be required to work evenings and weekends on occasion

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Nevada State Drivers' License, proof of current automobile insurance, and automobile registration


• Obtain the Nevada State Driving Record within 30 days.

Personal Characteristics

Below are some of the qualities a Development Manager will exhibit:

• Engaging and positive rapport with prospective and existing donors


• Excellent follow-through


• Creative and innovative


• Analytical


• Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities and deadlines


• Team player


• Outgoing, energetic, positive, and fun

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• The position requires travel within the local area to the office and business locations to conduct business transactions. This involves exposure to weather conditions, traveling to and from buildings, and operating a vehicle.


• Must be able to remain stationary when in the office.


• Frequently communicates with co-workers and clients/visitors in person and over the telephone to answer questions and provide support.


• Must articulate concepts and ideas clearly, concisely, and accurately.


• Must assess problems, provide solutions, and use good judgment.


• Ability to reach with hands and arms, lift up to 25 pounds, climb/balance, stoop/kneel/crawl/and push/pull file cabinet drawers.


• Must be capable of identifying and evaluating information displayed on computer screens, in written reports, and documentation, and of recording precise written and electronic messages and reports.


• Requires distinguishing letters or symbols and eye/hand coordination.


• Ability to comply with the Company Drug and Alcohol Policy as a requirement of a position that could adversely affect the safety of others.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to excessive heat, wet and/or humid outside conditions. Due to working in the office, warehouse, and/or school setting, the noise level in the environment is moderate to high, at times.

Hours: Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Workplace Type: On-Site

Reports to: Director of Development

Salary: $50k to $55k per year depending on experience

Status: Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Benefits: 401k with 4% Match, Health, Vision, Dental, Volunteer Life Insurance, 11 paid Holidays, Paid Time Off

TO APPLY:

• Navigate to Careers – Spread the Word Nevada


• A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with applicable ADA regulations.

Fingerprint and background checks will be conducted on every employee as part of our hiring process.