Development Manager

The Certified Financial Planner Board (CFP Board) is a nonprofit organization that serves the public interest by promoting the value of professional, competent, and ethical financial planning services.  They are seeking a Development Manager.  CFP Board is headquartered in Washington, DC, and offers employees a comprehensive benefits package including generous vacation time, technology reimbursement, and bonus potential.  This position is hybrid, requiring three days in the office per week.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Manager is a key member of a two-person development team and will play a central role in building and executing the organization’s fundraising program.  Reporting to the Director of Development, this role spans development operations, donor communications, and donor engagement to support revenue growth across individual and organizational giving.

The Development Manager will oversee donor database management, gift processing and reporting, produce compelling donor-facing materials, and drive and support donor cultivation and stewardship, including prospect research and events.  This role offers significant opportunity to take ownership of core fundraising functions and grow alongside an expanding development program.  It is well-suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who is also a strong writer, project manager, and collaborator.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Operations

• Manage and maintain the donor database/CRM, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.


• Oversee the full gift lifecycle by ensuring all donations and pledges are accurately recorded in the CRM, reconciled with Finance, and followed by timely, personalized acknowledgements, tax receipts and pledge reminders.


• Serve as a primary point of contact for donor inquiries related to gifts and pledges.


• Track and analyze fundraising performance, including progress to goals, donor trends, and reporting deadlines.


• Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and documentation, including maintaining standard operating procedures.

Development Communications

• Draft a range of donor-facing materials, including appeals, proposals, and impact reports, by translating programmatic information into clear, compelling narratives tailored to different donor audiences.


• Build and maintain a library of templates, success stories, and data to support fundraising efforts.


• Partner with IT and Marketing & Communications to maintain the development-related website content and align on messaging and campaigns. 

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Collaborate with the Director of Development to manage and execute moves management strategies for mid-level and major donors.


• Conduct prospect research and develop briefing materials to support donor engagement and solicitation.


• Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including logistics and follow-up. 


• Expand and deepen donor relationships by developing and implementing thoughtful engagement and stewardship strategies, including enhanced recognition, tailored benefits, and meaningful opportunities to connect with program staff and leadership.


• Support board and development committee engagement and fundraising efforts.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional writing and editing skills


• High level of professionalism and ability to work well with all levels of internal management, staff, and volunteers


• Strong donor focus, attention to detail, and high-quality work


• Passion for the mission of the Center for Financial Planning and the ability to communicate its urgency and impact


• Excellent time and project management skills; self-starter able to work independently, accurately, and on schedule to serve as an effective member of a team


• Tactful exercise of judgment and discretion with sensitive and highly confidential information


• Excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence


• Demonstrated ability to relate well with individuals, both internally and externally


• Entrepreneurially inclined; resourceful, proactive, and results-driven

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a related field


• Minimum of four years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising operations, and/or donor relations


• Proficiency with donor management systems (Salesforce experience strongly preferred)


• Experience in proposal and impact report development

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

If you believe you meet the requirements, please submit a resume and cover letter to Cessna & Associates via the Submit button.

Salary: $75,000 – $90,000

Additional inquiries and questions can be emailed to Beth Cessna at [email protected] or contact 202-232-1765.

ABOUT THE CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER BOARD (CFP BOARD)

CFP Board is the professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S.  CFP Board consists of two affiliated organizations focused on advancing the financial planning profession for the public’s benefit.  CFP Board of Standards (501(c)(6)) sets and upholds standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM certification — widely recognized by the public, advisors and firms as the standard for financial planners — so that the public has access to the benefits of competent and ethical financial planning.  CFP® certification is held by over 100,000 people in the U.S.  CFP Board Center for Financial Planning (501(c)(3)) addresses diversity and workforce development challenges and conducts and publishes research that adds to the financial planning profession’s body of knowledge.

CFP Board believes that diversity of experience and perspective are strengths and seeks to continue to grow a highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff.  CFP Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ABOUT CESSNA & ASSOCIATES, LLC

Cessna & Associates, LLC is a boutique HR consultancy partnering with mission-driven organizations.  Our goal is to identify the best potential candidates that the market has to offer.