Development Manager

State Voices is a national network – built from the states up – that helps grassroots organizations win civic engagement victories and build long-term political power. Since 2008, we’ve been employing the principles of collective impact, building the capacity of partners with data analysis and shared resources, and strengthening our democracy by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

State Voices sustains a dynamic ecosystem of 22 state tables and organizations in every state, comprising over 1,200 partner organizations. We provide the organizations in our network with the data, tools, and support they need to help create a healthy and thriving democracy through a racial equity lens. We advance this work through three national programs: Civic Engagement (voter education, registration, and turnout, issue advocacy, and constituency engagement), Civic Access (voting rights and election administration), and Civic Representation (census and redistricting).

It’s our collective duty to end the systemic, relentless disenfranchisement targeting Black, Indigenous, Latinx, AAPI, and all communities of color, young adults, LGBTQ people, women, low-income, and all oppressed people. That’s why State Voices works year-round to create a more accessible, inclusive, and representative democracy.

Position Overview:

State Voices seeks a highly motivated and detail-oriented Development Manager to split their time between grant writing and developing a robust prospect pipeline to support the organization's growth. The Development Manager will collaborate closely with the Development Officer to implement strategies that align with State Voices’ fundraising goals and priorities. This role reports to the Director of Development; the role does not have a direct report.

On average, the State Voices budget is expected to be $10 million, which is made up from a portfolio of institutional funders, major individual and family donors. The Development Manager will be an organized fundraising professional with a deep commitment to social justice who contributes to a highly effective team. They will contribute positively towards the team’s efficacy, operations, and culture.

Initially, this role will focus on prospect research, grant proposal writing, and supporting donor engagement strategies that strengthen and expand the donor base. As the prospect pipeline matures, the Development Manager will have the opportunity to grow into managing their own portfolio of donors, further advancing the organization’s fundraising efforts. This will involve deepening relationships with key funders, stewarding major gifts, and playing an active role in securing transformative contributions for the organization. 

The ideal candidate will start in January 2027.

Primary Functions: 

The primary responsibilities of the Development Manager role will include the following:

Grant Writing & Reporting

• Support grant writing efforts by developing, writing, and submitting proposals to foundations and institutional funders. Ensure timely submission of proposals, compliance with reporting requirements, and effective stewardship of funders.
• Liaise with program, development, and finance staff to share grant requirements and reporting expectations; ensure strong and compelling funder proposals, reports, and other requirements are met in a timely fashion; adhere to a grants calendar that facilitates timely planning and submission of donor proposals and reports.

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

• Support a comprehensive prospect research and qualification program, identifying high-potential individuals, corporations, and foundations that align with State Voices' priorities.
• Develop strategies for prospect engagement, utilizing data from research tools to build a sustainable donor pipeline. Provide regular reporting and insights to optimize fundraising strategies.
• Apply an equity-informed approach to prospect research and analysis, ensuring the donor base reflects the diverse communities State Voices serves.

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Draft and manage donor stewardship emails and other written communications that deepen funder relationships, keep donors informed of organizational impact, and support moves management across the portfolio.
• Work closely with front-line fundraisers and leadership to ensure research and insights support the organization's overall fundraising efforts. Participate in portfolio review meetings to analyze and optimize donor engagement strategies.
• Support leadership funder travel and donor events, including coordinating logistics with the Executive Assistant, preparing briefing materials, and ensuring leadership is well-positioned for meaningful funder interactions and relationship cultivation.

Events & Corporate Sponsorship

• Lead on the strategy, solicitation, and tracking of all corporate sponsors for State Voices Convening and events sponsorships. Coordinate with State Voices program leads and senior staff to identify targets, make asks, track income, and provide high-level sponsor experience.

Data & CRM Management

• Assist with maintaining accurate records in the donor CRM, tracking research insights, moves management, and prospect assignments. Utilize CRM tools to generate prospect lists, profiles, and reporting materials for internal use.

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

• Weekly check-ins with the Development Officer to review work plans and develop solutions to ensure programmatic success.
• Offer mentorship and learning opportunities to junior department members.
• Keep abreast of foundation fundraising best practices and trends. Seek out and participate in external events and networking opportunities.
• Participate in State Voices national staff activities, including staff and network retreats, convenings, check-in calls, and other all-staff activities as requested.
• Other related duties as they arise or are assigned.

 The ideal candidate will possess many or all of the following qualifications:

• 2-4 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising processes and teams, including grant writing, database management and administration, increased programmatic responsibilities, and prospect research. 
• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills; ability to translate complex ideas and strategies into clear, concise, and compelling narratives to engage current and prospective supporters. 
• Ability to professionally communicate deadlines, needs, and action items within the organization and externally with supporters. 
• Comfortable with ambiguity and working under a variety of circumstances. 
• Experience and ease with donor CRM databases, nonprofit 501 (c) (3) compliance, donor privacy policies, and maintaining development-related files.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies. Committed to racial equity, and uses a personal approach that values individuals and their differences. 
• Builds relationships marked by respect, trust, and integrity; treats everyone as they would like to be treated, and is unthreatened by others’ strengths; accountable in all interpersonal and professional interactions.
• Genuine interpersonal skills and ability to develop deep relationships with funders, colleagues, and team members. 
• A clear understanding of the relationship between confidential organization information and building donor trust through transparency and accountability.
• A genuine appreciation for and commitment to the mission of State Voices.
• Experience in or familiarity with the cyclical nature of the civic engagement space.
• Strong operational and organizational skills with a hands-on work style and an eagerness to roll up their sleeves. An ability and willingness to contribute as a team player.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, appropriate aggressiveness and possessing an entrepreneurial and intellectual curiosity.