Development Manager

Development Manager

Unity is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Development Manager to lead annual fundraising initiatives and donor communications that support compassionate hospice, palliative, and grief care across Northeast Wisconsin. Reporting to the Director of Development,   the Development Manager is responsible for executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, cultivating and stewarding mid-level donors,   developing donor-facing communications, and strengthening donor engagement systems.

This position also plays a key role in planning and executing successful fundraising and stewardship events,   including walks, golf outings, donor appreciation gatherings, and more. The Development Manager will design and implement a comprehensive mid-level giving program that includes cultivation,   solicitation, and recognition strategies. They will manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects with the goal of increasing annual giving revenue, retention, and donor engagement. Meeting year-end revenue and retention goals is a critical measure of success.

Working collaboratively across the organization, the Development Manager will develop compelling appeals, donor communications, and stewardship materials. This role involves regular, personal contact with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, sponsors,  volunteers, and community partners. Exceptional writing skills are essential;   design skills are a valued bonus.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Plan, execute, and optimize multi-channel solicitation campaigns. 
• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donor prospects with a focus on increasing giving, strengthening relationships, and achieving year-end financial retention and revenue goals.
• Solicit and close gifts from mid-level donors to support annual revenue goals and deepen donor commitment.
• Grow and retain monthly and recurring donors through personalized outreach, consistent acknowledgment, and targeted impact reporting.
• Coordinate donor engagement efforts, including one-on-one cultivation meetings, personalized follow-up, and small group events.
• Implement and track stewardship activities, including recognition programs, thank-you workflows,   and impact reporting.
• Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events.
• Serve as liaison and support for community-led third-party fundraising events held on behalf of Unity.
• Oversee accurate gift entry, acknowledgment, and reporting processes in coordination with administrative or finance staff; manage tools such as online giving forms and GiveSmart.
• Collaborate with program staff to collect and share meaningful stories and outcomes that demonstrate donor impact; serve as a liaison to teams such as Psychosocial,   Grief and Education Center (GEC), and Meng Residence.
• Draft donor-centric communications, including newsletters, appeals, and acknowledgments; maintain the e-newsletter and update acknowledgment letters as needed.
• Utilize strong writing skills to develop compelling donor-facing content; design experience is a plus.
• Collaborate with the development team to create both standard and custom donor communications that align with campaign and stewardship goals.
• Maintain personal contact with a wide variety of donor constituents, including sponsors,   individuals, volunteers, and partner organizations.

This role is remote but begins as a hybrid position for training, which lasts approximately three months.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8 am - 4 pm

Who You   Are: You are a strong communicator and natural relationship builder with a foundation of integrity. Intelligent, intuitive,   organized, and compassionate, you bring both heart and strategy to your work.   You are results-focused, donor-centric, and intrinsically motivated, with the high energy and initiative of a self-starter. You thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven, and goal-oriented environment, take pride in meaningful outcomes, and bring a confident, “we can” mindset to every challenge.

Knowledge, Skills,   and Abilities:

• Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple work assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.
• Ability to use personal computers and office productivity software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be a self-starter 
• Strong proficiency in both written and oral   communication
• Excellent interpersonal and social skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving   skills 
• Demonstrated commitment to meeting deadlines
• Demonstrated professionalism, perseverance,   optimism, and a positive attitude when working with donors and colleagues
• Strong project management skills
• Must be success-driven
• Must be willing to travel
• Planning, organizing, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and volunteers.
• Ability to maintain professional composure when dealing with emotional or confrontational circumstances.
• Ability to be an effective team member and handle projects responsibly.
• Strong customer service and results orientation.

Why Unity? Unity is dedicated to supporting your well-being, growth, and success with a range of valuable benefits!

Health: We provide comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Accounts, and flexible spending options for medical and dependent care. On-site health risk assessments and flu shots are also available to keep you and your family well.

Life: Unity values work-life balance, offering paid time off, extended illness and injury bank, bereavement leave, an Employee Assistance Program, and fitness membership reimbursement to support your personal needs and interests outside of work.

Security: For your financial peace of mind, Unity offers a 403(b) retirement savings plan, group life insurance, voluntary life insurance, as well as accident, critical illness, and disability insurance options.

Compensation: We reward your skills and commitment with competitive pay, overtime opportunities for hourly roles, and mileage reimbursement.

Career: Grow with Unity through internal and external learning opportunities, education assistance, and leadership development programs designed to support your professional journey.

All new employees are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following their date of hire. 

For a full list of benefits: https://unityhospice.org/careers

Choose Unity as the place to grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and be valued every step of the way. Apply today to join a team that invests in you, both personally and professionally. 

What you’ll bring:

1. Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Business, or other related fields required.

2. Minimum of 3 years of experience organizing successful special events

3. Minimum of 3 years of relationship management   experience, including establishing and growing relationships with a proven   track record of meeting or exceeding annual revenue targets

4. Demonstrated success in soliciting gifts in the $1,000 to $9,999 range

5. Competency and proficiency in the use of computers, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, word processing, social   media, and email

6. Experience using fundraising database programs, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT an asset

7. Experience with Planned Giving is an asset

8. Valid WI Drivers’ License, reliable transportation, and poof of current automobile insurance coverage