Job Title: Development Manager 

Job Status: Full-Time, Exempt 

Reports to: VP of Development 

Location: West Region

Company Overview:

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives and have a soft spot for dogs? Look no further than Dogs for Better Lives (DBL)! As a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, DBL is dedicated to professionally training dogs to help people with disabilities and enhance their lives. Our mission is to create a lifelong commitment to all dogs rescued or bred and all people served, which is supported by our nationwide donor base. DBL is nationally recognized by Guidestar, Great Nonprofits, Charity Navigator (9 years with a continues four-star rating), Best of the Upper Cape 2022, Oregon Business’ 2021 “Oregon Top 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For,” and we are accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). At DBL, we believe in empowering our employees to achieve our goals and serve our clients, dogs, and donors while embracing a work-life balance. As we continue to expand our organization and build upon our past successes, we provide ample opportunities for growth and continued learning. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome employees from diverse backgrounds who share our values. Join us and be part of an employee-driven team that strives to serve more clients while upholding our unwavering commitment to our clients, dogs, and donors.

Job Summary:

The Development Manager generates major gifts ($5,000+) by developing and managing a portfolio of gift prospects including individuals, foundation, corporate, and community groups, among others; manages relationships with major donors and partners in building relationships; prepares solicitation and other materials to continuously inform and recognize major donors; and provides leadership within the Development Department staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead major giving program in assigned region, including oversight of individuals, corporate, foundation, community groups, and other major prospects.
• Take leading role for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donor prospects, enlisting the help of the board, president, vice president of development, and executive leadership.
• Stewarding a portfolio of 350+ prospective and existing constituents while soliciting 50+ direct Opportunities within their strategy and fundraising goal of $300K.
• Plan and implement strategies to increase major donor giving and deepen relationships.
• Oversee Corporate and Foundation Partnership opportunities in assigned region, annually engaging local and regional partners in supporting key programmatic needs of the organization.
• Cohesive collaboration with Development and Finance Departments to ensure all major donor relationships are cultivated and followed up with in a timely manner, using moves management.
• Work strategically within Blackbaud CRM and Instrumental to identify corporate and foundation opportunities that can support key initiatives that have growth potential.
• Help identify key regional donors that could support organization in an upcoming capital campaign and other special initiatives.
• Organize and staff major outreach initiatives in local/regional community, and nationally as requested, including participation in several regional service club events, among other special donor centric events.
• Working with DBL’s Development and Marketing teams, to engage donors in key annual campaigns (e.g. Puppy Love, Bone AppeTREAT, National Service Dog Month, Summer Match, and Holiday Match) to support organization.
• Oversee and advise a Regional Advisory Board in assigned region, helping to engage them in supporting the organization’s mission and key initiatives nationally and/or in key state(s). 
• Perform other duties as required by the organization and Vice President of Development.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum two (2) years' experience in fundraising, with a proven track record and demonstrated success in major gifts and planned giving donor cultivation, and/or successful equivalent in another client-managed business sector.
• Experience working with national boards, regional advisory boards, and board committees in fund development preferred.
• Proficient in Blackbaud - Raiser’s Edge (or equivalent CRM), Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Cloud, and other applicable software applications.
• Pass criminal background, credit, and DMV checks.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds, sit for extended periods of time, climb stairs, and operate office equipment and computers with ease.

Essential Requirements:

• Possesses competencies in major gift acquisition, planned giving, and strategic planning.
• Enjoy building and maintaining relationships with donors, volunteers and staff.
• Successfully able to lead self and others through a process and adhere to timelines.
• Shares in the passion of Dogs for Better Lives’ mission.
• Self-starter and independent, though works collaboratively.
• Highly skilled in interpersonal and written communication.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evenings, early mornings or weekends as needed.
• Ability to drive or fly to various locations to meet with donors.
• Respects and maintain privileged confidential information.
• Values continuous learning and seeks ongoing training and development.
• Willingness to travel on behalf of the organization up to 30% of the time.

Note: This is a job description, not an employment contract. This job description does not state or imply these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by management. Dogs for Better Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer.