Development Manager

The Development Manager at the Boston Food Forest Coalition (BFFC) is a dynamic, full-time position that blends development and operations. Reporting directly to the Development Director, you will manage operations, provide strategic support, and ensure the seamless execution of fundraising initiatives to support the fundraising leadership team in achieving the organization’s development goals. This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is eager to make a real difference.

In this role, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of BFFC's Development function, enabling the team to focus on high-level strategy and relationship building. Your focus will be on implementing proactive and efficient systems that empower our Development Team to build strong relationships and increase overall fundraising activity.  You will manage a variety of projects, manage our donor database, conduct research, connect with and cultivate a portfolio of donors, and spearhead initiatives related to online fundraising and monthly giving.

BFFC is an innovative organization at the forefront of an exciting and evolving field. Our priorities center around diversity, equity, and inclusion, which calls for creative, collaborative, and action-oriented thinking from our team members. 

This role is perfect for someone with a background in fundraising, marketing, communications, executive administration, or program management. If you're a quick learner, a skilled communicator, and someone who approaches their work with enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility, we encourage you to apply. We're especially interested in candidates with a passion for environmental justice and a commitment to working hand-in-hand with communities to create sustainable and resilient green spaces.

Responsibilities 

Development Operations (50%) 

• Anticipate the needs of fundraising leadership, providing timely updates and actionable solutions to key challenges.
• Manage the development calendar, ensuring deadlines for campaigns, reports, and stewardship activities are met.
• Develop and execute processes for donor stewardship, including personalized communications and recognition efforts.
• Assist leadership in preparing for donor meetings and events, including creating profiles, agendas, and follow-up plans.
• Oversee donor management systems, ensuring accurate records and timely acknowledgment of contributions.
• Conduct online research and utilize tools (DonorSearch, Impala, etc) to increase BFFC Individual pipeline of donors
• Provide strategic insights based on donor behavior and performance metrics.
• Understand, manage, and facilitate team utilization of BFFC data and tech systems to support our fundraising strategy (Bloomerang CRM) 
• Prepare materials, reports, and analyses for leadership meetings, board presentations, and donor outreach.
• Identify and implement improvements to workflows, data systems, and processes to enhance efficiency.
• Build collaborative relationships across departments to align fundraising efforts with organizational objectives.
• Act as a thought partner to fundraising leadership, offering strategic input and creative ideas for donor engagement and campaign execution.

Grants Management (25%)

• Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Support the writing of compelling grant proposals and manage grant reporting requirements.
• Maintain relationships with current funders and ensure timely submission of proposals and reports.
• Coordinate with Grant Writer and Development Director for annual grants calendar
• Manage coordination of grant components and information required from other departments

Fundraising Activities, Events and Administration (25%)

• Manage projects related to online Fundraising and Annual Fund (Monthly Giving)
• Advise & provide content to Communications Manager for donor messaging into monthly newsletter, social media and blog posts
• Manage coordination for corporate volunteer groups
• Manage budget development and cost tracking

Qualifications 

Experience 

• At least 5 years of professional experience in fundraising, nonprofit operations, communications or marketing, ideally with exposure to the nonprofit landscape. 
• Experience working in a small nonprofit or start up environment, with the ability to wear multiple hats and adapt to changing needs.
• Experience and skill with effectively managing up to leaders in a department or team
• Experience with event planning and management
• Experience with database management and reporting
• Experience in analyzing data and in converting data into actionable strategy and/or improvements to fundraising programming and delivery. 
• Strong experience in project management and operations.
• Experience proactively communicating goals and updates, and eliciting input from various stakeholders. 
• Experience and familiarity with various social media platforms, and general understanding of how to use them creatively and strategically. (Primarily Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
• Action-oriented with a flexible and adaptable style. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Skills

• A strong understanding of fundraising strategies and donor cultivation.
• Able to think strategically to engage with various audiences simultaneously. 
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled writer and editor, with the ability to share a clear perspective, both oral and written. 
• Ability to work as a self-starter without oversight, and as a team player who productively engages with others within and outside the organization. 
• Ability and desire to learn and grow in new situations and from mistakes; actively integrates feedback to improve. 
• Effective at cultivating external relationships and forging new partnerships.
• Excellent organizational skills and capacity to prioritize and manage time well, with strong attention to detail. 
• Familiar with using web browsers and Google suite tools (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets), or similar with willingness to learn Google suite. 
• Knowledge of fundraising tools like QGiv, Action Network, Act Blue, DonorBox, Stripe, and/or Paypal a plus.
• Knowledge of Bloomerang, Impala, DonorSearch or other prospecting software a plus
• Layout/design preferred but not required

Salary & Benefits 

• Salary: $70,800*
• Health Insurance 
• 40 days Personal Time Off annually (includes: holidays, sick days, and vacation)
• Retirement match 
• Professional development stipend 
• Cell phone and laptop stipend 
• *BFFC is committed to internal equity for salary and benefits and therefore does not negotiate compensation. 

Location 

• This is a Boston, Massachusetts-based position. 
• The position will include a mix of in-person and virtual/remote work. There are mandatory in-person team days (on Tuesdays), with additional in-person time as needed for donor meetings and events.
• BFFC is committed to sustainability and supports staff in taking time off to balance evening and weekend hours. 
• We ask all staff to abide by COVID-19 guidance set by the City of Boston.