Development Manager
About Launch
Launch is a Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a brilliant start for all children. Through our preschool, after school and summer programs, we provide equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care in a safe, enriching environment that prepares children for success in school and life. Our programs serve a diverse group of over 1,125 children ages 3-12 and are located on-site in 9 Seattle public schools and 3 community centers. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, we serve as a proven model of effective programming and a passionate advocate for children, families and communities.
Launch strives to live an anti-racist, inclusive existence and welcomes diverse voices, experiences and perspectives. People who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Position Overview:
We have an exciting career opportunity for a creative Development Manager to lead Launch’s annual fund, events, and grant writing activities in collaboration with our Development & Marketing Team. Reporting to the Director of Development & Marketing, the Development Manager acts as a thought partner to the Director to help identify and implement community-centered strategies, approaches, goals, and budgets to increase fundraising revenue and build strong relationships with donors and funders. The Development Manager is a new position at Launch, and is an excellent opportunity for a talented development professional to take on a leadership role and drive contributed income growth that aligns with Community-Centric Fundraising principles and supports Launch’s racial equity goals.
 Key Responsibilities & Duties:
- Collaborate with the Director of Development & Marketing to develop departmental strategies, approaches, goals, and budgets that align with Community-Centric Fundraising principles
- Plan and implement annual fund activities that meet agency fund development goals, including direct mail, digital campaigns, events, donor stewardship, and monthly giving
- Manage Launch’s grants and corporate giving strategy. Build strong, ongoing collaborative relationships with current and potential funders
- Research potential funding sources
- Write compelling grant proposals, LOIs, RFPs, and grant reports in accordance with funder guidelines and requirements
- Lead the planning for our major annual fundraiser, Lunch for Launch (virtual in 2021), and our summer Pints for a Purpose event, including logistics, program, marketing and audience development, coordinating the event committee, and securing sponsorships
- Develop and manage budgets and projections for events and annual fund activities
- Develop and implement a monthly giving program
- Update and maintain the agency donor stewardship plan in collaboration with the Development Team
- Expand Launch’s participation in corporate workplace giving campaigns and employee giving events
- Assist with developing segmented donor communicationsIdentify potential major giving prospects and facilitate the transfer of these prospects to the Executive Director’s or the Director of Development & Marketing’s major giving portfolio
- Collaborate with Development Team members to ensure our fund development efforts support agency racial equity goals and are aligned with Community-Centric Fundraising principles
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- 5+ years in nonprofit development, grant writing, annual fund, and events management
- Demonstrated track record of securing revenue through annual fund, events, and grant writing
- Highly-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write and speak persuasively about our work with an ethical, strengths-based approach that centers the voices and lived experiences of the children and families we serve
- Strong attention to detail, including editing and copywriting skills
- Excellent analytic and strategic thinking skills and comfortable using data to analyze fundraising metrics and outcomes
- Ability to work, develop strong reciprocal relationships, and communicate effectively and respectfully with a broad range of stakeholders, including donors, funders, students, families, volunteers, partners, and staff
- Experience with a multicultural workforce, families and children who are diverse in age, race, disability, gender and gender expression is desired. A commitment to social justice and sensitivity to, and appreciation of, cultural differences is required.
- Highly organized with exceptional project and time management skills. Adept atmulti-tasking and handling multiple priorities and deadlines
- Strong understanding of and commitment to racial justice and educational equity
- Deep commitment to putting Community-Centric Fundraising principles into practice
- Experience with donor database management. Experience with Little Green Light a plus
- Able to appropriately handle sensitive/confidential information
- Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
This is a full-time, exempt position. Due to COVID-19, this position will temporarily work remotely and will continue to do so until Launch’s administrative office (located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle) reopens.
Please submit a copy of your resume and a cover letter to officially apply for this position.