Development Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE, Playworks NY-NJ is seeking a Development Manager who reports directly to the Executive Director and works in close partnership with them to execute the organization’s fund development strategy. The Executive Director sets strategic direction, priorities, and key relationships, and this role is responsible for driving execution, coordination, and follow-through across development efforts.

This role oversees development operations, grant writing, stewardship coordination, Salesforce management, and day-to-day relationship support, while managing defined fundraising goals tied to grants, sponsorships, and partner renewals. The role also supports individual giving efforts as part of the broader fundraising mix and aligns with regional priorities.

The Development Manager is a highly collaborative, detail-oriented role focused on strong execution, follow-through, and coordination in support of organizational strategy, narrative, and relationships. While this role collaborates closely with the Playworks HQ Development team through shared planning and aligned initiatives, all regional work is directed by and accountable to the Executive Director.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Fund Development & Stewardship

• Manage a defined portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual partners, in alignment with Executive Director priorities, with a focus on renewals, stewardship, and growth; be accountable for fundraising goals.
• Steward and upgrade corporate grants, sponsorships, and engagement opportunities across Playworks NYNJ initiatives, leading early cultivation and advancement of next steps.
• Cultivate and close regional new corporate sponsorships as required.
• Support relationship-building with foundation partners through ongoing engagement and positioning for future funding opportunities.
• Coordinate regional efforts and relationships with National Development Team.
• Own grants coordination and proposal support, including maintaining the grants calendar, grant-writing, coordinating submissions and reporting, and ensuring alignment with the organizational voice.
• Support the planning and execution of organizational events and meetings, providing project management and logistical support as organizational needs evolve.

Grant Strategy & Writing With a Focus on Renewals

• Lead the development, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding requests to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, including prospect research, application development, submission, reporting, and renewal planning.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to ensure timely submissions, reporting deadlines, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with program and leadership staff to gather programmatic information, budgets, outcomes, and supporting materials needed for competitive proposals.
• Develop clear, compelling narratives that communicate Playworks' mission, impact, and funding priorities while tailoring proposals to each funder's interests and guidelines.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to identify and pursue strategic funding opportunities that align with regional priorities and revenue goals.

Governance & Leadership Support

• Coordinate logistics and materials for board meetings, including scheduling, preparation, and follow-up, under the direction of the Executive Director and Associate Director.
• Capture and maintain clear records of decisions and action items from board meetings.
• Development Operations & Salesforce
• Manage Salesforce and development systems to ensure accurate data, effective workflows, and reliable reporting.
• Track grants, deliverables, and reporting requirements, coordinating internal timelines and follow-through.
• Prepare development reports and maintain fundraising calendars, deadlines, and related documentation for leadership.
• Communications & Reporting Support
• Manage development-related communications, including social media posts, partner acknowledgments, event highlights, and newsletter content.
• Coordinate with marketing, digital, and program teams to develop content and assets that support fundraising, stewardship, and partner engagement.

Responsibilities may evolve over time based on organizational needs and priorities.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 4–6 years of experience in development, fundraising operations, account management, or related nonprofit roles.
• Demonstrated success writing and securing foundation, corporate, and/or government grants, with experience managing the full grant lifecycle from prospect research through reporting. Experience managing donor relationships and achieving fundraising goals is required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple timelines and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with Salesforce or comparable CRM systems; comfort with data, reporting, and systems.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills; ability to edit and tailor content to organizational voice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort representing the organization in meetings, events, and site visits.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a highly engaged, fast-moving environment.
• Knowledge of local business, civic, or philanthropic communities preferred.
• Willingness to attend occasional evening or weekend events and travel locally as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director.
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay equity, geographic pay differential, and robust external market data. We highly value transparency and equity within compensation and, therefore, are committed to adhering to established compensation pay points. The hiring salary for this position is $76,700 ( NYC) and $72,400 in all other areas
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) and employer match, employee-funded pre-tax health and child care spending accounts.
• Generous Flex PTO policy with paid sick and holiday leave.

This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges, and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested

At Playworks we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities, or board service on a merit basis.