Development Manager

The Stark County Park District is looking for a talented Development Manager to identify and secure revenue to support the mission of Stark Parks and to fund operational, capital, and long-term sustainability expenses of the parks. Revenues should be secured through a variety of sources including but not limited to grants, sponsorships, capital campaigns, donations, annual campaigns, fundraising events and contributions from partner entities such as Friends of Stark Parks (FSP) and Quail Hollow Volunteer Association (QHVA) in order to achieve the goals set forth in the Park District's mission and strategic plans. This position will work with established nonprofit partners and foundations to attract contributions and seek new opportunities for fund development. It will also organize and attend special events sponsored by the Park District and other organizations/partners. This position is responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of development in cooperation with the Executive Director and fellow departments to move the goals of the Park District forward.

Essential Functions

• Create and implement a development plan to secure funding for the park district that moves the park district's goals forward.
• Develop, maintain, update and enforce a "moves management" system that drives cultivation and solicitation strategies for donors and prospects.
• Provide direction in regard to accessing revenue streams available to public health and non-profit sectors. Represent Stark Parks in developing and maintaining relationships with partners in these sectors.
• Offer expertise and insight into current best practices in wealth management.
• Apply management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and the ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Secure and steward annual, major, and planned gifts as well as plan and implement special and/or capital campaigns.
• Research and identify funding prospects. Work with fellow managers, park staff, and park partners to prioritize funding for the Park District.
• Identify potential corporation, foundation, and government grants and maintain timelines for grant submissions, coordinating with other departments to gather information.
• Oversee the grant process including research, writing, application and tracking to maintain effective internal controls and reliable and accurate records.
• Evaluate existing and potential fundraising activities by benchmarking similarly sized organizations and implementing best practices.
• Participate in outside organizations to represent Stark Parks, FSP, and QHVA to stay informed of developments and trends in the parks and recreation and philanthropy fields.
• Serve as liaison to FSP, QHVA to assist in the implementation and management of fundraising activities including annual giving, endowment and capital campaigns, memberships and special events.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal legislators relating to the mission of the Park District to stay apprised of legislative changes that may impact park funding, including state capital funding cycles and distribution of federal funds and related deadlines.
• Propose funding strategies for capital projects, including grants, sponsorships, events and capital campaigns.
• Manage the CRM database (eTapestry) and oversee record-keeping, files, gift processing, pledges and memberships, and maintain acknowledgement programs. Monitor all donor information; provide and present donor reports to departments and board(s).
• Work with the Community Engagement Department to develop solicitation materials for funding initiatives, including website and social media content, to promote opportunities that support the Park District.
• Promote donor development and retention through communication efforts including newsletters, annual outreach efforts, and events to encourage engagement among supporters.
• Be responsible for management of the Development Associate to assist in grant writing, the processing of donations, memberships, sponsorships, assistance with events and other duties within the Development Department.
• Support and attend special events as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate with people across departments and throughout the community.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including the ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
• Strong organizational skills and a thorough knowledge of philanthropy.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at once.
• Ability to administer donor databases.
• Effective interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Business, Public Administration, or a related field is required. Must have prior management/supervisory experience with eight years' experience in a professional grant writing and fundraising capacity. Extensive experience with non‑profit organizations and expert-level experience with CRM software are required. A Master's Degree is preferred.

Compensation

Starting Pay: $74,144.51

Other Requirements

Must be eligible for employment in the United States. A pre-employment background check and drug screening will be performed.

Equal Opportunity Employment

EOE - M/F/D/V