Development Manager

Role Overview

RPAA seeks a Development Manager to manage grants, sponsorships, and special events. The Development Manager will conduct the research, writing, and reporting of grants and maintain relationships with funders. The position is also responsible for securing sponsorships for special events, education initiatives, and artistic programs, and being the main point of contact for corporate supporters. The Development Manager will also execute all special events and is expected to be active in the community to develop sponsor relationships.

General

• Establish long‑term partnerships and strengthen existing relationships with the corporate and foundation sector.
• Work closely with the Director of Development to identify, engage, secure, and steward local, regional, and national corporate and foundation relationships.
• Track and report on key metrics that align with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Develop profiles of donors and prospects to align with the organization’s programs.
• Manage solicitation deadlines and ensure timely submission of proposals and reports.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new funders that would be likely to support the organization.
• Adequately prepare for and participate in donor meetings, site visits, follow‑ups, etc.
• Work with the Director of Marketing to develop media awareness of corporate and foundation gifts.

Grants

• Research foundations, corporations, and government agencies to identify new sources of funding.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing funders.
• Write grant proposals in accordance with funder guidelines and aligned with RPAA priorities.
• Maintain grant records, timelines, and reporting requirements.Provide timely reports and evaluations to funders in accordance with grant agreements.
• Manage stewardship of funders and nurture relationships in between grant cycles.
• Work collaboratively with the Development Assistant & Board Liaison who will support the grants process as needed.

Sponsorships and Corporate Funders

• Manage the planning and execution of an annual sponsorship program with the goal of increasing the number of sponsors and securing higher‑level donations.
• Create sponsorship packages for all events, education initiatives, and artistic programming and manage sponsorship relationships.
• Conduct prospect research on businesses of all sizes to identify new corporate supporters and event sponsors.
• Cultivate, secure, steward, and renew corporate gifts.
• Write and submit sponsorship proposals.
• Network and be active within the local business community (i.e. Chamber meetings, MBL meetings) and develop a strategic business outreach plan.
• Coordinate restaurant and hotel partnerships for RPAA to secure trade agreements and donor benefits.

Special Events

• Participate in creating a vision for each special event and generating buy‑in among staff, board, and volunteers, working with event committees as needed.
• Manage all event logistics with support from the Development Assistant & Board Liaison, including working with the venue management team and outside vendors.
• Secure local and national talent for events.
• Build and manage event budgets and track all income and expenses in partnership with the Director of Finance & Administration.
• Work with the Director of Marketing to create save‑the‑dates, invitations, programs, signage, and other print and electronic collateral.
• Create and manage event websites, registration processes, silent/live auctions, attendee follow‑up, etc. in partnership with the Development Assistant & Board Liaison.

Required Qualifications

• At least three years of experience working in a direct fundraising role that includes grants, sponsorships, and events.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher (experience in lieu of degree will be considered).
• Creative, enthusiastic, and goal‑oriented.
• Enjoys building relationships with external stakeholders and providing excellent customer service.
• Commitment to working collaboratively with a range of constituents, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program partners, and participants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multi‑task, and follow through with tasks.
• Detail‑oriented and comfortable handling financial information.
• Willingness to be flexible in varied job assignments and to pitch in when/where needed.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and Google applications.
• An appreciation for and belief in the mission of RPAA.

$60,000 / year

Health, Dental, Life and Short‑Term Disability Insurance, 401k, Paid‑Time Off, Paid Holidays

Richmond Performing Arts Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.