Development Manager

Development Manager

Mississippi Park Connection is seeking an experienced Development Manager to lead the implementation of an ambitious vision for philanthropy. MPC recently completed a comprehensive development plan that provides a roadmap for strengthening individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, donor stewardship, and long-term organizational sustainability. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Manager will lead implementation of this plan while providing leadership for MPC's growing development team. They will directly supervise the Development Specialist and will play a key role in shaping the future growth and structure of MPC's development team.

This position is ideal for a fundraiser who enjoys both strategy and execution. The Development Manager will build meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners while translating MPC's development strategy into measurable philanthropic growth, sustainable fundraising systems, and a strong culture of philanthropy. This is an opportunity to join an organization where fundraising is viewed not simply as revenue generation, but as building a community of people committed to protecting and connecting others to the Mississippi River.

Priority deadline to apply is August 3, 2026, with rolling applications accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is September 7, 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Development Leadership & Strategy

Provide leadership for Mississippi Park Connection's growing development program while implementing the organization's comprehensive development plan.

• Translate MPC's comprehensive development plan into annual priorities, fundraising initiatives, and measurable outcomes.
• Supervise, coach, and support development staff, including the Development Specialist.
• Establish annual fundraising priorities, work plans, and goals.
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Prepare reports and updates for the Executive Director, Development Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Help strengthen the development team through continuous improvement of fundraising systems, processes and practices.

Individual Giving & Major Gifts

Grow and strengthen MPC's individual giving program by cultivating meaningful donor relationships and expanding annual, leadership, and major giving opportunities.

• Develop and implement annual giving, membership, and major gift strategies.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors.
• Partner with the Executive Director on major donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Coordinate annual fundraising campaigns and donor appeals.
• Support the development of planned giving initiatives.
• Manage donor portfolios, moves management activities, and prospect strategies.

Corporate & Foundation Partnerships

Expand philanthropic support through corporate partnerships, foundation relationships, grants, and sponsorship opportunities.

• Cultivate and steward corporate and foundation relationships.
• Research and pursue institutional funding opportunities.
• Provide strategic oversight for grant writing and grant stewardship in partnership with the Development Specialist, communications team, and program staff.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities for organizational events and initiatives.
• Build long-term partnerships that advance both mission and fundraising goals.

Events, Donor Stewardship & Engagement

Lead fundraising events and create meaningful experiences that inspire lasting relationships with Mississippi Park Connection and the Mississippi River.

• Provide leadership for MPC's fundraising events, including planning, sponsorship, and donor engagement.
• Coordinate fundraising events in collaboration with staff, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
• Design and implement donor stewardship and recognition strategies.
• Partner with communications staff to share compelling stories of impact.
• Support Board engagement in fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Ensure timely acknowledgement and recognition of donor contributions.

Development Systems & Operations

Develop and strengthen the systems, processes, and data that support a sustainable, effective, and growing fundraising program.

• Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising data.
• Monitor fundraising metrics and prepare reports and analyses.
• Improve fundraising systems, workflows, and CRM utilization.
• Coordinate fundraising calendars, prospect tracking, and donor pipelines.
• Ensure timely gift processing, acknowledgements, and compliance with organizational policies.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

Required:

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience working in the nonprofit sector or a related mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success securing charitable contributions through one or more fundraising strategies, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, sponsorships, annual giving, or fundraising events.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies, projects, or organizational initiatives.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or project teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience using donor databases or CRM systems and standard business software.
• Alignment with MPC's mission, values, and dedication to connecting people with the Mississippi River.

Preferred:

• Experience leading a comprehensive fundraising program.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors or development committee.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and moves management strategies.
• Grant writing and grants management experience.
• Experience planning fundraising or donor engagement events.
• Familiarity with Little Green Light or similar donor management systems.
• Passion for conservation, public lands, outdoor recreation, environmental education, or community engagement.

Success in This Role

A successful Development Manager will:

• Implement the highest priority initiatives defined in MPC's comprehensive development plan.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with staff, board members, donors, National Park Service partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and institutional fundraising while expanding meaningful donor engagement.
• Lead and support the development team by fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Develop sustainable fundraising systems, processes, and data practices that improve organizational effectiveness and support long-term growth.
• Create exceptional donor stewardship experiences that inspire lasting relationships and increased philanthropic investment.
• Help cultivate a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization, where fundraising is viewed as a shared responsibility that advances MPC's mission.
• Contribute to the long-term sustainability of Mississippi Park Connection by helping build the philanthropic resources needed to connect more people to the Mississippi River and support the national park for generations to come.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Some lifting up to 25 pounds may be required (supplies, equipment, materials).
• Moderate noise level.
• Ability to move about an office environment, sit for extended periods, and participate in community-based events.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work outdoors for events, programs, and meetings along the Mississippi River.
• Ability to work in person from MPC's Saint Paul offices (flexible schedules may be discussed).
• Ability to travel within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor.
• Hold a valid U.S. driver's license and qualify to drive a federal vehicle.
• Ability to pass a federal background investigation for PIV card, federal vehicle use, and federal building access.

Mississippi Park Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At MPC, we recognize that our effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, operations, culture, and staffing. MPC is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.