Development Manager

Overview

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

The CWS local Offices work with refugees and immigrants to provide services to communities in need. We are a highly motivated, mission-driven team eager to create a welcoming place for all neighbors. CWS is a fun and supportive organization, with competitive salary and benefits.

About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose

The Development Manager is an experienced fundraising professional who supports the Office Director in advancing local fundraising efforts across institutional, individual, congregational, and event-based revenue streams. This role focuses on donor cultivation, fundraising execution, and relationship management to ensure sustainable local funding. The Development Manager plays a key role in strengthening community partnerships and advancing the organization’s mission at the local level.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Planning

• Partner with the office director to implement an annual fundraising plan.
• Analyze, track, and report on solicitation methods and their performance against annual goals – recommend adjustments as needed throughout the year.

Donor Portfolio Management & Stewardship

• Manage a donor portfolio including individual, corporate, institutional, and faith-based donors.
• Coordinate telephone, in-person, mail, and electronic solicitations as well as donor acknowledgements.
• Research and recommend to the office director major donor solicitation opportunities.

Donor Communications & Engagement

• Ensure timely acknowledgements of gifts and other communications with and from donors.
• Under guidance of the office director, provide content and language for regular digital and print communication with individual, faith, and corporate donors (e.g., newsletters, social media, outreach).

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor contact and engagement records, including activity documentation in Salesforce.
• Analyze donor and solicitation data to create targeted segments, refine messaging and channels, and improve stewardship journeys.

Campaign & Event Execution

• Support the execution of key annual campaigns and fundraising events, including managing timelines, logistics, and assisting with securing event sponsorships.
• Ensure timely completion of post-event reporting and donor acknowledgements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration [Optional]

• Partner with community engagement team and communications on creative assets, outreach activities, marketings, and volunteer support.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications

Required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, public administration) or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of development experience including managing donor portfolios, executing fundraising strategies, analyzing performance data, and supporting campaigns and events.’
• At least 1–2 years of supervisory or team-lead experience preferred, ideally managing development or administrative staff.
• Advanced certifications in fundraising or nonprofit management (e.g., CFRE) are a plus but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Solid understanding of fundraising principles, donor lifecycle management, and stewardship best practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly for donor engagement.
• Analytical skills sufficient to interpret fundraising data and recommend improvements, comfortable working with fundraising technology and data systems.
• Works independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in making decisions and recommendations.
• High level of organizational and prioritization skills and demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Understand CWS’s programs and is able to communicate compellingly with external audiences.
• Committed to CWS’s mission, vision and values.

Work Environment

• Hybrid or in-office environment depending on program needs.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours for client emergencies or community events.
• Some local travel may be required.

Special Requirements

Job Competencies

Communication : Tailors communication style and medium to peers and cross-functional partners; delivers structured, data-supported, and actionable updates; facilitates discussions to gather input, resolve issues, and align decisions.

Teamwork: Participates in cross-functional efforts and builds relationships beyond the immediate team; provides informal mentorship to junior colleagues; fosters inclusion and shared accountability within the team; uses available resources to drive results.

Problem-Solving: Analyzes moderately complex problems by synthesizing data and stakeholder input; anticipates obstacles and develops contingency plans; balances speed, accuracy, and risk using sound judgment.

Accountability: Manages workload independently and prioritizes effectively; holds self accountable for high-quality results; proactively mitigates risks and escalates when needed.

Strategic Thinking: Connects daily work to business objectives and anticipates upstream/downstream impacts; recommends adjustments to improve efficiency or outcomes.

Adaptability: Helps others navigate changes in processes, tools, or expectations; remains effective under pressure and uncertainty; updates plans as conditions evolve.

Execution: Manages multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and quality targets; identify obstacles early and takes corrective action; owns outcomes and communicates status transparently.