Development Manager

About the Asheville Downtown Association: The Asheville Downtown Association is dedicated to supporting and advocating for local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown Asheville. Our mission is to create a thriving downtown community through collaboration, partnerships, and innovative initiatives. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Development Manager to help us grow and expand our fundraising efforts.Position Overview: The Development Manager will play a crucial role in raising funds through corporate and individual donors, expanding our corporate sponsorship program, and managing all aspects of sponsor fulfillment. This person will also lead efforts to revamp our membership program, increasing engagement and support for our organization. Additionally, the Development Manager will be responsible for grant writing, securing funding to support our mission, and ensuring sponsors receive the full benefits of their partnerships.Key Responsibilities:Fundraising: Lead efforts to raise money through both corporate and individual donors. Identify potential donors, cultivate relationships, and secure financial support to sustain and grow the organizations initiatives.Corporate Sponsorship Program: Identify, secure, and manage corporate sponsorships for Downtown Association events and programs. Develop strategies to expand the program and foster long-term relationships with corporate partners.Grant Writing: Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to secure funding for key projects and initiatives. Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for funding.Sponsor Fulfillment: Oversee sponsor fulfillment for all events, ensuring that sponsors receive the benefits they have agreed upon. Manage sponsor relationships and ensure their experience exceeds expectations, particularly during public events.Membership Program Revamp: Lead the development and implementation of strategies to re-engage current members and attract new ones, increasing overall membership and participation through targeted engagement efforts.Collaboration: Work closely with the marketing, communications, and program teams to integrate sponsorships, memberships, and fundraising initiatives into all association communications and activities.Qualifications:Proven experience in fundraising and raising significant financial support through corporate and individual donors.Demonstrated success in grant writing, with a track record of securing funding for non-profits or membership organizations.Extensive experience in managing and fulfilling corporate sponsorships, ensuring sponsors receive all agreed-upon benefits.Strong understanding of membership models and engagement strategies within a non-profit or membership-based organization.Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with donors, sponsors, and members.Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.Passion for Downtown Asheville and its mission to support local businesses and enhance the downtown community.Preferred Qualifications:Experience working in a membership-based organization or non-profit sector.Familiarity with CRM systems and donor management tools.Knowledge of event planning and execution, particularly related to sponsor fulfillment.This is an in-person, office-based position. The Development Manager will be required to attend all ADA public events to ensure sponsor fulfillment, which may require occasional evenings and weekends. They will also be responsible for meeting with potential sponsors and donors in-person and virtually.The Asheville Downtown Association is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these factors.Benefits: The Asheville Downtown Association offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. We provide generous vacation and sick time to support work-life balance, as well as opportunities for professional development to help you grow in your career.
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