The Development Manager manages the logistical functions of the fundraising team and helps build the donor and sponsor base to support the mission. This role involves detail-oriented, methodical work as well as creativity and big-picture thinking, and has the opportunity for growth into more donor-facing responsibilities, including cultivation and stewardship. It is an excellent opportunity for an early-career fundraiser interested in mentorship and building new skills, but requires a strong foundation in fundraising best practices and event management.

Fundraising Events and Sponsorships (50%)

• Collaborate with leadership staff to design compelling, successful fundraising events, including two signature annual events 
• Manage logistics planning and execution for fundraising events, serving as team lead for other involved staff 
• Solicit corporate sponsors for events and volunteer engagement opportunities throughout the year 
• Provide ongoing communication and stewardship to sponsors to ensure retention and increased year-over-year giving

Donor Relations (30%)

• Serve as primary point of contact for donor inquiries and questions
• Maintain accurate donor records in Salesforce database for both individuals and organizations 
• Manage gift entry for all charitable contributions, including receipt of checks 
• Serve as primary steward for donor acknowledgements and tax receipts
• Work closely with finance staff to maintain accurate records in Salesforce of donations and dollars received 
• Work closely with database staff to maintain an accurate donor database, including collecting and analyzing data for Development staff to use

Annual Fund Management (20%)

• Lead development of annual appeals and campaigns, with support from fundraising and communications staff
• Develop segmented lists for targeted mailed and emailed appeals
• Manage printing and production of mailed appeals

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Candidates will be asked to submit work samples to demonstrate skills and prior experience. 

• Three years of experience working in nonprofit fundraising
• Demonstrated experience managing planning and logistics for large events (100-300 people)
• Demonstrated success soliciting sponsorships for events
• Familiarity with corporate giving structures and trends 
• Experience working on digital fundraising campaigns such as Giving Tuesday
• Demonstrated experience with Salesforce or a similar donor database? 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office? including Excel
• Exceptional organization and task management skills to meet deadlines and stay current with external communications
• Ability to complete regular data entry and other daily tasks while managing longer-term projects
• Ability to recognize the need and request additional guidance when appropriate.?? 
• Ability to work some nights and weekends, to attend and support events hosted by BWB and community partners. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience creating and deploying mailed appeals
• Experience creating donor segments and targeted lists using giving history
• Familiarity with Baltimore City neighborhoods 
• Professional or volunteer experience working closely with nonprofit program staff to creatively tell stories, engage volunteers and community partners, and highlight impacts. 

Competencies and Success Factors  

• Clear, appropriate written and verbal communication 
• Independent problem solving 
• Humility and willingness to ask for help 
• Successful collaboration and team leadership 
• Time management and independent prioritization 
• Diligence and consistency 
• Follow-through and accountability

Working Conditions 

This position requires weekly visits to the Blue Water Baltimore warehouse and post office (both in Hampden) to collect mail, as well as occasional travel to community events, field work sites, and meetings throughout Baltimore City and County. A car or other reliable form of transportation is necessary. This role is 90% work-from-home, with frequent opportunities for team co-working, and in-person meetings. Only local candidates will be considered.  

Physical Requirements 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

About Blue Water Baltimore

Blue Water Baltimore's mission is to restore the quality of Baltimore's rivers, streams and Harbor to foster a healthy environment, a strong economy, and thriving communities. Blue Water Baltimore is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that accomplishes a wide range of work and partners with diverse organizations and community stakeholders to reach its restoration, greening, and advocacy goals. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 

About the Advancement Team

At Blue Water Baltimore, the Advancement team works to make sure our colleagues have all the resources they need to move the organization forward. Fundraising, data management, and communications functions work together to inspire people to get and stay involved with BWB’s mission. We are a creative, funny, hard-working group that prioritizes humanity and kindness over perfection. We meet in person once a month in addition to frequent virtual meetings, and strive to support one another continuously as workloads ebb and flow. 

Equal Opportunity/Diversity Policy

BWB prohibits discrimination of employment, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, sex (including marital and parental status), religion, age, disability,  actual or perceived gender identity or expression, weight, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, economic status,  genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. BWB is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment  

BWB’s equal opportunity policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of BWB, including opportunity for employment and treatment as a BWB employee, as well as opportunities for vendors to contract with BWB.