Development Manager

  • Full-time

Company Description

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, policy influence and a working plan to bring life-changing therapies from the lab to the community. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF has invested nearly $2B in research over the past 45 years and is sponsoring scientific research in 17 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.jdrf.org.

As a JDRF team member, you can look forward to interesting and challenging work, building strong relationships with fellow staff and our network of volunteers, and having a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by this devastating disease.

Job Description

The Development Manager role is a great opportunity for a talented, fundraising professional to join a strong Chapter team and work closely with the Associate Executive Director and local leadership, regional teams and an outstanding group of volunteers to increase the reach and impact of the Chapter. 

The Development Manager will manage, evaluate, and expand the annual JDRF Hope Gala that builds and strengthen links to potential and existing volunteers and donors and grow the Chapter’s revenue through increased corporate, individual, volunteer, and other community involvement. He or she will organize and coordinate appropriate gala committees with volunteers to expand fundraising and non-fundraising programs. And ensure that the Hope Gala is positioned for significant, sustainable growth in a manner that allows donors and volunteers to exceed their JDRF related goals.  

Other responsibilities include:

  • Serve as a key staff member in implementing the strategic direction and purpose of the Hope Gala. Collaborate with an outstanding team of local staff as well as national/regional staff resources to ensure the Chapter’s growth and success, discuss best practices, and share new ideas.
  • Lead the development and delivery of chapter signature event fundraising strategies for chapter gala fundraising activities to sustain continued growth, maximum penetration of core market areas and opportunities for expansion where appropriate. Includes key performance indicators, benchmarks and best practices in the areas of fundraising, donor, volunteer and guest experience.
  • Analyze all gala revenue streams, including local sponsorship, Fund A Cure and auction to maximize fundraising capacity.
  • In coordination with the Associate Executive Director and Corporate Development Committee, identify and cultivate new corporate partners for the Hope Gala and JDRF Minnesota chapter as a whole.
  • Identify, build, and steward relationships with community, civic and corporate leaders as an integral part of volunteer and donor prospect development and engagement in JDRF activities. 
  • Manage and continually develop assigned volunteer committees providing leadership, cultivation, acknowledgement, material support, and assistance in building and implementing Hope Gala committee plans.
  • Maintain accurate and complete financial records for the Hope Gala, and help ensure that the logistics and budget/timelines are met. 
  • Lead the management and marketing of the Hope Gala program to all participants..
  • Identify and cultivate potential new board members. Make recommendations about volunteer leadership development opportunities to the Chapter Executive Director.
  • Assist in identifying, cultivating and stewarding gala sponsors and major donors.
  • Ensure personal accountability for meeting deadlines and responding to volunteers and other department requests.

Qualifications

  • Four+ years of fundraising experience or relevant business/volunteer experience. CFRE a plus.
  • Knowledge of both special event and non-event fundraising activities (major gifts, stewardship, etc.) is a must.
  • Must be a self-starter while also being collaborative and an amazing team player!
  • Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to interface with all levels of staff and volunteers.
  • Significant computer literacy. 
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.
  • Ability to travel locally required. Occasional evening and weekend work required as needed.

Additional Information

JDRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.