Development Manager

Title: Development Manager 
Reports To: Senior Director of Development
Location: Philadelphia, PA (Hybrid work environment available)
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $58,000 to $65,000 (Based Upon Experience, Qualifications, Skills, and Industry Background)

Hybrid Work Environment, Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 403b Retirement Plan with 2% Match, Medical, Dental, and Vision, 10 Vacation Days (Plus One Additional Annually), 10 Sick Days, 8 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays, Winter Recess Time Off

About Rock to the Future

Rock to the Future fosters thriving youth and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth in under-resourced areas. Our work helps young people unlock their creative potential, strengthen academic and life skills, and build pathways to a bright future—all through the power of music. With an annual budget of $2 million and growing, Rock to the Future is expanding its development team by hiring a passionate, detail-oriented Development Manager to support our fundraising efforts and help us scale our impact across Philadelphia. 

Position Overview:

The Development Manager supports Rock to the Future’s fundraising and revenue generation through leading, managing, and supporting our annual fundraising plan, including grant management, donor cultivation, database administration, and event coordination. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Development and works closely with the Director of Individual Giving. This role offers a significant opportunity to take ownership of core fundraising functions and grow alongside an expanding development program. It is well-suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who is also a strong writer, project manager, and collaborator. This is a hybrid position with remote administrative responsibilities along with in-person events and meetings, which may occasionally be in the evenings or on weekends.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grants and Institutional Giving
• Act as primary contact for key foundation and corporate supporters
• Manage a portfolio of primarily mid-level grant funders, including prospecting, writing, and required reporting
• Develop compelling grant proposal narratives and sponsorship materials

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Conduct prospect research and develop briefing materials to support donor engagement and solicitation
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship through targeted direct mail campaigns and other communications
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including logistics and follow-up
• Expand and deepen donor relationships by developing and implementing thoughtful engagement, stewardship, and recognition strategies

Development Operations

• Manage and maintain the donor database/CRM (Bloomerang), ensuring data integrity and accuracy
• Oversee the full gift lifecycle by ensuring all donations and pledges are accurately recorded in the CRM, reconciled with Finance, and followed by timely, personalized acknowledgments, tax receipts, and pledge reminders
• Serve as a primary point of contact for donor inquiries related to gifts and pledges
• Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and documentation, including maintaining standard operating procedures
• Work with our Marketing Manager to maintain the development-related website content and align on messaging and campaigns
• Complete annual required renewals, such as the Bureau of Charitable Organizations and Educational Improvement Tax Credit registrations

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend and assist with key student performances, organization trainings, and other key events 
• Additional development and fundraising needs as requested by the Senior Director of Development

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to equity, youth development, and community engagement.
• 2+ years of demonstrated fundraising experience, including writing and managing grant proposals and reports, prospect research, and donor cultivation
• 2+ years of CRM management experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong data management skills and commitment to maintaining accurate donor records.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, board members, and external partners.
• Resident of Philadelphia