Development Manager

Join Our Team and Make a Difference Every Day

Position: Development Manager

Pay: $55,000 - $76,000

Location: Amherst, NY

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 37.5 hrs./week for full time

The Summit Center is Western New York's leading provider of evidence-based services for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. Our team is dedicated to helping every individual we serve achieve their highest level of independence. If you're passionate about making lives better and in search of a good job with dedicated supervisors, great benefits, and a supportive environment become a #DifferenceMaker and join our team.

Why Work With Us?

• Up to 42 days of paid time off
• 14-16 paid holidays annually
• Potential for annual raises and profit sharing
• Health, dental, and vision insurance/Medical opt-out payment (up to $1,000/year)
• 401K with up to 4% employer match
• Life and long-term disability insurance

Your Impact as the Development Manager

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for all philanthropic initiatives at The Summit Center. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports annual operations, strategic growth, endowment development, and long-term sustainability. The Director oversees major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned giving, donor stewardship, board engagement, grant funding, and advancement operations - fostering meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders that translate into lasting support for The Summit Center's mission.

Strategic Fundraising & Leadership

• Develop and manage the annual development budget, revenue projections, and fundraising goals
• Create and implement a comprehensive multi-year strategic fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities
• Analyze fundraising data, campaign results, and donor giving trends to guide segmentation, retention, and revenue growth strategies
• Partner with executive leadership on long-range philanthropic initiatives and campaign planning
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications to align fundraising, donor storytelling, and institutional communications strategies

Grants & Foundation Relations ($10,000+)

• Lead foundation relations strategy, including cultivation, stewardship, and ongoing communications with program officers
• Write and oversee grant proposals and reports for funding opportunities of $10,000 and above (Grants under $10,000 are managed by the Development Manager)
• Manage foundation communication timelines, reporting requirements, and stewardship plans
• Collaborate with program leadership to gather needs, data, stories, and outcomes for funding narratives

Major Gifts & Planned Giving

• Manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects through moves management
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for individual donors capable of four-, five-, and six-figure gifts
• Develop and oversee capital and endowment fundraising initiatives in collaboration with Finance and executive leadership
• Manage and grow the Vista Legacy Society, including long-term stewardship strategies for estate and planned gift donors
• Build relationships with financial advisors, estate planners, and community partners to generate planned giving referrals and educate prospective donors

Corporate Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Develop and execute corporate partnership and sponsorship strategies that align organizational needs with business interests
• Oversee stewardship and renewal plans for key corporate partners, ensuring fulfillment of benefits and recognition commitments
• Write or review compelling proposals and impact reports for top-tier sponsors and institutional partners
• Support cross-sector partnerships that advance organizational visibility and mission impact
• In partnership with Director of Marketing & Communications, serve as the organization's primary advocacy and political liaison, building and maintaining relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and advocacy organizations

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with board leadership on fundraising strategy, prospect identification, and board member engagement in giving
• Develop board giving initiatives, personal solicitation support, and stewardship opportunities for board members
• Coordinate board thank-a-thons and donor outreach activities that connect volunteers to the impact of philanthropy
• Support fundraising committees leadership and volunteer engagement throughout the year

Advancement Operations & Stewardship

• Oversee donor database strategy, gift processing procedures, fundraising reporting, and data integrity in partnership with the Development Coordinator
• Implement prospect research, donor segmentation, and moves management systems
• Design and oversee a comprehensive donor stewardship program that ensures meaningful, ongoing engagement at every giving level
• Maintain development-related web content and online giving platforms
• Coordinate with Finance on revenue reconciliation, gift accounting, and reporting

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor development staff, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven, and results-oriented team culture
• Establish department goals, workflows, and performance metrics; conduct regular check-ins and annual performance reviews
• Support staff professional development and cross-functional collaboration across Mission Advancement department
• Partner closely and collaboratively with the Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure the efforts and strategies of the Mission Advancement Department are aligned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree required; CFRE or advanced degree in nonprofit management, business or a related field preferred
• Minimum 7 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in major gift solicitation and closure
• Strong working knowledge of planned giving vehicles, endowment concepts, and donor-centered fundraising principles
• Experience in corporate partnership development and sponsor solicitation
• Demonstrated ability to work with and inspire volunteer leadership, including board members
• Proficiency with donor management database software (ex: Bloomerang or comparable platform)
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Commitment to the mission of The Summit Center and to the individuals and families the organization supports

At The Summit Center, you'll be part of a compassionate, highly trained team committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Let your next job be the one that truly makes a difference.

Apply now to become a #DifferenceMaker!