Development Manager

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: History Cherokee, Cherokee County, Georgia

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Application: Send resume and cover letter to sjoyner@historycherokee.org by December 21

About History Cherokee

History Cherokee is dedicated to discovering, preserving, and celebrating the rich history of Cherokee County. We serve as a hub for education, community engagement, and historic preservation, offering resources, programs, and event spaces to connect people with their local heritage.

Position Summary

The Development Manager is a key member of the History Cherokee team, responsible for leading and executing the organization’s resource development strategy. This position oversees donor relations, fundraising initiatives, and administrative functions that support the organization’s mission and strategic goals. The Development Manager ensures sustainable growth through relationship-building, stewardship, and innovative fundraising efforts, while fostering a culture of philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Relations

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Plan and execute annual giving campaigns, including direct mail and online giving strategies.
• Lead efforts to secure sponsorships for events, exhibits, and programs.
• Manage the donor database to track contributions and maintain accurate donor records.

Grant Management

• Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with History Cherokee’s mission.
• Write, submit, and track grant applications, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Build relationships with grantors to strengthen funding partnerships.

Events and Campaigns

• Responsible for annual fundraising events, including the Annual Preservation Gala, Kentucky Derby Day and Holiday Tour of Homes.
• Coordinate special campaigns, such as endowment or capital campaigns, and manage donor recognition initiatives.

Marketing and Communication

• Partner with the marketing team to create development-related communications, including newsletters, appeals, annual reports and event materials.
• Work closely with the education manager to align programming with fundraising initiatives.

Strategic Planning and Administration

• Contribute to strategic planning processes to ensure development goals align with organizational objectives.
• Monitor fundraising performance metrics (KPIs) and prepare regular reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Support board development efforts, including fundraising training and engagement activities.

Team Leadership

• Supervise volunteers and interns supporting development functions.
• Foster a collaborative environment with staff, board members, and volunteers.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a similar role.
• Proven success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts, sponsorships, and grants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of nonprofit best practices, including donor stewardship and compliance.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Cherokee County and its history or museum best practices.
• Experience in planning and executing capital or endowment campaigns.
• Certification in fundraising (e.g., CFRE).

Key Competencies

• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute plans effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to History Cherokee’s mission and values.

Compensation

• Starting Salary $58,000, depending on experience, plus performance-based incentives
• 15 days PTO, plus holidays
• 401k, Health Insurance, Vision and Dental