How to Become a Development Manager

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Development Manager

What does a Development Manager do?

A Development Manager supervises operations to execute an organization's fundraising strategies, campaigns, and capital development initiatives supporting short- and long-term organizational revenue objectives. Implements and supports donor stewardship programs to identify, develop, retain, and nurture a portfolio of individual and institutional donors. Being a Development Manager collaborates with corporate or governmental partnerships. Coordinates staff and stakeholders in event planning and communication to increase donor engagement. Additionally, Development Manager manages a donor database and tools to produce data-driven measurement and reporting of the progress of fundraising goals. May oversee or participate in the grant writing and proposal process. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. The Development Manager supervises a group of primarily para-professional level staffs. May also be a level above a supervisor within high volume administrative/production environments. Makes day-to-day decisions within or for a group/small department. Has some authority for personnel actions. To be a Development Manager typically requires 3-5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. Thorough knowledge of functional area and department processes.

People's Opinions on Development Manager responsibilities

The main responsibilities of a development manager include a combination of overseeing the overall operations of an organization's fundraising department and bringing in funds for the organization through constant networking.

02/16/2020: Duluth, MN

This position is often found within nonprofit organizations, although some for-profit organizations may have development managers as well.

12/01/2019: Miami, FL

As head of the fundraising or development department, the development manager must be in charge of developing strategies to help the organization raise money to facilitate the short-term and long-term financial needs of the organization.

12/29/2019: Fort Myers, FL

The development manager usually has a support staff that includes special events coordinator and development assistant or coordinator.

12/04/2019: Canton, OH

One of the ways in which a manager of development can raise funds for an organization is by establishing ongoing partnerships with sponsors.

01/21/2020: Juneau, AK
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Development Manager

Best tips for those who want to become a Development Manager

Here are some tips to become a Development Manager.

People's Opinions on best tips

Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.

02/22/2020: Richmond, VA

Break up your project into realistic goals.

01/19/2020: Rock Island, IL

Don’t be afraid to call in experts.

12/20/2019: Denver, CO

Measure your time and progress.

12/17/2019: Orange, CA

Understand And Embody 'Executive Presence'.

01/05/2020: Pine Bluff, AR
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Development Manager

Best colleges and universities for Development Manager

  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College
  • Taylor University
  • Bentley University
  • University of Portland

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Development Manager

Is being a Development Manager Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

To conduct a focus group to understand employees’ requirements for development, improvement, and engagement actions.

02/29/2020: Pierre, SD

To develop innovative learning tools and materials for hiring managers to understand Taleo system.

01/18/2020: Vincennes, IN

To work closely with Recruitment team to deliver effective recruitment training using Taleo system to ensure that hiring managers understand the system and are able to conduct competency-based interviews.

12/27/2019: Rock Island, IL

To partner with Line Managers to understand job scopes and prepare on boarding program to equip job readiness for L3- and – above newcomers.

12/21/2019: Elyria, OH

The School House family is looking for an a motivated, self-starter, to fill the open position of Business Development Manager working closely with the agency’s Founder & Principal Chris Skinner.

01/24/2020: Omaha, NE
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Development Manager

What skills do you need to be a Development Manager?

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required.  It is vital to the role to command: Community Management, Event Marketing, Fundraising, Grant Management, Grant Writing, Non-Profit Management, Outreach, Program Development.  For this position, you need to be experienced with: Fundraising Software.  Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

People's Opinions on Development Manager skills

Product managers have to deal with massive amounts of detail and it requires an immense amount of skill.

12/05/2019: Syracuse, NY

This fast-growing position is a tad intimidating, so we made the effort for you and made this list of the five most important, absolute must-have skills for a successful product development manager.

12/10/2019: New London, CT

There’s always more to bring to the table, but with these five product development skills you will have built a firm foundation on which to construct your successful career as a product manager.

02/24/2020: Fort Collins, CO

This product development skill will make sure you’re not wasting resources on making bananas when your customers want oranges.

12/30/2019: Little Rock, AR

Results-driven, highly-accomplished, and focused Business Development Manager with 10 years experience charting growth paths for various companies seeks to assume the position for Telectronics Incorporated.

12/22/2019: Canton, OH
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Step 6: View average salary for Development Manager

How much does a Development Manager make?

The average salary range for a Development Manager is from $80,569 to $97,160. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Development Manager
$80,569 to $97,160

Step 7: Find relevant Development Manager jobs, and apply.

Looking for Development Manager jobs?

Here are some Development Manager jobs in the United States.

Search Development Manager Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Development Manager

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Development Manager? Development and Fundraising Supervisor