Development (Grants) Manager

Founded in 1964, Craft Alliance is a nonprofit art center with a mission of building community through craft. Located in the Delmar Maker District of St. Louis, Missouri, Craft Alliance offers exhibitions, education classes for all skill levels, free community programs, artist residencies, and a gallery shop.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Manager brings together friends and supporters and deepens their connection to the inspiring mission of the Craft Alliance through the management of Institutional Giving.  The Development Manager assists the Development & Communications Director with creating and implementing a comprehensive development program to advance Craft Alliance’s mission and goals as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Reporting to the Development & Communications Director and working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Development Manager provides support for key areas of the comprehensive, results-oriented development plan.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

·  The Development Manager plays a vital role in the Craft Alliance fundraising team, actively contributing to securing the organization’s contributed income. This position requires both independent work and effective collaboration with the Development Team.

·  Manage all Institutional Giving for the organization including corporate, foundations, and public grants.

• Manage corporate giving prospect lists.
• Achieve assigned annual fundraising goals.
• Manage foundation and public grant contacts.
• Solicit corporate prospects and donors for grants and sponsorships.
• Solicit public and private foundations, and other institutional grantors for program and general operating grant funding opportunities.

·  Create and maintain donor relationships with a portfolio of individual donors in the $250-$500 range.

·  Cultivate and maintain relationships with assigned donors through personalized communications.

·  Manage assigned donor information in the database, track giving history, enter donor interactions. and analyze donor data to identify and cultivate high-value prospects.

·  Prepare monthly progress reports for the Development Team.

·  Other duties as assigned.

Board & Staff Engagement

·  Create and sustain a culture of philanthropy that ensures an optimal fit between the development program and the programs of Craft Alliance and anticipates opportunities to expand these program services through donor and sponsor collaborations.

·  Work collaboratively with the Marketing Team to position advancement opportunities and integrate messages in sponsorship and collateral materials.

·  Demonstrate teamwork and support of the Craft Alliance’s mission, values, and priorities.

·  Comply with all organizational policies and procedures.

·  Other duties as required or assigned.

Personal Characteristics & Work Style

·  Commitment to excellence consistent with Craft Alliance’s best-in-class approach to presenting arts and educational experiences for all.

·  Sincere passion for, and understanding of, Craft Alliance’s mission and position in the arts community; ability to be a compelling ambassador for the organization.

·  Collaborative and engaging communication style in working with people of many backgrounds, including leaders, staff, volunteers, patrons, and donors.

·  Ability to multitask and balance multiple priorities in a complex and multi-faceted fast-paced environment.

·  Unfailing discretion in dealing with sensitive material about donors.

Great attention to detail when working with donor records and communications.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Two to three years of experience working in nonprofit grant writing or development preferred.
• Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, and database management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on personalizing donor interactions and creating impactful donor communications.
• Proficiency in digital fundraising tools and platforms (CRM, social media, email marketing), and ability to manage and maintain accurate donor data, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent donor relations and stewardship skills, including knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor stewardship strategies, with an ability to contribute to donor journey planning and execution.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external constituencies, and work with a diverse population of donors, volunteers, staff, patrons, and participants.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to learning and staying apprised of best practices in philanthropy, fundraising, and donor relations.
• Commitment to customer service and success in stewarding relationships.
  Experience/willingness to learn basics of accounting and reconciliation with finance department.
• Proficiency in Office Tools: Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills for data reporting and donor trend analysis.
• Passion for Craft Alliance’s mission and commitment to organizational goals

Status: Exempt/Full-Time

Diversity Statement – Craft Alliance is committed to embracing diversity in all its forms, fostering an inclusive work environment where a wide-range of characteristics, backgrounds, and perspectives thrive. We believe that by valuing and leveraging this diversity, we drive innovation, creativity, and the success of our organization. We strive to promote diversity and inclusion on our board, among our staff and volunteers, and in our programming.

Craft Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Research shows that people from historically excluded communities apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

To apply, please send a resume detailing your past experience and a cover letter outlining how your past experience aligns with the responsibilities and goals of this position. Include a statement about your passion for working in the nonprofit field of craft. Please include a writing sample. Submit your materials in PDF format to Bryan Knicely at bryan.knicely@craftalliance.org with the subject line of Development Manager. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and only complete applications will be considered. Thank you.