Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

Are you a dynamic leader passionate about making a difference? Do you thrive in strategic planning, donor stewardship, and driving impactful fundraising initiatives? If so, we invite you to bring your expertise to our mission-driven organization!

The American Society of Transplantation (AST) is a non-profit medical association dedicated to advancing the field of organ transplantation and improving patient outcomes. With over 5,000 professional members, we are a small but mighty team where every individual plays an essential role in advancing transplantation.

We are seeking a Development Manager to play a critical role in executing fundraising initiatives that engage individual donors and corporate partners. This position requires a strategic, results-driven professional with a strong background in fundraising and marketing to develop donor engagement strategies, expand corporate sponsorships, and enhance brand awareness. The Development Manager will report to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and work collaboratively across departments to drive revenue growth and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Why Join AST?

At AST, we offer an opportunity to work with an ambitious team while making a meaningful impact in the field of organ transplantation. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for our mission. While we work hard, we also value work-life balance and professional growth.

Benefits Include:

• Exceptional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 11 paid holidays
• Summer Fridays with early dismissal
• Professional organization membership support
• Health club monthly reimbursement
• Annual professional development stipend
• A hybrid work environment in Mount Laurel, NJ
• A remote environment will be considered

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Collaborate with leadership to establish fundraising goals, develop strategies, and track progress toward organizational objectives.
• Identify new corporate sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities to expand revenue and support organizational priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and corporate sponsors.
• Leverage an established track record of gaining access to C-suite executives and key decision-makers to build strategic relationships and advance fundraising opportunities.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of closing corporate sponsorships and major gifts to achieve fundraising goals and drive revenue growth.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual and corporate donors, ensuring long-term engagement, relationship development, and retention.
• Work closely with the communications team to ensure brand consistency and alignment across all platforms and fundraising initiatives.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to enhance fundraising efforts and increase donor engagement.
• Create customized fundraising campaigns and donor recognition programs to maximize impact and strengthen donor relationships.
• Create compelling donor communications, including email campaigns, social media content, and fundraising appeals.
• Oversee the development of promotional materials, impact reports, and event collateral to support fundraising initiatives and communicate organizational impact.

Event Planning & Community Engagement

• Partner with internal teams to develop and implement strategies that enhance the donor experience and strengthen long-term relationships.
• Plan and execute donor and corporate appreciation events to recognize support, foster engagement, and cultivate lasting partnerships.
• Represent AST at networking events, conferences, and meetings to build relationships with prospective donors, corporate sponsors, and strategic partners.
• Manage and engage volunteers in support of organizational initiatives, events, and fundraising activities.

Measurement of Success

Success in this role will be determined by:

• Achievement of fundraising goals. Meet or exceed fundraising goals established in collaboration with CEO/CDO including corporate sponsorships, major gifts and other fundraising opportunities.
• Growth and Retention of Donor Relationships: Demonstrate measurable progress in cultivating new donors and corporate sponsors, growing existing relationships, and maintaining long-term engagement and retention.
• Successful Sponsorship and Major Gift Development: Demonstrate the ability to build relationships with C-suite executives and key decision-makers, advance funding opportunities, and secure sponsorships and major gifts.
• Effective Marketing and Donor Engagement: Successfully execute fundraising campaigns, donor communications, recognition programs, and promotional initiatives that support fundraising goals and strengthen donor engagement.
• Successful Execution of Events and Initiatives: Plan and execute donor appreciation events, corporate engagement activities, and other assigned initiatives within established timelines and budgets.
• Project Management and Timeliness: Consistently meet deadlines, manage competing priorities effectively, and deliver projects and assignments on schedule.
• Proactive Communication and Problem-Solving: Proactively communicate challenges or concerns to the supervisor, recommend solutions, and take appropriate action to support effective service delivery and achieve desired outcomes.
• Quality and Accuracy of Work: Demonstrate strong attention to detail and consistently produce high-quality, accurate work with minimal errors.
• Internal and External Relationship Management: Receive positive feedback from AST colleagues, members, donors, and corporate partners regarding collaboration, responsiveness, professionalism, and relationship management.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field (Experience in association management is a plus!).
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, corporate sponsorships, or marketing.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Creativity – Innovative thinking to develop new fundraising and marketing strategies.
• Diplomacy & Relationship Building – Strong interpersonal skills and sensitivity to donor engagement protocols.
• Project Management – Ability to manage multiple projects and meet overlapping deadlines with keen attention to detail.
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint); knowledge of HTML, email marketing software, and social media platforms is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This position requires occasional travel, including the ability to drive or take public transportation.
• The role may require extended periods of sitting or standing, as well as the ability to lift up to 25 pounds for materials and event setups.
• The work environment includes standard office settings with typical room temperatures and lighting.