Development Manager (Southern & Central NJ)

Job Description

Job Description

The Development Manager for Southern and Central New Jersey is a highly motivated and passionate individual who will play a vital role in supporting and expanding VMC's fundraising and development efforts specifically within the Southern and Central New Jersey region. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and grant opportunities to secure critical funding that directly supports our Veteran community in these counties. The Development Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Development, and other team members to implement regional strategies and initiatives that will help VMC achieve its fundraising goals and ensure impactful service delivery for Veterans and their families.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Fundraising & Development (Primary Focus):

• Strategic Regional Growth: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan specifically tailored to the Southern and Central New Jersey market, identifying new opportunities for revenue generation.
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship: Actively identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major donors, corporate partners, and foundations within the assigned New Jersey counties (including but not limited to Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, and Central New Jersey counties).
• Grant Procurement: Conduct in-depth research on potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies relevant to the New Jersey service area. Assist in the preparation and submission of compelling grant proposals, ensuring alignment with VMC's mission and program needs (e.g., SSVF-NJ, DE/NJ HVRP).
• Sponsorship & Partnership Development: Prepare customized sponsorship packages and other fundraising materials to attract and secure new corporate and community partners in the region.
• Event Coordination & Representation: Support the coordination and management of fundraising events and initiatives held within Southern and Central New Jersey, including logistics, volunteer management, and donor engagement. Represent VMC at regional community events, veteran gatherings, and networking functions to raise awareness and build relationships.

General Development & Operations:

• Campaign Support: Assist in the planning and execution of broader fundraising campaigns and initiatives, integrating regional efforts effectively.
• Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within donor and sponsor databases (CRM), ensuring meticulous tracking of interactions, contributions, and regional donor profiles.
• Donor Acknowledgment: Coordinate and manage donor stewardship activities, including personalized acknowledgment letters and recognition programs, ensuring timely and appropriate appreciation for all regional contributions.
• Marketing & Communications Collaboration: Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop compelling fundraising materials, digital campaigns, and success stories that resonate with the New Jersey audience.
• Reporting & Analysis: Monitor and track regional fundraising progress, providing regular, detailed reports to the Director of Development and Executive Director on performance against goals, regional trends, and opportunities.
• Industry Best Practices: Stay updated on industry trends, best practices in nonprofit fundraising, and relevant legislative changes impacting philanthropy within the New Jersey landscape.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of demonstrated progressive fundraising experience, with a strong preference for experience within Southern and Central New Jersey's philanthropic landscape.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration).
• Regional Knowledge: Proven understanding of the community, corporate, and philanthropic landscape in Southern and Central New Jersey.
• Skills:
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage deadlines, and work independently.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals, presentations, and donor communications.
  • Proficiency in using fundraising software and donor management systems (CRM).
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and nurture relationships with diverse donors, sponsors, community leaders, and internal stakeholders.
  • Detail-oriented with strong analytical and research skills for identifying and evaluating funding opportunities.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for the mission and values of the Veterans Multi-Service Center and a deep commitment to serving Veterans and their families.
• Travel: Ability to travel regularly throughout Southern and Central New Jersey for meetings, events, and cultivation activities, as well as occasional travel to VMC headquarters in Philadelphia. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.