Position Details
Title: Development Operations Manager
Type: Job
Class: Full-time
Date: 8/12/2025
Region: Northern Illinois
City, State: Glenview, IL
Summary:
The Development Operations Manager will provide support to the fundraising team by managing the donor database, processing donations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of donor information, conduct prospect research and assist with grant preparation and writing for institutional funding. The Manager will work closely with development staff to streamline fundraising processes, implement best practices for data management and analysis, support the entire team with accurate lists and reports, and advise on the most efficient, effective, and personalized ways to produce needed outcomes. This team member will support all fundraising campaigns and activities.
Responsibilities:
Development Operations
- Manage and maintain the donor database (Altru); ensure records are updated and accurate
- Process donations and ensure contributions are booked in the correct account in Altru and confer with Accounting when necessary
- Produce timely, personalized and accurate gift acknowledgement letters and receipts
- Generate and analyze fundraising reports, event lists, donor profiles, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.
- Assist in planning, executing, and reviewing for accuracy lists and other collateral for fundraising campaigns, events, and donor stewardship
- Support donor communication efforts through generating lists for email campaigns, newsletters and personalized correspondence
- Train others as necessary to maintain the integrity of the information entered in the database
- Implement and maintain systems for donor name recognition; accurate and updated lists for signage, annual reports, website, and more
- Prepare reports as requested from the Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations and Director of Individual Giving including Trustee scorecards
- Update and maintain current Board, ancillary boards, and donor lists to ensure record accuracy in database and shared files
- Manage donor solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship mailings
Institutional Funding
- Conduct prospect research to identify institutional major gift prospects
- Work with Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations to create strategy and prioritize opportunities for institutional funding
- Assist in drafting grant applications of $5,000 and under, with the guidance of the Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations
- Coordinate with the Development Associate to compile application and report materials for institutional funding proposals and track progress on department’s gift opportunities list
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend Museum and donor activities/events, as needed
- Assist in answering department phone lines and directing calls as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Four to six years’ Development experience
- Experience working in and maintaining a donor database management system is an absolute requirement
- Demonstrated ability to manage details, work both collaboratively and independently
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint; proficiency with Altru, Financial Edge Systems, and other Blackbaud products (or requirement to be fully trained within 3 months of hire)
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
- High level of integrity and trustworthiness managing confidential information
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required; demonstrated ability to write clear and grammatically correct communications
- Prospect research experience preferred
- Efficient time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
- Ability to prioritize and handle tasks in a timely and efficient manner; strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
- Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Flexibility with work schedule, as necessary, to support weekend scheduling and/or evening activities
- Valid driver’s license, own vehicle and good driving record
Compensation & Benefits:
Salary Range: $48,700.00 To $54,800.00 Annually.
