Business Development Manager

Company Description SOLVE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on bringing communities together to care for the environment and improve local waterways in Oregon and SW Washington. The organization builds strong relationships among individuals, community groups, and businesses to protect and preserve the natural places that define the region’s unique beauty. SOLVE coordinates one of the area’s largest volunteer networks, supporting nearly 30,000 volunteers through about 900 projects each year, including litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, and planting native trees and shrubs. Founded in 1969 by Governor Tom McCall and other community leaders as S.O.L.V. (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism), SOLVE has a long history of advancing community-based environmental action.

Role Description This part-time Business Development Manager role is a hybrid position based in the Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area, with a mix of on-site and work-from-home responsibilities. The individual in this role will identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors to grow funding and sponsorship opportunities for SOLVE’s programs and events. Day-to-day tasks include prospect research, outreach and networking, preparing proposals and presentations, coordinating partnership agreements, and maintaining accurate records in donor and partner databases. The role also involves collaborating with program, marketing, and volunteer engagement teams to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities, support events, and develop materials that clearly communicate SOLVE’s impact. The Business Development Manager will track performance metrics, report on progress to leadership, and help refine strategies to expand and sustain SOLVE’s revenue streams.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in business development, fundraising, sales, or partnership management, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting.
• Strong skills in relationship building, networking, and stakeholder engagement with corporate, community, and philanthropic partners.
• Ability to conduct prospect research, develop tailored proposals, and deliver clear, persuasive presentations in person and virtually.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor management systems, as well as standard office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate program needs and impact into compelling funding cases.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a part-time schedule.
• Comfort working in a hybrid environment, including attending meetings and events in the Portland area and working independently from home.
• Knowledge of or interest in environmental stewardship, community engagement, or volunteer-based programs is highly beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant