Development Manager

Position Summary

The Development Manager is Naples Art Institute’s primary development professional and is responsible for managing and executing its comprehensive fundraising program. Working under the direction of the Executive Director, who serves as the organization’s lead fundraiser and principal relationship-holder for top-tier donors, the Development Manager develops and implements the systems, strategies, communications, programs, and activities necessary to achieve NAI’s contributed-revenue goals.

The Development Manager has broad responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and execution of development activities, including individual giving, annual giving, major-gift support, foundation and government grants, corporate sponsorships, capital campaigns, fundraising events, prospect research, database management, and development reporting.

The Executive Director leads the organization’s highest-level fundraising relationships, including principal major-donor cultivation, significant solicitations, Board relationships, and strategic philanthropic partnerships. The Development Manager will support the ED in these efforts by preparing prospect research, briefing materials, proposals, solicitation strategies, donor communications, and stewardship plans.

This is a hands-on position within a lean organization. The successful candidate will be comfortable developing fundraising strategy while also personally executing the details required to operate a sophisticated and growing development program. The Development Manager will work closely with the ED and other NAI team members to translate the organization’s exhibitions, art educational programs, and community impact into compelling opportunities for philanthropic support.

Primary Responsibilities

Development Strategy & Program Management

· Develop and maintain an annual development plan, fundraising calendar, prospect pipeline, and revenue projections in partnership with the ED.

· Recommend fundraising strategies, priorities, and opportunities to the ED.

· Implement systems and processes that support sustainable growth in contributed revenue.

· Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular reports.

· Maintain a calendar of solicitations, grants, sponsorships, events, and campaign initiatives.

Executive Director & Major Donor Support

· Work closely with the ED on major-gift and top-tier donor cultivation and solicitation.

· Conduct prospect research and prepare donor profiles and briefing materials.

· Draft customized proposals, correspondence, impact reports, and other materials for solicitations.

· Assume primary responsibility for donor relationships delegated by the ED.

Individual Giving & Annual Fund

· Develop and manage NAI’s annual giving program.

· Create annual fundraising calendars, campaign strategies, appeals, and donor communications.

· Manage direct mail, email, digital, and other annual fundraising campaigns.

· Identify promising annual donors and members for further cultivation and potential major-gift consideration.

· Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects appropriate to the organization’s size and fundraising goals.

· Support planned-giving and legacy-giving initiatives.

Grants & Institutional Giving

· Research and identify foundation, government, and other institutional funding opportunities.

· Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar.

· Prepare and submit grant proposals, reports, and other funding requests.

· Work with other NAI staff to develop compelling narratives, goals, outcomes, and supporting materials.

· Manage grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and acknowledgments.

Corporate Sponsorships

· Identify prospective corporate partners aligned with NAI’s mission and programs.

· Develop sponsorship packages, proposals, and customized partnership opportunities.

· Prepare the ED for high-level corporate cultivation and solicitation meetings.

· Track sponsorship commitments, benefits, recognition, and renewals.

Fundraising Events & Donor Experiences

· Plan and execute fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and donor-recognition events.

· Establish event fundraising goals, sponsorship opportunities, and follow-up strategies.

· Manage event invitations, guest lists, donor communications, materials, logistics, and post-event stewardship.

· Work with NAI staff to create meaningful donor experiences around exhibitions, classes, workshops, artist-in-residence, and other programs.

· Ensure fundraising events lead to ongoing donor cultivation rather than functioning as standalone events.

Donor Stewardship & Development Communications

· Develop and maintain a comprehensive donor stewardship program.

· Ensure all gifts are acknowledged promptly and accurately.

· Partner with the Director of Marketing & Communications to align fundraising communications with NAI’s broader communications and membership strategy.

· Develop donor recognition strategies in coordination with the Executive Director and appropriate staff.

Development Database & Operations

· Own the day-to-day management and integrity of NAI’s development database.

· Maintain accurate records of gifts, pledges, prospects, donor contacts, cultivation activity, and stewardship.

· Coordinate gift processing, acknowledgments, and donor documentation.

· Ensure confidentiality and appropriate handling of donor information.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, arts administration, or a related field preferred.

· Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, philanthropy, or a related field.

· Demonstrated experience with individual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, annual funds, major gifts, and/or fundraising campaigns.

· Experience supporting or managing a comprehensive development program.

· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to interact professionally with donors, trustees, artists, corporate leaders, foundation representatives, volunteers, and community members.

· Experience with donor databases/CRM systems and development reporting.

· Ability to work independently while maintaining close communication with the Executive Director.

· High degree of discretion, judgment, integrity, and professionalism.

· Genuine enthusiasm for the arts and the mission of the Naples Art Institute.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience serving as the sole or senior development professional in a small or mid-sized nonprofit.

· Experience in an art museum, art school, cultural organization, or arts nonprofit.

· Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Naples and Southwest Florida.

· Experience with capital campaigns or significant special fundraising initiatives.

Experience establishing development systems and infrastructure within a growing organization.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person