Development Manager

Salary: $68,400 - $71,000

About The James Beard Foundation: 

The James Beard Foundation(“JBF”) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry. JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. As a 501(c) (3) national non-profit organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. 

The Development Team is responsible for generating over $7 million in philanthropic support in FY27, with a goal to grow to $10M annually by FY29-30. All members of the Development team work to cultivate and support a culture of philanthropy within the organization and represent JBF externally in front of current and prospective donor audiences.

The Development Manager is a key member of the fundraising team at JBF, coordinating processes essential to securing, stewarding and renewing Patron and donor support. Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, the Development Manager will manage the daily flow of development activities, initiatives, and communications and assist in soliciting gifts of all types to meet the department's fundraising goals.  

Responsibilities:

Donor Communications   

• Manage annual departmental calendar of donor communications, initiatives, and events   
• Project manage the creation of development communications pieces , including for fundraising campaigns, cultivation and fundraising events, donor stewardship, newsletters, Patron events, Gala, Auction , and other philanthropic initiatives   
• Develop,editand proofread development copy as needed, including personalized and standardized solicitations and gift acknowledgements, thank you emails, pre- and post-event communications, event descriptions, etc. 
• Ensure all online information related to philanthropy is kept up to date 

  Donor Relations   

• Support on and track table and ticket sales for the Annual Gala; interface with donors and attendees pre- and post- event 
• Manage a small portfolio of individual donor prospects (Young Patrons, Greens attendees, entry-level donors) and cultivate ongoing relationships and opportunities to engage     
• Provide support in the solicitation and fulfillment of prize packages for the annual Auction, and provide other support as needed for the Auction (e.g. drafting item descriptions)  

 Prospect Research   

• Conduct research on individual, foundation, and corporate prospects
• Build and update research profiles, prepare briefings for meetings and events, and respond to research requests  
• Perform regular wealth screenings and assist in matching prospect interest to fundraising priorities and cultivation opportunities  

Patron Program and Entry-Level Donors 

• Manage the execution of benefits of the JBF Patron Program, as directed by VP of Philanthropy  
• In coordination with Events Team and Platform/Beard House Event Managers, plan programmatic aspects of Patron Program events 
• Monitor Development and Patron Program email inboxes and phone/voicemail and respond to all inquiries in a timely manner 
• Manage partnerships and collaborations with other cultural organizations to augment our member and entry level donor base  

 Database   

• Be the department’s key steward of Salesforce, ensuring that all donor information is accurately maintained and updated   
• Support the Department’s moves and portfolio management system by entering and maintain donor information in Salesforce and ensuring that all efforts are accurately monitored and tracked 
• Consult regularly with Senior Director of Database Systems to ensure optimal use of data tools and troubleshoot technical issues as needed across all Development platforms (including Salesforce, Classy, Givesmart, etc.) 
• Prepare donor lists as needed 
• Ensure accurate and regularly updated audience lists (Donors and Patrons) on email marketing platform 

Requirements: 

• 2-5 years of work experience in fundraising, sales or another relevant field 
• Experience with a CRM/database, Salesforce strongly preferred 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines 
• Strong customer service orientation  
• Commitment to the JBF mission and to building a culture of philanthropy within JBF 
• Ability to attend evening events as needed 

Benefits:

JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents; life insurance; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; retirement savings; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement/ professional development; and generous paid time off. We also offer fertility planning support and up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave.

 Additional perks include staff events, tickets to events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), and much more.   

The Foundation currently works on a hybrid schedule that requires employees to be in our NYC office 2 days per week. This position is not eligible for relocation.