DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Development Manager

Direct Supervisor: Director of Development

Location: Remote, work from home within NC

Hours: Full Time (35+ hrs/week)

Compensation: $55,000 - $65,000

OVERVIEW:

Muddy Sneakers operates at the crossroads of outdoor science instruction, public education, and conservation to awaken in children a deeply felt connection to the natural world – one that inspires curiosity, stimulates learning, and brings new life to classroom performance. We envision a world where every child has the opportunity to form a connection to nature and benefit from the wellness it provides. In doing so, we aim to cultivate healthier generations committed to the stewardship of our natural resources.

The Development Manager is a key member of the Muddy Sneakers Development Team, responsible for implementing a strategic fundraising plan that supports the organization’s mission to connect children with nature through outdoor science education. This full-time role focuses on growing and diversifying revenue streams, enhancing community engagement, managing fundraising campaigns, stewarding donor relationships, and coordinating special events. The position requires strong communication and relationship-building skills, as well as proficiency with donor database management. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Manager plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding support for Muddy Sneakers’ vision of fostering environmental stewardship and curiosity in future generations.

ESSENTIAL ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising and Donor Relations

Support donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities across all giving levels

Manage donor acknowledgement processes to ensure timely, personalized communication

Collaborate on fundraising campaigns and appeals, including digital and print strategies

Assist in identifying and researching prospective donors and sponsors

Build, launch, and oversee a recurring gift campaign to grow sustainable annual support

Support the Director of Development in implementing the organization’s long-term strategic plan

Development Operations

Ensure accurate gift processing and data entry using The Raiser’s Edge NXT

Generate donor and campaign performance reports to inform strategy and decision-making

Maintain data integrity, apply donor confidentiality best practices, and support data hygiene

Takes minutes of Development Committee meetings

Communications and Outreach

Assist with developing content for newsletters, appeals, event materials, and social media

Work with the Executive Director and Director of Development to enhance Muddy Sneakers’ visibility and community engagement

Event Planning and Execution

Lead planning and execution of all Muddy Sneakers events, including but not limited to salon events, receptions, and donor shadowing

Oversee all event logistics including budgets, timeline, venues, vendors and communications

Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and board members to ensure successful events

Other duties may be assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

A Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate experience is required

Experience

Minimum of 5 years in one or more of the following areas: nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, development operations, or event planning

Proven successes in managing donor cultivation and stewardship processes, executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns (digital and print), using donor databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT, and planning and coordinating events with multiple stakeholders. Experience with grant writing,or portfolio management is a plus.

General administrative office skills and effective writing skills

Knowledge of environmental education or informal science programs is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Primary: A combination of professional experience in developing and stewarding individual, foundation, and corporate relationships with the ability to develop and execute donor fundraising events, or related fields

Professional phone and customer service skills

Affinity for working with people and experience working successfully with a variety of constituents, partners, and team members

Proven budget and project management in accordance with short and long term financial goals

Demonstrated ability to multitask, manage information, prioritize duties, and follow through with details

Ability to manage time and competing priorities

Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills

Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate effectively

Attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills

Experience using the following or comparable software: Raiser’s Edge NXT, Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Forms, Meet), Microsoft Office Suite, survey tools, online learning platforms, project management software (Monday.com)

Ability to interpret the results of feedback and evaluation and implement changes

Strong commitment to the conservation of North Carolina’s natural environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

Ability to occasionally accompany guests in the field, including walking across uneven and largely unpaved surfaces

Requires prolonged computer use

Possible moving of boxes that contain programming or other materials

Reasonable physical accommodations can be made

Working Conditions:

Predominantly indoor and some outdoor conditions, including exposure to inclement weather, cold, and heat

Other Requirements:

This is a work-from-home, remote/hybrid role, with some travel to our regional offices and program sites throughout NC

Some evening and weekend work is required

A valid driver's license for some statewide travel is required

BENEFITS

Eligible to participate in Muddy Sneakers' medical benefits plan

3% 401 (k) match

Cell phone stipend

Competitive PTO policy

13 additional paid office holidays as well as closure the last week in December

HIRING STATEMENTS

Muddy Sneakers is an NC-based 501(c)3 non-profit environmental education organization.

Muddy Sneakers, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Muddy Sneakers, Inc. makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Muddy Sneakers Outdoor Classroom

P.O. Box 10971

Raleigh, NC 27605

828-862-5560