Position Overview

RTA is seeking an experienced, highly organized, relationship-oriented Development Manager to support and strengthen our fundraising initiatives during this pivotal moment of organizational growth.

The Development Manager reports to the Director of External Affairs and manages multiple fundraising functions, with particular focus on institutional funding, donor research, and fundraising systems. They will implement fundraising campaigns and manage donor relationships in collaboration with the Director of External Affairs and Executive Director, while helping the organization to build systems that support growth. The Development Manager also collaborates with colleagues from Programs, Finance,Operations, and Marketing & Communications.

Position Responsibilities:

Institutional Giving & Grant Management

• Research and track funding opportunities aligned with RTAs priorities
• Support the full lifecycle of institutional and corporate fundraising, including prospecting, cultivation, proposal development, budgeting, reporting, renewals, and drafting compelling content aligned with funder priorities
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for foundation and corporate funders, ensuring consistent communication and stewardship
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure institutional funds are tracked, reported, and aligned with grant requirements
• Support in developing and maintaining a pipeline of institutional and corporate funding revenue goals
• Prepare funder summaries, reports, and briefing materials for leadership and board members

Individual Giving & Moves Management

• Support individual giving across donor levels, with a focus on mid-level donors, with the goal of increasing engagement and long-term support
• Manage moves-management process to track donor engagement, outreach, and stewardship in RTAs CRM
• Conduct donor and prospect research to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Support donor cultivation strategies through follow-up, stewardship touch points, and meeting preparation
• Partner with RTAs board members and staff to leverage their personal networks for donor cultivation and to build new relationships

Development Operations & Data Management

• Work with the Operations Coordinator to maintain accurate donor and prospect records in RTAs CRM
• Serve as backup support for gift processing, reconciliation, CRM management, and reporting during staff absences or peak periods
• Track fundraising performance, create dashboards, and generate reports to support strategy, decision-making, and refinement of development metrics
• Collaborate with RTA’s communications team to design compelling, donor- centered messaging and campaigns that reflect our mission and impact

Events & Gala Support

• Support planning and execution of RTAs fundraising events, including donor receptions and cultivation events
• Identify, solicit, and secure sponsorships and in-kind donations to meet financial goals
• Monitor event expenses and work with the Operations Coordinator in managing revenue collection, including ticket sales and pledges
• Play a key role in supporting RTAs most important fundraiser of the year, the Gala, including donor outreach, timelines, and follow-up

Qualifications

• 35+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, including grant writing, institutional funding management, individual giving, and events
• Strong research, organizational, and project management skills
• Proficiency in donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raisers Edge, Bloomerang) and research tools (e.g., iWave, DonorSearch) to optimize fundraising strategies; experience with EveryAction and iWave preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to tailor messaging to various audiences
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Experience developing project budgets and aligning financial narratives with program goals
• Knowledge of local and national foundations, government funding systems and funding trends; knowledge of prison reform, education and/or arts funders a plus
• Self-motivated, disciplined, and accountable, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Google Suite
• A genuine commitment to RTAs mission, equity-centered work, and the power of the arts as a tool for rehabilitation and transformation

Work Environment

• Hybrid position based at RTAs offices in Purchase, NY. A minimum of three days in the office (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday) is required.
• Ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours for events as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer:

RTA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. RTA does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

Dont check off every box in the requirements listed above? Studies have shown that marginalized communities such as women, LGBTQ+, and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this looks like the right job for you, please apply anyway! Note: RTA requires that all employees be fully vaccinated (excluding any applicable reasonable accommodation, medical, or religious exemption).

About Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)

Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) helps people in prison develop critical life skills through the arts, modeling an approach to the justice system based on human dignity rather than punishment.

RTA is a growing organization with expanding programs and a strong base of institutional and individual supporters.