> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/612580-development-manager](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/612580-development-manager). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Development Manager - **Company:** Housing @ - **Location:** Chicago, IL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $65,000.0 - $70,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Excel, Databases, Data Intelligence, Gsuite - **Published:** June 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.comnetwork.org/jobs/housing-action-dev-mgr ## About the Role The successful candidate in this role will thrive in a small office environment, be energized by coalition work, and is ready to take ownership of a growing development program. * Nonprofit fundraising experience: 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining relationships with foundation and/or corporate funders. Bachelor's Degree preferred; relevant experience may be substituted. * Strategic thinking: Proven ability to develop proactive fundraising plans, identify new funding sources, and adapt tactics to a shifting landscape, particularly for a coalition or advocacy organization. * Strong grant writing and funder stewardship: Track record of producing compelling proposals and reports, managing grant calendars, and maintaining consistent funder communication. * Individual giving and events: Experience managing donor databases, planning or supporting fundraising events, and executing giving appeals. * Data fluency: Advanced proficiency in Google Suite and Excel, and experience working within databases. Ability to identify impact data and make a persuasive case for systems change, even without direct service metrics. * Organization and follow-through: Exceptional time management, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate across teams, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines consistently. * Communication and relationship building: Strong written and verbal skills; professional and personable across various settings. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and build trust with funders, board members, and colleagues. * Other: Ability to travel throughout Illinois; must have a valid driver's license. ## Description The Development Manager position is an opportunity for a strategic, mission-driven fundraiser passionate about housing justice. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to establish funder relationships. We seek someone to lead our grant writing, prospecting, and impact tracking, while also growing our individual giving and overseeing our annual benefit. The Development Manager will have the opportunity to shape strategy, not just execute it., Fundraising Strategic Planning/Vision * Work closely with the Director of Communications & Development and Executive Director to create and develop the annual development plan and implement fundraising strategies, optimizing giving from corporations, foundations, and individuals while also supporting government funding. Identify opportunities for diversifying our revenue. * Lead Board in fundraising planning and engage Board members in participating in our initiatives. Present at Board meetings. Stewarding Foundation and Corporate Grants * Lead strong relationship building strategies with key funder contacts. * Prepare persuasive, well-written grant proposals and reports for foundation and corporate partners. * Collaborate across teams to meet grantmaking goals, establishing project workplans for timely completion of grant proposals, reports, and funder meetings. * Update and maintain processes and records for grantmaking; ensure we have ongoing touch points. Prospecting * Research new funding opportunities and create strategies to build on existing funding. * Guide other staff in researching and building new relationships and applying to new opportunities. Individual Giving * Maintain records in the giving database and create processes to document individual giving. * Improve individual giving appeals, typically at the end of the year and in spring; oversee donor acknowledgment process. Explore potential for new individual donor initiatives. * Collaborate with accounting to ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of donations, grant payments, and other transactions. Special Events * Plan and execute our annual benefit. * Support the sponsorship and fundraising, communications, and logistical aspects of the annual Housing Matters conference. Communications Assist in planning and executing communications strategies to support resource development efforts, including creation of an annual report, quarterly impact updates for members and funders, and other materials. 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