Development Manager

Summary

Description

Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Development

The Development Manager is responsible for supporting the fundraising success of Lighthouse Writers Workshop in collaboration with the Development Team. This position will serve as the manager of day-to-day fundraising operations, including data management and reporting, donor/member engagement, giving campaign management, grant management, and event management.

The successful candidate is an organized, curious and goal-driven self-starter who enjoys creating positive and inspiring relationships with all members of the Lighthouse community. This candidate also thrives under casual supervision and will be prepared to occasionally work nights and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management and Reporting

• Manage all aspects of development data processing across various platforms, maintaining data integrity.

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of gifts and delivery of tax acknowledgements.

• Maintain donor and prospect records in our CRM system, Donor Perfect.

• Generate regular financial and fundraising reports to assess performance and inform strategy.

• Evaluate and make recommendations to improve data management processes and systems.

Donor and Membership Engagement 

• Collaborate with the Development Team to create communications that share stories of our impact with current and prospective donors and members.

• Analyze trends and donor data to inform cultivation and stewardship efforts.

• Manage giving campaigns and membership appeals through pulling curated lists, developing materials, ensuring benefit fulfillment, and generating reports.

• Assist in building out corporate sponsorship opportunities.

• Stay up to date on best practices in fundraising and local arts organizations, bringing new ideas and a readiness to try new approaches with an ever-evolving team. 

Grant Management

• Work with Program Managers to identify, evaluate, and execute government and foundation grant funding opportunities.

• Assist with drafting grant applications and reports.

• Manage the annual grant calendar and processes, including ensuring timely submission of applications, reporting, and stewardship.

• Conduct prospect research and work with the Director of Development to build relationships with new funding opportunities.

Event Management

• Collaborate with the Development Team to plan and execute development events, including an annual gala, fundraisers, donor cultivation and stewardship events, and membership activities.

• Manage development events by creating timelines, task lists and budgets, coordinating and executing event logistics, and ensuring appropriate and timely follow-up. 

• Seek and secure sponsorships and in-kind donations to support event income.

• Partner with the Director of Marketing and Communications to promote events and ensure consistent branding.
• Occasionally attend and support whole-organization and program-specific events.

Required Qualifications:

• Four to six years experience in nonprofit fundraising, or a related role.

• Highly organized and able to anticipate, plan for, and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Asana, Slack, Zoom, and CRM systems.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.

• Willingness to learn new skills to support team growth and efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with data analysis and reporting.

• Grant management experience.

• Event management experience.

• Proficiency with DonorPerfect.

• Knowledge of Denver philanthropic and/or arts communities.

Benefits

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per year

• Medical, dental, vision insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• 403b with up to 3% employer match

• Half days between Christmas and New Years
• Free Lighthouse workshops

Working at Lighthouse

Lighthouse is a dynamic and busy community full of literary enthusiasts, spreadsheet nerds, passionate helpers, ideas people, and hard workers. Folks who have succeeded with us tend to be highly organized, creative, curious, flexible, and goal-driven. We ask staff to work with flexible supervision, but to be highly communicative and collaborative. 

We pride ourselves on being an office culture where we care about each other as professionals and people, and are looking for candidates who are excited to engage authentically with our community.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with three days required in office per week. Flexibility is needed during special events and occasional nights and weekends.

While we do our best to outline the duties or responsibilities that are required of this position, this job description is not designed to be an exhaustive list of all activities and responsibilities. 

Lighthouse Writers Workshop is a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, where all participants, employees, and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feel valued and respected. We value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are heard. To that end, we uphold a commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment.

Please submit your application through Paylocity by 11:59 PM MT on 1/18/2026