Development Manager
Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid: On-site + Remote)
Reports To: President and CEO
Salary Range: $80,000–$90,000 annually, plus professional coaching support
About the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM)
The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) is a 106-year-old civil rights and direct services organization dedicated to promoting economic empowerment, educational opportunity, and racial equity for African Americans and other historically underserved communities. With a $2.5MM operating budget and a dynamic team, ULEM provides workforce development, education, and advocacy programs that create pathways to stability and success.
As a trusted leader in Greater Boston’s nonprofit community, ULEM partners with corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals who share our commitment to equity and opportunity.
Position Summary
The Development Manager plays a key role in advancing ULEM’s fundraising and donor engagement strategy. Reporting to the President and CEO and working closely with the Board Development Committee, the Development Manager leads critical components of ULEM’s development operations, including annual giving, corporate partnerships, and events, while contributing to donor strategy and organizational growth.
This is an ideal opportunity for a results-oriented professional with strong writing, relationship management, and project management skills who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The Development Manager will serve as a strategic partner within the Leadership team, bridging planning with execution to strengthen ULEM’s fundraising infrastructure and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Partner with the President and CEO and the Board Development Committee to implement comprehensive fundraising strategies across individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
- Partner with the Vice President of Partnerships to manage and grow a portfolio of mid-level donors and corporate partners ($1K–$10K), with an emphasis on upgrading support and deepening engagement.
- Support major gift efforts by coordinating cultivation and stewardship activities, preparing donor materials, and managing follow-up actions.
- Draft donor communications, acknowledgments, proposals, and impact reports that align with ULEM’s mission and voice.
- Conduct prospect research to identify and qualify new donor and sponsorship opportunities.
Events & Sponsorships
- Lead planning and execution of ULEM’s signature fundraising events, ensuring alignment with revenue goals and organizational priorities.
- Collaborate with the President and CEO and the Board Development Committee to secure corporate sponsorships and strengthen event-based partnerships.
- Recruit, steward, and manage volunteers, sponsors, and event participants to maximize engagement and outcomes.
- Develop event timelines, budgets, and evaluation processes to improve efficiency and impact year over year.
Campaign & Institutional Support
- Provide project management support for multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including scheduling, committee coordination, and partner engagement.
- Assist with proposal development, sponsorship packages, and reporting for corporate and foundation partners.
- Collaborate with the President and CEO and the Board Development Committee, along with other key departments, to ensure donor messaging, branding, and storytelling are strategic and consistent.
- Contribute to the design and implementation of a donor relations strategy that fosters loyalty and long-term commitment.
Data, Systems & Reporting
- Maintain and analyze donor and fundraising data in Salesforce to inform decision-making and track progress toward goals.
- Develop dashboards and reports to monitor giving trends, donor engagement, and campaign performance.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and donor-centered gift processing, acknowledgment, and recordkeeping practices.
- Identify opportunities to enhance systems and processes that support development operations and reporting accuracy.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a key liaison among the ULEM departments to align development, communications, and program goals.
- Engage with board and committee members to support fundraising initiatives and volunteer engagement.
- Proactively identify and recommend strategies to strengthen ULEM’s philanthropic culture and donor experience.
Qualifications
ULEM participates in the Rework America Alliance and emphasizes demonstrated skills and experience over formal academic credentials; a bachelor’s degree is not required.
Required:
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills with attention to detail.
- 2-3 years of nonprofit fundraising, development, and/or event management experience.
- Demonstrated success in managing donor relationships and supporting revenue-generating initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to engage volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders in fundraising activities.
- Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to ULEM’s mission of equity, empowerment, and justice.
Preferred:
- Experience with donor management systems (Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar).
- Experience with event management, sponsorship solicitation, or corporate relations.
- Familiarity with grant writing and institutional fundraising.
Professional Development & Growth
ULEM is committed to nurturing professional excellence and leadership growth. The Development Manager will receive:
- Professional coaching and mentorship to support success and career advancement.
- Exposure to all aspects of nonprofit development, including annual fund, events, campaigns, and corporate/foundation relations.
- Opportunities for training, networking, and professional growth through ULEM’s partners and networks.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $80,000–$90,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- Professional coaching and development support provided.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plan.
- Flexible hybrid schedule.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the Development Manager role at ULEM to development@ulem.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Roxbury, MA 02119
