DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Position Type: Full-Time Employee
Location: Washington, DC
Salary Range: $63,000–$68,000
Reports To: Executive Director
Works Closely With: Development & Program Assistant
Posting Date: August 17, 2026
ABOUT SUITED FOR CHANGE
For over 33 years, Suited for Change (SFC) has empowered women in the Washington, DC community on their journey to financial independence by providing professional attire, personalized coaching, and skills training. While suiting remains at the heart of our mission, our expanded programming includes coaching and professional development workshops that prepare women to thrive in the workplace and beyond.
We partner with nearly 100 referral organizations across the DC region, including workforce development and job training programs, transitional housing and reentry programs, domestic violence shelters, government agencies, and faith-based organizations. Through these partnerships, women are connected to our services—always offered free of charge—at pivotal moments in their lives.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Development Manager serves as the day-to-day lead for Suited for Change's development function, working in close partnership with the Executive Director, who continues to lead high-level fundraising strategy and key donor relationships.
The Development Manager owns the implementation of SFC’s Development Plan and leads the day-to-day execution of fundraising campaigns, special events, development operations, donor pipeline management, stewardship systems, and reporting. This role brings structure, organization, and consistent follow-through to SFC's fundraising efforts while ensuring development priorities move from strategy to execution.
The Development Manager works collaboratively with the Development & Program Assistant, who provides support with gift processing, CRM maintenance, donor acknowledgements, campaign coordination, event logistics, prospect research, and other development activities.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a Development Manager who is:
- Highly detail-oriented and systems-focused, with the ability to translate fundraising strategy into consistent execution
- Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with strong ownership and follow-through
- An effective communicator and relationship builder
- A strong project manager who can establish priorities, manage timelines, coordinate resources effectively, and keep multiple initiatives moving forward.
- Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Confident working alongside a hands-on Executive Director with deep development expertise and bringing complementary strengths in organization, systems management, and execution
This role is well-suited for a development professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings structure, momentum, initiative, and follow-through to an active fundraising program.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Fundraising & Executive Director Support — 20%
- Partner with the Executive Director to implement SFC’s Development Plan, translating fundraising priorities into actionable work plans, timelines, and measurable goals.
- Manage the grants calendar and coordinate foundation proposals, reports, deadlines, and supporting materials in partnership with the Executive Director.
- Anticipate fundraising needs and prepare donor briefings, prospect research, solicitation materials, data, and stewardship recommendations for Executive Director and Board engagement.
- Support Executive Director-led cultivation of major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
- Monitor fundraising performance and pipeline activity, identifying opportunities, challenges, and recommended next steps.
Donor Stewardship & Pipeline Management — 20%
- Implement year-round donor cultivation and stewardship strategies to strengthen retention, engagement, and giving.
- Manage donor and prospect pipelines, ensuring timely follow-up, next steps, and moves management.
- Identify opportunities to renew, upgrade, and deepen relationships with individual and corporate donors.
- Coordinate with the Executive Director on major donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation strategies.
- Use donor data and giving trends to identify prospects and recommend engagement opportunities.
Annual Fundraising Campaigns — 20%
- Lead the planning and execution of SFC’s individual giving campaigns, appeals, and donor communications, including timelines, segmentation, targeted asks, and outreach.
- Partner with the Executive Director on campaign strategy, messaging, fundraising goals, and key donor engagement.
- Coordinate with the Development & Program Assistant on donor lists, mailings, acknowledgements, and campaign follow-up.
- Track and analyze campaign performance and recommend strategies to strengthen donor acquisition, retention, and giving.
Special Events — 25%
- Own the planning and execution of Power of a Purse, including strategy, budget, sponsorships, auction, vendors, logistics, and stewardship.
- Partner with the Executive Director, Host Committee, and Board on the planning and execution of SFC’s annual fundraiser, including sponsorships, donor engagement, timelines, and event logistics.
- Coordinate with the Development & Program Assistant on event logistics, donor tracking, event materials, and follow-up.
- Track event revenue, expenses, and performance; oversee post-event evaluation and donor, sponsor, and guest follow-up.
Development Operations, Systems & Reporting — 15%
- Own SFC’s development systems, workflows, and CRM standards, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.
- Coordinate with the Development & Program Assistant, who handles routine gift entry, acknowledgements, donor record updates, and other database administration.
- Maintain fundraising dashboards and provide regular analysis and progress reports to the Executive Director and Board.
- Track revenue, pledges, forecasts, and fundraising performance, identifying gaps and recommending next steps.
- Support fundraising revenue reconciliation, reporting, and compliance.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 3–5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated growth in responsibility.
- Experience managing donor databases, fundraising campaigns, special events, and development reporting.
- Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple fundraising priorities from planning through execution with strong follow-through.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated initiative and sound judgment, with the ability to identify needs, recommend solutions, and move work forward independently.
- Ability to analyze fundraising data and translate information into actionable recommendations and next steps.
- Ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership, staff, Board members, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
Preferred
- Experience supporting major gift cultivation and board-led fundraising.
- Experience with corporate sponsorships and revenue-generating fundraising events.
- Familiarity with ELEO or similar fundraising CRM systems.
- Experience in workforce development, women's economic empowerment, or social services organizations.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING AT SUITED FOR CHANGE
We value our team as much as the women we serve. Our benefits are designed to support your growth, flexibility, and well-being:
- Hybrid Work – In-person four days per week in our Washington, DC office
- Summer Fridays – Early release to recharge
- Paid Time Off & Wellness Days – Time to rest, recharge, and prioritize well-being
- Health Coverage – Health benefits to support you
- Professional Development Stipend – Opportunities to grow your skills while advancing our mission
Thrive with us, make an impact, and be part of a team where your work truly matters.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit the following materials to [email protected] with "Suited for Change Development Manager Position" in the subject line:
Suited for Change is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $63,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20005
