Posted: Jul 23, 2025

Development Manager

Full-time
Application Deadline: Aug 5, 2025
Nonprofit

Position Summary

Planeterra's Development Manager will play a crucial role in expanding our network of supporters to amplify our global impact. Reporting to the Director, Partnerships and Development, the Development Manager will manage a Development Officer and contribute to and spearhead fundraising initiatives. This multifaceted role entails crafting compelling communications, managing fundraising campaigns, maintaining donor relationships, and ensuring the efficient functioning of Planeterra's fundraising programs, with a focus on donor stewardship, campaign coordination, online fundraising, grant proposals, and corporate sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Strategy

  • Manage, mentor, and support a Development Officer, fostering their growth and ensuring effective execution of fundraising activities.
  • Contribute to and spearhead the implementation of Planeterra's annual fundraising strategy, encompassing donor stewardship, major gifts, and corporate fundraising, along with the strategic expansion and cultivation of new donors.
  • Collaborate closely with the Director of Partnerships and Development to develop comprehensive annual fundraising strategies.
  • Provide regular updates to the wider team to ensure the attainment of budget targets for revenue.

Donor Stewardship & Development

  • Oversee a comprehensive donor relations program, ensuring seamless and strategic donor engagement across various channels.
  • Lead the management and expansion of Planeterra’s donor base, implementing strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual and corporate donors.
  • Develop and deliver compelling materials for engaging donors effectively across various mediums, including emails, phone calls, and presentations.
  • Lead donor and sponsor engagement activities, including presentations, speaking engagements, and in-person and virtual events.
  • Liaise with Planeterra's Regional and Program Managers to ensure accurate and timely communications with donors, keeping them informed of Planeterra’s impact.

Fundraising Events & Campaigns

  • Oversee, plan, and execute both in-person and virtual fundraising events, as well as specialized initiatives like online auctions and crowdfunding campaigns.
  • Oversee the coordination of planning and execution of donor-related events.

Sponsorships

  • Research and cultivate new corporate supporters to expand Planeterra's community and secure sponsorships, with a particular focus on the travel industry.
  • Support the full sponsorship cycle, from prospecting and cultivating relationships to negotiating terms, activating sponsorships at events, and fulfilling benefits.
  • Contribute to and create reports to showcase funding partners' impact and foster ongoing sponsor relationships.
  • Coordinate employee giving programs, booking donations, and fundraising initiatives with Planeterra's travel partners to maximize engagement and impact.

Database & Administration

  • Oversee the management and maintenance of Planeterra's CRM database (Kindful preferred) for accurate donor management, including regular updates and conducting data analysis to inform strategies.
  • Conduct timely fundraising tracking through Planeterra's CRM database and campaign pages.
  • Develop and manage funding proposals and grant applications.
  • Gather, research, and prepare materials to engage donors across different mediums effectively.

Desired Skills and Experience

  • 5+ years of progressive experience in a fundraising/development role, with at least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience (managing staff, not just volunteers, is a significant asset).
  • A solid understanding of the global non-profit development landscape.
  • Relevant post-secondary education (Communications, Marketing, International Development, Tourism or similar) or equivalent combination of education and experience. Tourism experience is an asset.
  • Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to persuasively present ideas that inspire.
  • Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Google Suite, database management (Kindful preferred), and fundraising tracking systems (Classy preferred).
  • Strong understanding of donor management and the ability to cultivate lasting relationships with corporate and individual donors.
  • Demonstrated experience in creating and executing successful fundraising/sales initiatives with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, and changing priorities.
  • Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and collaborative.
  • Proficiency in financial tracking, analysis, and reporting.
  • Experience with corporate/employee giving and international fundraising is advantageous.
  • Fluency in English is required. Second language skills, especially Spanish or French, are an asset.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Additional Information

  • May be required to attend company meetings and events outside of work hours.
  • Remote work (work from home) with the option to work from the office (Toronto).

About this role:

  • Remote work, ideally located within the Americas for time zone convenience.
  • Must have the capability to work from home (stable internet connection).
  • Computer and all software to be provided.
  • Full Time (nature of employment contract or independent contract will depend on country location).
  • 15 days paid leave, plus birthday, holiday bonus day, and six wellbeing days
  • All public holidays based on country of residence
  • Health benefits or allowance depending on nature of employment contract
  • Travel benefit (details to be provided)
How To Apply:

To express your interest and apply for this role, please complete this form.