Development Manager

Status: Full Time
Reports to: Chief Advancement & Revenue Officer

Submit all inquiries and applications to: Sharon Carson, Chief Advancement and Revenue Officer,
scarson@forestforward.org

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development,
economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community.
Forest Forward was launched in 2020, and over the past year has experienced a wonderful period of growth and impact.
To continue this trajectory, we’re searching for a highly qualified Development Manager to work closely with our
development and executive team. From day one, the Development Manager will have an immediate impact on our
fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will have at least three (3) years of experience in grant writing and grant
administration and will demonstrate a proven track record of achieving funding from corporations, public and private
foundations, as well as individuals.

Responsibilities:

• Generate and grow a list of funders in alignment with the Forest Forward mission, by utilizing experience,foundation databases, networking, nonprofit databases, and creative research.
• Assess funder prospects based on past giving to determine appropriate ask amounts and their giving potential.
• Be able to write government grants, corporate grants, corporate foundation grants and family foundation grants.
• Develop individual grant proposals in accordance with each funder’s preferences and follow each funder’s grant guidelines. Maintain contact with each funder, where appropriate, during their review process to provide additional material or information requested by the funder.
• Establish and maintain a calendar of deadlines for the submission of grants and for the timely reporting on impact of grants received.
• Develop and maintain effective, long-term working relationships with funders through stewardship activities that include post award reporting and regular written updates. Track and report impact and outcomes relevant to the funder and their specific grant(s).
• Maintain current and accurate grant records in the donor management database and organization shared drive.
• Ensure real time enterprise visibility to grants at all stages of development, including researching, vetting, strategy,application, and post award reporting by daily entering, tracking and electronic filing of grant work products.
• Work with finance to gather information necessary to report to funders on current grant programs.
• Demonstrate understanding of Forest Forward’s institutional history and programs.
• Make appointments for executive staff with foundation officers and other prospects as needed and arrange for onsite tours for supporters (foundation officers, foundation trustees).
• Assist with other fundraising projects as requested including fundraising events.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proven track record raising through grants.
• Experience with complex proposal writing for institutional donors.
• Strong written communication skills: ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals.
• Strong editing skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of fundraising information sources.
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies.
• Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research.
• Strong contributor in team environments.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or related experience.
• 3+ years of experience sourcing, creating applications and managing grants.
• Experience with Network for Good or a similar donor database system.
• Proficient with MS Office and Drobox.
• Excellent communicator in written and verbal form.
• Versatile and dedicated to efficient productivity.

Additional Information

This position will require evening and weekend work 20% of the calendar year, in conjunction with major performances
and other special events. As we aim to balance the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work,
the schedule for this position will entail working in the office from Monday-Thursday, Fridays designated for remote work
from home.

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits
discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status,
genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected
by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion,
termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.