Operations Development Manager Jobs in Saint Louis, MO

Development Manager Job Description

About Urban Sprouts Child Development Center

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center (USCDC) is a joyful, diverse learning community for children ages 0-5 and for their families. Through child-driven learning, we honor and empower young scholars to develop into socially capable, creative, and inspired citizens. We envision a community where the ideas of children matter, a society where education is a right, and a world where each child’s image is valued.

The majority of Urban Sprouts students are from marginalized groups and socioeconomic circumstances and are enrolled in our school at no-cost. Urban Sprouts also offers wraparound support services to children and families. These include health screenings, special rights and mental/behavioral health support services, food and nutrition, financial literacy, and more.

Additionally, Urban Sprouts houses a Community of Practice that leads systems change and professional development work to bolster the capacity and inspiration of early learning professionals across the region and the country to deliver high quality early education, especially to communities that need it most.

The great work we do has led to a tremendous appetite for growth. As a result, we are in the midst of an exciting capital campaign.

Position Overview

The Development Manager supports Urban Sprouts’ development operations, focusing on backend administrative functions, grants management, and ongoing support for fundraising and departmental initiatives. This role ensures smooth coordination across the Development Department and contributes to meeting fundraising and stewardship goals.

The position reports directly to the Chief of Strategy & Institutional Advancement, with structured weekly check-ins and active participation in development meetings.

• Regular schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (40 hours per week). *Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support events and operational needs.
• Required meetings:
  • Monday check-ins scheduled with supervisor
  • Weekly Development Meeting: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
• This consistent schedule allows mutual accessibility between the Development Manager and the Urban Sprouts team for collaboration and support.

Responsibilities:

• Manage backend development tasks, including record keeping, database management, and documentation.
• Maintain donor records and meeting notes in Network for Good (N4G).
• Ensure timely follow-up and documentation after donor interactions (thank-you notes, calls, and updates).
• Prepare weekly Development Meeting agendas and ensure distribution by Tuesday each week.
• Support coordination and scheduling for:
  • Weekly Development Meetings
  • Quarterly Board Meetings
  • Bi-monthly Campaign Committee Meetings
  • Other donor relations and internal development meetings as needed

• Oversee the Grant Calendar (tracking deadlines for proposals and reports). Keep this up-to-date and support the Development Team to meet deadlines.
• Work across teams to create budgets for grants.
• Update and maintain grant schedules within the Development Agenda each week (6–8 weeks ahead).
• Support (as assigned) drafting, submitting, and reporting of grants with input from leadership and development team
• Ensure timely communication and follow-up related to grant deliverables.
• Maintain organized Google Drive for seamless grant tracking, submission and reporting.

• Assist with donor and sponsor tracking for Gala En Blanc and other events.
• Update notes, moves, and touch points for prospects and donors in shared tracking systems.
• Support on the back end as needed within capacity for fundraising events

• Track and reconcile donations (online, checks, pledges, and in-kind) in N4G.
• Compile and submit monthly donation reports to Andrea/Megan (LEM).
• Ensure acknowledgment emails, tax receipts, and other communications are processed promptly and correctly.

• Provide administrative assistance for special development projects, campaigns, or donor communications.
• Prepare board materials (agendas, slides, and documentation) in advance of quarterly meetings.
• Additional items as assigned by E.D., Chief Director Strategy & Advancement, and COO

Work Environment & Accountability

• This is an in person position at Urban Sprouts Campus
• Utilize Asana to record, manage, and update all tasks, assignments, and project progress related to their role.
• Consistent and transparent time and task tracking are essential to support coordination, accountability, and effective team collaboration across the departments.

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position averaging 40 hours per week.
• Compensation is commensurate to experience and education and ranges from $50,000-$60,000.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance (we pay 75% at first, then 90% after one year of employment)
• 403B Retirement Plan Available
• Free Breakfast & Lunch, Snacks and Beverages
• Paid Time Off (1 week to begin, 2 weeks after 2 years, 3 weeks after 5 years)
• 2 Paid Mental Health Days per year
• Paid Holidays, Paid Spring Break and Paid Christmas Break that accounts for 4 weeks of paid time off.
• 50% off childcare tuition for your own child
• Employee appreciation event/travel yearly

Professional Qualifications

• 2-10+ years of applicable work experience in fund development and/or administrative work;
• 1+ years of grant administration experience preferred;
• Superior communication skills (written and verbal) with exceptional attention to detail;
• Works well both collaboratively and independently; flexible, and able to manage multiple projects at the same time;
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information;
• Highly Proficient in Google Docs, Sheets, One Cause, Network for Good, and Asana or similar CRM and project management tools and an ability to learn quickly and utilize these and emerging technologies (e.g., AI) to efficiently support you in your role;
• General understanding of how to use social media and mass email distribution programs;
• Experience and respectful demeanor in working with people from diverse cultural, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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