Strategic Development Manager Jobs in Portland, OR

Meals on Wheels People is an organization founded in and by the community! Over the past 50 years, our non-profit has helped thousands of older adults in the Portland Metro area keep their independence through weekly meal delivery and social connections. Our culture reflects our five values: integrity, commitment, respect, inclusion, creativity, and TEAMWORK. With over 20 meal delivery centers throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clark counties, our staff and thousands of volunteers ensure that no adult over 60 goes hungry or experiences social isolation.

Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your well-being. Enjoy the benefits of a four-day workweek, ample quality time off, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k)-retirement plan, pet insurance, a wellness program, professional development opportunities, an Employee Assistance Program, and mileage reimbursement.

We are seeking a Senior Development Manager who provides strategic leadership for Meals on Wheels People’s major individual and institutional giving efforts, advancing long- and short-term philanthropic revenue to support the organization’s mission. This role oversees our outward facing fundraising programs, manages a portfolio of 50–75 individual and institutional donors, and leads a team of development professionals. Partners closely with the Chief Development Officer and cross-functional teams to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors while strengthening a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Lead the strategy, execution, and growth of individual and institutional giving programs, aligning with organizational fundraising goals and long-range financial sustainability.
• Establish annual and multi-year goals for individual and institutional; track performance and adjust strategies to ensure success.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to strengthen a comprehensive moves management strategy for individual and institutional gifts.
• Ensure best practices in donor stewardship, gift acceptance policies, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Manage and grow a personal portfolio of 50–75 major donors and prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through strategic, relationship-based fundraising approaches.
• Represent Meals on Wheels People with donors, community groups, and external partners as needed.
• Lead, coach, and develop development team to foster accountability, collaboration, and growth.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and donor-centered fundraising.
• Work closely with the Senior Fundraising and Database Manager to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of donor activity using Raiser’s Edge.
• Leverage data and donor insights to inform strategy, forecast revenue, and improve fundraising effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications staff to develop targeted messaging and materials (e.g., Motion communications, donor letters, and educational content).
• Responsible for staff performance and development goals, establish staff priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals
• Participate in in-service training and attend required meetings.
• Support the mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of Meals on Wheels People, Inc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or a related field preferred; or equivalent directly related professional experience and demonstrated skills in fundraising, development, or nonprofit advancement.
• Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles (e.g., bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable trusts).

Skills, Abilities & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including foundation, major, and/or planned giving.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing people, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
• Demonstrated success meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.

• Proven success managing donor portfolios and closing significant gifts.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge required; familiarity with project management and volunteer platforms preferred

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Language proficiency in English/Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Asian, or African languages is highly valued. Successfully passing a fluency exam in any of these languages qualifies candidates for an extra $1 per hour pay rate.

Any satisfactory combination of experience, training and/or education which ensures the ability to perform the work may substitute for the above qualifications.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Fast-paced, with significant people interaction.
• May be required to move up to 50lbs and occasional reaching, bending, and stooping.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.
• Travel around the Portland and Vancouver metro areas.
• Must successfully pass Meals on Wheels People pre-employment screening, including drug testing and a criminal background check.

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an “at will” employment relationship.

All applications must be completed fully (including references) in order to be considered