Strategy Development Manager Jobs in Connecticut

Development Manager

The Development Manager plays a key role in advancing the organization’s mission by securing philanthropic support, cultivating meaningful donor relationships, and building a strong and sustainable volunteer program. This position oversees grant development, annual giving strategies, donor engagement, and volunteer coordination to strengthen community relationships and grow organizational impact. The role is heavily focused on high-quality, persuasive writing, including grant proposals, donor communications, stewardship materials, and fundraising content. Working collaboratively across departments, the Development Manager ensures that fundraising efforts, stewardship practices, and volunteer engagement align with organizational priorities and reflect the values of compassion, integrity, and community partnership.

Non-Exempt, Full Time (40 Hours)

Hybrid (MWF In-person in Waterbury)

Salary begins at $65,000

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of development, fundraising, grant writing, or related nonprofit experience required; experience building or managing volunteer programs strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in securing grants and managing donor relationships.
• Experience coordinating events or community engagement activities.
• Familiarity with philanthropic trends, fundraising tools, and donor stewardship practices.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to travel to community sites, donor meetings, and events as needed.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours required for events or donor activities.

A Valid Driver’s license is required.

BENEFITS

• 4 Weeks of PTO that increases with years of service
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Medical & Dental Insurance - with large employer paid premium
• Life Insurance - 100% employer paid
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• AFLAC Voluntary Benefits
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• 2 Gym Membership Options

AGENCY OVERVIEW

The McCall Behavioral Health Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire hope and promote wellness and healing through a continuum of behavioral health services — prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community engagement — for individuals of all ages and families across Western Connecticut. For more than 50 years, we have reached out to those who often feel isolated in their struggles and have never turned anyone away for their inability to pay. Led by President and CEO Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW, our passionate team of highly trained professionals is committed to helping individuals and families overcome adversity, foster resilience, and achieve wellness. With locations in Canaan, Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury, and Winsted, McCall serves over 3,500 clients annually, supporting individuals wherever they are on their recovery journey. At McCall, our mission is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that everyone in our community has equitable access to best-in-class care and the resources they need to heal and thrive.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Development (40%)

· Research and identify prospective foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.

· Cultivate and maintain relationships with funders; prepare compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, budgets, and supporting documentation.

· Develop tailored grant narratives and proposals that reflect the distinct requirements, language, and expectations of federal, state, local, foundation, and corporate funding sources.

· Manage grant compliance, reporting deadlines, and stewardship materials to ensure timely, accurate, and mission-aligned communication.

· Track all proposals, awards, deadlines, and outcomes to inform strategy and forecasting.

Donor Acquisition, Stewardship, and Fundraising (35%)

· Develop and implement strategies to attract, cultivate, and retain donors at all giving levels, including individuals, corporations, faith communities, and civic groups.

· Create personalized cultivation and stewardship plans that foster trust, connection, and long-term engagement.

· Produce, support, and coordinate internal and external donor communications and campaigns, including appeals, newsletters, digital outreach, and impact reporting.

· Coordinate fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities that highlight mission impact and strengthen relationships.

· Maintain accurate donor records and engagement histories using Bloomerang.

Volunteer Program Development and Management (15%)

· Design, launch, and oversee a comprehensive volunteer program aligned with organizational needs and community interest.

· Recruit, screen, train, and support volunteers to ensure positive and meaningful experiences.

· Develop volunteer recognition initiatives that honor contributions and encourage ongoing involvement.

· Collaborate with program and administrative teams to match volunteers with appropriate roles and ensure proper oversight.

Community and Strategic Partnerships (10%)

· Represent the organization at community events, networking opportunities, and speaking engagements to deepen visibility and broaden support.

· Build relationships with community partners, businesses, and civic organizations to expand sponsorship, donor, and volunteer pipelines.

· Work closely with internal colleagues to identify storytelling opportunities, highlight program impact, and align messaging across channels.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires frequent sitting, ability to talk and hear. It also requires frequent walking. Occasional lifting may be needed but not required except for proper storage of documents and moving objects from one place to another. Valid Driver’s license required.

Full Job Description will be provided