Description
Development Manager
Help grow the support that makes childhood cancer families feel less alone.
Circle of Care is seeking an experienced fundraising professional to lead donor stewardship, major gift relationship management, and sponsorship engagement that directly fuels life-changing support for children with cancer and their families.
This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team where meaningful relationships, thoughtful strategy, and exceptional donor experiences translate into real impact for hundreds of families each year.
Position Snapshot
Position: Development Manager
Reports To: Co-Executive Director of Development
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: Wilton, Connecticut (office-based)
Schedule: Monday–Friday with occasional evenings and weekends
Salary: $75,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience
Start Date: Open until filled
About Circle of Care
Founded in 2003, Circle of Care provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families facing childhood cancer throughout Connecticut and neighboring regions. Working alongside pediatric oncology teams at regional children's hospitals, our programs help families navigate the many challenges that exist beyond medical treatment.
Each year, Circle of Care serves more than 275 families through emergency financial assistance, educational programs, peer support, family resources, room makeovers, and other services designed to ease the childhood cancer journey. Since our founding, we have provided more than $6 million in direct assistance to over 4,100 families.
Learn more at www.thecircleofcare.org
Why This Role Matters
The Development Manager serves as Circle of Care's primary relationship manager for donors and sponsors, overseeing approximately $1.8 million in annual contributed revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, event sponsors, and major donors.
Success in this role comes from building authentic relationships, creating meaningful donor experiences, strengthening stewardship, and helping supporters see the lasting impact of their generosity.
You'll work closely with our Co-Executive Directors and Development team to grow philanthropic support that allows Circle of Care to continue serving families facing childhood cancer.
Key Responsibilities
Major Gifts & Donor Stewardship
Serve as the primary relationship manager for Circle of Care's donor community, including major donors and high-level event sponsors.
Develop and execute tailored solicitation, cultivation, stewardship, and renewal strategies for sustainability and growth.
Work with the Co-Executive Directors to thoughtfully transition existing major donor relationships.
Partner with leadership on cultivation strategies for prospects at the $20,000+ level, including multi-year and planned giving opportunities.
Sponsorship & Event Fundraising
Serve as the primary contact for sponsors supporting Circle of Care's three signature fundraising events.
Manage sponsor financial fulfillment in a timely and efficient manner.
Ensure every sponsor receives an exceptional and personalized experience before, during, and after each event.
Plan and execute donor cultivation, recognition, and stewardship events throughout the year.
Portfolio & Development Operations
Manage donor pipeline activity from first introduction through stewardship.
Track, analyze, and report on fundraising activity, donor movement, sponsorships, and pipeline performance.
Maintain accurate donor records, constituent history, and moves-management documentation within Circle of Care's CRM systems.
Supervise and collaborate with the Development Operations Specialist on reporting, database integrity, and donor communications.
Strategic Leadership & Collaboration
Work closely with leadership to establish annual fundraising goals and strategies.
Contribute to annual budgeting and revenue forecasting.
Advance qualified donor leads generated by staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
Collaborate across Development, Programs, Marketing, and Operations departments.
What Success Looks Like
Manage a healthy and measurable donor pipeline.
Strengthen sponsor engagement across Circle of Care's signature events.
Improve donor retention and long-term engagement.
Help achieve annual fundraising goals.
Benefits
Employer-subsidized medical insurance
Generous paid time off
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution eligibility after one year
Professional development funding
How to Apply
Please email jobs@thecircleofcare.org with "Development Manager" in the subject line.
Submit one PDF containing:
Cover letter
Resume
Optional: up to three links showcasing relevant work.
Questions may be directed to Lisa Robb, Search Consultant, jobs@thecircleofcare.org.
Join Our Team
At Circle of Care, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We recognize that the strongest candidates don't always meet every qualification listed. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your experience would help advance our mission, we encourage you to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Circle of Care is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We do not discriminate based on age, disability, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diverse perspectives and are committed to creating an environment where every employee, volunteer, and community partner feels valued and respected.
Requirements
Qualifications
Required
Five or more years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience.
Demonstrated success managing donor relationships and contributing to measurable fundraising growth.
Experience with donor databases, CRMs, reporting, and constituent management.
Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based business systems.
Valid driver's license and ability to perform light physical work.
Preferred
Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Experience managing a donor portfolio generating $1 million or more annually.
Experience with Bloomerang, GiveSmart, and other 3rd party fundraising platforms.
Experience supervising staff or consultants.
Experience with major gifts or planned giving.
