Manager Special Gifts

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

The Manager of Special Gifts is an important member of NCMEC’s Development team and supports the organization’s private philanthropy efforts through a combination of grant fundraising and mid-level individual giving. This role is responsible for researching and pursuing grant opportunities, writing letters of inquiry (LOIs), proposals, and reports, tracking and coordinating grant management, and ensuring timely compliance with grant reporting requirements. 

In addition, this position manages a mid-level donor portfolio and supports cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts for donors making special gifts (generally five- to six-figure giving). The Manager of Special Gifts partners closely with internal stakeholders to secure flexible philanthropic support and deepen donor engagement aligned with NCMEC’s mission. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Grant Research, Writing & Management 

• In conjunction with the Senior Manager of Individual Giving and aligned with departmental fundraising priorities, support the development and execution of a grants and special gifts strategy to meet fundraising goals. 

• Identify, research, and evaluate grant opportunities aligned with NCMEC priorities, with emphasis on unrestricted or loosely restricted support. 

• Write compelling LOIs, proposals, and reports in collaboration with program leaders and subject matter experts. 

• Maintain an up-to-date grants calendar and pipeline; track deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements. 

• Coordinate grant management processes, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and timely submission of deliverables. 

• Partner with program and finance teams to collect data, outcomes, and impact metrics for proposals and reporting. 

Mid-Level Individual Giving & Donor Engagement 

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects, supporting retention, upgrades, and renewals. 

• Conduct donor outreach, schedule and lead donor meetings, and create tailored engagement plans and stewardship touchpoints. 

• Support solicitations and special gift asks in partnership with the Senior Manager of Individual Giving. 

• Ensure donors receive timely acknowledgments, impact updates, and meaningful stewardship experiences. 

Prospect Research & Pipeline Development 

• Conduct proactive prospect research to expand the pipeline of foundation and individual special gift opportunities. 

• Develop strategies to maximize support from existing and new donors, including discovery, cultivation, and stewardship. 

• Maintain accurate donor and grant records in Salesforce, including documentation of interactions, proposals, and next steps. 

Reporting & Internal Communication 

• Prepare regular pipeline, revenue, and activity reports for the Senior Manager of Individual Giving. 

• Monitor performance against goals and contribute to forecasting and planning efforts. 

• Support special projects and development initiatives as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree required. 

• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of relevant work experience, including 2-3 years of front-line fundraising, working with foundation partners.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated success managing a five-to-six-figure portfolio of foundation grant makers, targeting unrestricted or loosely restricted support.  

• Expertise in managing foundational grant growth and balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders. 

• Familiarity with grant management systems. 

• Ability to negotiate, persuade, and problem solve creative resolutions.  

• Strong analytical and prospect research skills. 

• Ability to use data and CRM systems to set fundraising strategies, measure outcomes, and drive superior performance. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, best practices and current trends of fundraising cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategy and tactics. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Superior organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills. 

• Must be comfortable with details and competing deadlines. 

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. 

• Adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 

• Ability to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and manage workflow. 

• Proficiency with fund-raising and basic computer software is essential. Preference is given to NCMEC’s current programs including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Salesforce.