Join our team.
Development and Philanthropy Manager Job Description
As the Development and Philanthropy Manager of Wish Upon a Wedding (WUW), you will dedicate your working hours (estimated at 30 hours per week) to advancing WUW’s fundraising interests. Your energy, knowledge, and training will be utilized to the fullest in performing your duties diligently and conscientiously, within guidelines set by the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities:
Daily Operations:
Maintain Wish Upon a Wedding’s CRM and giving platforms.
Collaborate closely with the Executive Director to prepare and execute an annual fundraising plan that diversifies revenue sources.
Share brief fundraising and partnership updates at the beginning of each monthly Board meeting.
Fundraising Strategy and Planning:
Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and plans aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
Work with Wish Upon a Wedding’s marketing committee to help create and implement yearly storytelling campaigns to engage, motivate, and inspire donors and deepen their connection to the mission and the people and places behind it.
Conduct research and analysis to identify potential funding sources, including grants, foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
Collaborate with the executive team to establish annual fundraising metrics and develop strategies to achieve them.
Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships:
Cultivate and maintain relationships with corporate partners, including identifying new potential partnership opportunities and negotiating sponsorship agreements.
Develop and implement strategies to engage corporate partners and sponsors in fundraising activities, such as cause marketing campaigns, employee giving programs, event sponsorships, and in-kind contributions that would benefit the organization and people we serve.
Provide excellent stewardship to corporate partners and sponsors, ensuring ongoing communication, recognition, and fulfillment of partnership commitments.
Fundraising Events:
Work with the Executive Director to execute fundraising events such as galas, auctions, and community fundraisers.
Identify and engage event sponsors, volunteers, and vendors to ensure successful event execution.
Evaluate event fundraising outcomes and provide post-event analysis and recommendations for future improvement.
Workplace Expectations:
This position is fully remote
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required, typically related to event coordination.
Travel expected to Wish Upon a Wedding’s annual fundraising Gala and major benefit events.
January 28, 2027 gala, Chicago, IL
March 4, 2027 benefit, Kansas City, MO
Compensation and Benefits:
Salaried position, 30 hours per week: $55,000, payable biweekly, with required deductions.
Bonuses: Eligible for an annual bonus based on performance and target goals
Phone Compensation: $50/month stipend for personal phone use
2 weeks paid time off, plus major holidays
$200 per month health insurance reimbursement via ICHRA.
Application Instructions
To apply for the position, please email your resume and cover letter to