Overview

The Development Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing MASS’ mission by leading prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation efforts to secure major philanthropic support ($50K+). This role will focus on building and managing a robust pipeline of institutional and individual funders, crafting compelling donor-centered proposals, and driving strategic engagement that aligns funder priorities with MASS’s transformative work across architecture, justice, and community impact.

This is a hybrid position based in Boston, with an expectation of three days per week in our Boston office.

Duties and Responsibilities Responsibilities:

Prospect Identification, Research, and Cultivation

  • Collaborate with the Communications and Advocacy teams to inform donor engagement strategies.
  • Lead Pipeline Management process
    • Conduct thorough research to identify and evaluate new funding opportunities aligned with MASS’s initiatives and priorities.
    • Build and maintain a detailed pipeline of prospective funders, tracking their interests and alignment with MASS’s goals.
    • Develop tailored cultivation strategies for high-potential prospects in consultation with program leads and executive directors.
    • Maintain an organized donor database grouped by studio, lab, and general fund, ensuring accurate tracking of deadlines and engagement activities.

Proposal Development and Solicitation

  • Craft compelling, donor-centered proposals that align funder interests with MASS’s mission and initiatives.
  • Manage proposal production schedules, coordinating input from program, studio, and lab leads to ensure timely and high-quality submissions.
  • Submit finalized proposals after securing approvals from the Senior Principal of Philanthropy and Advocacy and executive directors.

Collaboration and Coordination

  • Track donor engagement activities, proposal submissions, and outcomes to refine cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Provide regular updates on the status of prospects, proposals, and funding opportunities.

Tracking and Reporting

  • Track donor engagement activities, proposal submissions, and outcomes to refine cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • Analyze data from cultivation activities to inform future fundraising strategies and priorities.
  • Coordinate internal reporting materials for leadership and Co-EDs.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 2 years Development Experience
  • Exceptional proposal writing and communication skills.
  • Strong research and analytical abilities.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Proficiency in donor management systems and research tools.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, capable of managing complex schedules and meeting tight deadlines.
  • Preferably has familiarity or experience in the architecture and design industry or the work of MASS.

Reporting Relationships:

  • Reports to: Development Director