Development Manager

Position Title:  Development Manager  

Position Level:  Manager  

Reports to:  Director of Development  

Status:  Salary, Full-Time  

Hiring Range:  $46,000 - $49,000 

Prepared Date:   April 2026 

About WMCAT  

The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. We fulfill our mission through visual arts and tech engagement and workforce development. 

Position Description  

The Development Manager is an integral member of the development team, leveraging resources and engagement to advance WMCAT’s mission-based programming and community-facing work. This position supports overall fundraising goals by managing a portfolio of grants, corporate sponsorships, and the Opportunity Curator monthly giving program, all within a collaborative environment. 

The Development Manager reports to and works closely with the Director of Development, along with all members of the development and communications departments.  

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and communicator who is adept in managing detailed, process-driven work while staying connected to community and building funder relationships.  

Essential Duties + Responsibilities  

Grant + Proposal Management  

• Work closely with the Director of Development to manage a portfolio of grants, including writing grant proposals and reports. 

• Work with the communications team to leverage mission-aligned messaging for grant proposals and donor relationships. 

• Manage grant processes, including coordinating content needed from program teams, tracking deadlines for proposals and reports, and anticipating needs from other departments.  

• Research and prospect new grant opportunities.  

Corporate Sponsors + Stewardship  

• Support the Director of Development and Senior Director of Development + Communications as applicable in coordinating meetings with designated corporate funders. 

• Solicit event and program sponsorships. 

• Ensure corporate sponsorship benefits are fulfilled, working across internal teams as needed. 

• Work with the full development team to support fundraising events. 

Opportunity Curator Monthly Giving Program 

• Use strategic storytelling and cross-departmental collaboration to curate engagement efforts for monthly donors 4x per year – including behind-the-scenes impact stories, unique merchandise, and invitations to exclusive opportunities. 

• Steward existing relationships with monthly donors and actively recruit new donors to grow the program and increase revenue. 

WMCAT Mission + Organizational Expectations 

• Maintain a commitment to the mission and vision of WMCAT.  

• Demonstrate a willingness and desire to grow professionally, learn new skills, and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity.  

• Represent WMCAT at occasional designated events throughout the year, which may occur outside of standard scheduled hours. 

• Adhere to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics.  

• Desire to align with WMCAT’s values (listed below). 

Preferred Experiences + Skills  

Could include some of the following:  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/lived experience.  

• Three years of relevant work experience, grant writing preferred, or alternatively in fund development, communications, and/or project management.   

• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.  

• Grant-writing experience preferred, or other formal writing experience.  

• Knowledge of fundraising and sponsorship tactics for nonprofit settings.  

• Ability to use asset-framing language when communicating WMCAT’s work with stakeholders.  

• Excellent organizational skills and desire to maximize efficiency; prioritization of multiple deadlines concurrently.   

• Strong attention to detail and process. 

• Proficiency in working with computers, software systems, and related platforms; such as Microsoft Office Suite, donor databases, and grant application websites.  

• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated within a team environment.  

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, or feel, and is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to sit, walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, climb or crouch.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move from 15-45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.   

Additional Details: Recognizing there is leadership in every community, WMCAT is seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We are dedicated to hiring employees that reflect the communities we serve across race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status. No person shall be excluded from WMCAT services, employment or volunteer participation because of ethnicity, race, national origin, age, height, weight, genetic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, economic circumstance, veteran status, physical and/or mental abilities/characteristics, philosophy/religion, or any other status that is protected by State of Michigan or federal law or by local ordinance for those jurisdictions where WMCAT operates.  

WMCAT’s Values 

• Design for Equity: Creating a world that works for all of us. Rooted in an understanding that systemic oppression is perpetuated by design, we center marginalized voices, consciously co-create solutions, and challenge unjust systems to provide equitable access to opportunity. 
• Pursue Learning: Engaging the experiences and expertise around us. Acknowledging that we never “arrive” in our understanding, we engage each other, ourselves, and our community with curiosity and appreciation for diverse lived experiences, seeking out new ideas, more robust context, and opportunities for growth. 
• Build Community: Curating belonging for collective good. Grounded in the belief that our humanity, prosperity and futures are interconnected, we intentionally create space for belonging, build authentic relationships, seek partnership in our collective work, and respect our shared context. 
• Center People: Leading with empathy. Guided by the mindsets of equitable human-centered design, we seek the perspectives of and create solutions with those most affected, embracing the inherent value of each individual and prioritizing whole-person thriving. 

Transportation: Consistent personal transportation will be necessary. 

 In-person, full-time at WMCAT: This position is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The candidate should be comfortable working in-person as responsibilities necessitate, with flexibility for remote work at other times. WMCAT's regular office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: All WMCAT employees are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pay: Compensation within the listed hiring range is based on experience and nonprofit industry standards. Competitive benefits package provided, including:  

• 15 days of PTO  

• 15 paid holidays  

• Birthday day off  

• Half-day Fridays during the summer  

• Simple IRA with employer match of up to 3%  

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision), premium 65% (average) paid by employer  

• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D)  

• Paid Family Leave  

• Professional development and opportunities for personal growth  

Resume and cover letter are required for application. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning May 4, 2026 until candidates are identified. Interviews will begin May 13, 2026. Candidates invited to interview for the position will be asked to provide a writing sample.