Development Operations Manager
POSITION SUMMARY
The Development Operations Manager serves as the internal engine of Pacific Chorale’s fundraising
efforts, ensuring development systems, data, messaging, and materials operate with clarity,
consistency, and excellence. This role is responsible for donor database administration, gift
processing, reporting, and reconciliation, while also playing a key role in the development and
execution of annual appeal messaging, donor communications, sponsorship collateral, and donor
cultivation events.
Working in close collaboration with the Associate Director of Development, President & CEO, and
Marketing team, the Development Operations Manager ensures that donor-facing materials are
accurate, compelling, timely, and aligned with Pacific Chorale’s strategic priorities—including
PC@60 and other special initiatives.
This position has the potential for growth, especially into forward-facing donor cultivation and stewardship.
It is ideally suited for someone with 2-3 years’ experience in a development-focused role at a small- to
medium-sized arts nonprofit, and who is looking to further their career as a professional fundraiser.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Gift Processing, Acknowledgements, & Stewardship Support
• Process and record all gifts, pledges, payments, stock gifts, matching gifts, and in-kind
contributions in Tessitura in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgements, pledge confirmations, and tax
receipts.
• Manage pledge tracking and installment reminders.
• Maintain donor recognition lists for publications, impact reports, donor walls, and events.
• Support stewardship fulfillment by ensuring donor benefits and recognitions are delivered
accurately and on time.
• Support donor and patron events
• Serve as primary point of contact and stewardship for alumni
2. Donor Database & CRM Administration
• Serve as the primary administrator for Tessitura donor records, gift coding, campaign
structures, segmentation, and reporting.
• Maintain data integrity through regular audits, de-duplication, standardized entry protocols,
and documentation.
• Support integrations with ticketing, online giving platforms, accounting systems, and email
tools.
• Maintain donor records in accordance with privacy policies and compliance standards.
3. Annual Appeal & Donor Communication
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Development and President & CEO to develop
annual appeal messaging, themes, and timelines.
• Draft and coordinate donor-facing copy
• Ensure all donor communications reflect Pacific Chorale’s voice, values, and strategic
priorities, and are consistent across platforms.
• Coordinate production and execution of appeal materials in partnership with Marketing and
external vendors, as needed.
• Maintain messaging templates and documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency
year over year.
4. Sponsorship & Proposal Support
• Draft and assemble sponsorship proposals, benefit summaries, and confirmation letters in
collaboration with development leadership.
• Ensure sponsorship materials align with donor records, recognition levels, and tax
compliance requirements.
• Track sponsorship fulfillment and ensure benefits are delivered accurately.
5. Reporting, Analytics & List Management
• Produce regular fundraising reports and dashboards (campaign progress, donor retention,
LYBUNT/SYBUNT, pledge status).
• Build accurate segmentation and mailing lists for appeals, events, campaigns, and
stewardship.
• Provide historical giving summaries and donor profiles to support major gift strategy.
6. Reconciliation, Controls & Compliance
• Reconcile development records with the Finance Department on a regular schedule.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for gifts, pledges, restrictions, and donor intent.
• Support internal and external audits with reports and transaction documentation.
7. Process Optimization & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Document and improve development operations workflows, including gift entry, appeals,
acknowledgements, and reporting.
• Train staff, interns, or volunteers on database use and development operations best
practices.
• Coordinate closely with Patron Services on donor ticket benefits and seating.
• Serve as a reliable internal partner to Development leadership, enabling them to focus on
donor relationships and fundraising strategy.
Other reasonable duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Superior writing and editing skills, with experience drafting donor-facing communications.
• High attention to detail and strong project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Workspace; advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience in performing arts or cultural nonprofits.
Preferred
• Verified completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher
education. A graduate degree will be considered a plus.
• Familiarity with accounting and reconciliation processes.
• Experience supporting annual campaigns, sponsorships, or capital initiatives.
• 2-4 years of experience in development operations, advancement services, or fundraising
administration.
• Demonstrated experience with donor databases/CRMs (Tessitura strongly preferred).
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Exceptional organizational and systems-thinking skills
• Strong written communication and donor-centric mindset
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in high-volume periods
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented
• Comfort balancing data rigor with storytelling and messaging
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
This position strengthens Pacific Chorale’s ability to:
• Deliver clear, compelling donor communications
• Execute annual appeals and campaigns with consistency and accuracy
• Build donor trust through excellent stewardship and reporting
• Scale fundraising operations sustainably as the 60th Anniversary approaches (2027-28)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Pacific Chorale’s administrative offices are open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Occasional weekends and
evenings will be required to support concerts, special events. This is an on-site position that also requires
attendance at performances, and donor and community events.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $75,000 – $82,000, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and
qualifications. Pacific Chorale provides 100% health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for all full- time
employees, paid vacation, recognized national holidays, a one-week paid closure during the year-end
holidays, flex days, and paid sick time. There is a non-matching 401(k) retirement program available.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Visit https://pacificchorale.formstack.com/forms/employment_application to submit an application form
for the “Development Manager” position. Upload a one-page cover letter highlighting your interest in this
position and why you think you are a good fit, along with a resume or CV in .doc or .pdf formats.
