We’re looking for a qualified individual to join the CLiF team as our Development Manager. Perks include friendly co-workers; a bright, modern office space with plenty of parking; bottomless mugs of Nespresso coffee; being part of an organization with an undeniably great mission; and much more! Read on to learn more about the position.

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Job Title: CLiF Development Manager

Organization: Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF)
Location: Waterbury Center, VT
Reports to: Executive Director

Hours: 40 hours/week (in-person and remote)

The Children’s Literacy Foundation (CLiF) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing equitable access to engaging literacy resources and experiences to children in Vermont and New Hampshire. Founded in 1998, CLiF partners with schools, libraries, and many other community organizations throughout the two states to provide new books, author visits, writing workshops, literacy enrichment projects, and more so that all children may have the opportunity to thrive in learning and life. With a $1M+ annual budget, a staff of 7, a roster of 40+ author/illustrators/storytellers, CLiF reaches more than 15,000 children every year.

Position Summary

The Development Manager is responsible, in conjunction with the Executive Director, for planning and executing fundraising efforts that support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role is ideal for a highly organized, self-motivated professional who enjoys both relationship-building and hands-on administrative work in a small nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Institutional Giving

• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources
• Write, submit, and manage grant proposals, reports, and supporting materials
• Maintain a grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and reporting
• Track grant outcomes and compliance requirements in coordination with program staff

Donor Relations & Individual Giving

• Build and steward relationships with individual donors at all giving levels
• Process and manage donor gift entry in the donor database, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare and send donor acknowledgments, thank-you letters, and tax receipts in accordance with best practices
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the organization’s CRM or database
• Support donor cultivation, retention, and solicitation strategies, including appeals and campaigns

Corporate Sponsorship & Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate corporate sponsorship opportunities aligned with organizational goals
• Manage relationships with corporate partners and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship agreements
• Coordinate recognition and reporting for corporate sponsors

Community Engagement

• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, and outreach opportunities
• Build relationships with community leaders, partners, and stakeholders
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to increase organizational visibility and engagement

Strategy & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy
• Track fundraising goals and prepare regular progress and performance reports
• Assist with development-related planning, budgeting, and evaluation

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising or nonprofit development (grant writing experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience with donor databases/CRMs, including gift entry and reporting
• Strong writing skills and ability to craft clear, compelling donor and funder communications
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small-team environment

Compensation & Benefits

$70,000 – 85,000. Salary is commensurate with experience, benefits are competitive.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Laura Rice, Executive Director at laura@clifonline.org, or 3579 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury, VT 05677. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.