Development Manager

Job Title:            Development Manager
Department:      Marketing and Development
Reports to:         Director of Development
Category:            Full-time, Salary-Exempt
Salary:                 $50,000 - $60,000 annually

About KC Pet Project
KC Pet Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates Kansas City, Missouri’s municipal shelter in Swope Park, maintains a satellite location in Zona Rosa, and partners with 15 Petco stores across the KC Metro, serving over 16,000 pets annually. We continue to build on our national reputation as an innovative leader in animal welfare with our progressive, lifesaving programs and support services. We have sustained a lifesaving rate above 90% for more than a decade, and we are passionate about creating a caring, safe, and humane community for the people and pets of Kansas City and the surrounding region.
 
About the Position
The Development Manager leads KC Pet Project’s annual signature and community fundraising events, serving as a key driver of revenue, engagement, and visibility for the organization. This role is responsible for planning and executing a robust events portfolio while building, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with corporate sponsors and community partners.
 
The ideal candidate is an experienced, highly organized development professional who excels in cross-functional collaboration and donor engagement. This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Development Director.
 
Daily Responsibilities
In partnership with the Development Director, lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of KC Pet Project’s signature and community fundraising events, including events such as the Love Finds a Way Gala and KC Pet Project 5K.
 

• Serve as the primary event lead, overseeing all aspects of event management, including but not limited to logistics, timelines, vendor relations, permits, audio/visual needs, set-up and tear-down, volunteer coordination, and day-of execution.
• In collaboration with the Marketing and Development teams, plan and implement promotional strategies to grow attendance, sponsorship, and community engagement for all events.
• Develop, cultivate, and steward relationships with corporate sponsors, vendors, and community partners to create meaningful and mutually beneficial event partnerships.

• Expand existing partnerships and identify new event sponsors and collaborators aligned with KC Pet Project’s mission and fundraising priorities.
• Ensure timely and thoughtful cultivation and stewardship of sponsors, participants, volunteers, and vendors before and after each event.
• Manage event budgets, registration systems, sponsorship fulfillment, and financial tracking to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and achievement of revenue goals.

• Oversee donation documentation, post-event reporting, and data analysis to evaluate event performance and inform future planning.
• Document all donor and sponsor interactions related to events in the donor database in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate as an active member of the Marketing and Development Team, contributing to broader fundraising initiatives, including donor outreach, stewardship efforts, and overall fundraising strategy.

• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of KC Pet Project’s mission, programs, and strategic fundraising priorities to effectively represent the organization to donors and partners.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to develop event collateral, signage, communications, and donor-facing materials.
• Other duties as assigned by the Development Director.

 
Working Conditions
Most functions will be performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care in Swope Park. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to balance long periods of sitting at a desk, lift up to 50 lb., while also sustaining periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and animal handling and restraint for various activity levels in an animal shelter-type setting.
 
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, or development, with demonstrated success leading large-scale fundraising events.
• Proven experience securing and stewarding corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, donor management databases, event registration platforms, and CRM systems; experience with Virtuous, Classy, or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including donor-facing correspondence and communications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage event budgets, track revenue and expenses, and analyze data.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to anticipate needs in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Ability to approach emotionally sensitive aspects of animal welfare with professionalism, empathy, and resilience.
• Comfortable representing the organization publicly with professionalism and confidence.
• Have a commitment to KC Pet Project’s mission with a collaborative and curious mindset that embraces innovation and growth.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for networking and events.
• Treat all animals and people with love and respect, both at work and outside.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

 
Application Process
Qualified Applicants, please submit the following via the Careers section of our website at KCPetProject.org:
 

1. Cover letter introducing yourself, containing full contact information [Legal Name, Full Address, Primary email address, mobile phone #, home or other phone # ] stating both why you are a solid candidate for this job based on your skillset and why you possess the heart and fortitude to be successful at KCPP.  
2. Include a resume that includes past employers, dates, supervisor names and professional accomplishments.
3. Provide three letters of reference that show the breadth of your employment history and work ethic.

 
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions or qualifications associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change, for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technological breakdowns in departments.