Development Manager (Part-Time/Hybrid)

Development Manager (Part-Time/Hybrid)

Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Part-time, approximately 20–25 hours per week
Compensation: $36,000–$48,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Location: Hybrid - mostly remote within the KC metro; on-site in Emporia, KS as needed for donor meetings, events, and regular (bi-weekly or monthly) check-ins with the Executive Director

Imaginarium is a nonprofit STEM education center and makerspace in downtown Emporia, Kansas, founded in 2022 to bring hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math learning to area youth. Through classes and drop-in programming spanning robotics, LEGOs, 3D printing, engineering, sewing, and more, we spark curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. As a growing, community-rooted organization, we are building the philanthropic foundation that will sustain and expand our impact for years to come.

Imaginarium seeks an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Development Manager to lead and grow our fundraising and donor relations efforts. This is a pivotal role for someone who wants to shape a development program from an early stage and see a direct line between their work and the children and families we serve. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board, you will design and execute fundraising strategy, deepen donor relationships, manage our CRM, and bring our community together through compelling events and storytelling.
This hybrid, part-time role offers meaningful flexibility. You may work primarily remotely from the Kansas City metro, with travel to Emporia as needed for donor meetings and events, plus regular bi-weekly or monthly in-person check-ins with the Executive Director.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies to meet revenue goals, in partnership with the Board and staff.

• Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.

• Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including major gifts and sponsorships.

• Conduct donor outreach through meetings, calls, emails, and written appeals.

• Prepare donor acknowledgments, impact reports, and stewardship communications.

CRM & Data Management

• Manage and maintain the organization’s CRM system (Little Green Light), ensuring accurate donor records and reporting.

• Track donations, pledges, event participation, and donor engagement.

• Generate reports and insights to support fundraising strategy and board updates.

Events & Community Engagement

• Plan and execute fundraising and community engagement events.

• Coordinate event logistics, staff activities, volunteers, sponsorships, and follow-up communications.

• Represent Imaginarium at local community events to increase visibility and awareness, and to build relationships with local collaborators and potential donors.

Board & Organizational Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to support fundraising initiatives.

• Assist board members with donor outreach and engagement strategies.

• Prepare fundraising updates and materials for board meetings.

Marketing & Awareness

• Support development of fundraising communications, including e-newsletters, direct mail and e-appeals, and social media content.

• Help tell Imaginarium’s story by highlighting programs, outcomes, and community impact.

• Ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all fundraising efforts.

Required

• Three or more years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or donor relations, with a demonstrated track record of meeting revenue goals.

• Proven success cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, or foundations.

• Experience managing a donor CRM and using data to inform strategy and reporting.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive appeals and donor-facing materials.

• Experience planning and executing fundraising or community events.

• Self-directed, organized, and able to work independently in a hybrid, remote-first environment.

• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to Emporia, KS as needed for meetings and fundraising events.

Preferred

• Experience securing middle giving and/or major gifts, event sponsorships, or grants.

• Familiarity with the Kansas City and/or Emporia philanthropic communities.

• Passion for STEM education, youth programming, or makerspaces.

• Comfort with marketing tools, email platforms, and social media.

• A competitive part-time salary of $36,000–$48,000, commensurate with experience and hours.

• Genuine flexibility through a remote-first, hybrid schedule based in the KC metro.

• The chance to build and own a development program at a growing, mission-driven organization.

• Direct, visible impact on STEM learning for children and families in our community.

• A collaborative, supportive team and an engaged Board of Directors.

*Employee benefits are not included with this position.

To apply, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing your fundraising experience and interest in Imaginarium’s mission to melanie@emporiaimaginarium.org. Applications must be submitted by EOB on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Imaginarium is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.