Manager, Donor Development

Reports to:

Executive Director

Salary:

$58,000 - $75,000 (commensurate with experience)

Hours:

Full-time (37.5 hours a week). Occasional evenings and weekends for events and meetings. 

Location:

Dartmouth office. Hybrid with travel for donor and funder engagement.

Deadline:

Friday, December at 11:59PM EST

Start:

Interviews mid January. Start early February

About The PREP Academy

The PREP Academy is a community based registered charity that inspires and prepares African Nova Scotian students for college and university. We coach students in Grades 10, 11, 12 and continue to provide wraparound supports as they transition and complete college and university. We provide students and parents with access to resources and information, and help them navigate college and university processes. Our culturally informed programs guide students as they plan, prepare and pursue college and university directly after high school. 

Position Summary

PREP Academy recently became a registered charity, and we're entering an exciting period of growth We are seeking a strategic, relationship-focused Manager, Donor Development & Engagement to lead the full scope of our fundraising, prospecting, grant development, and donor stewardship work. As a key member of PREP's leadership team, you'll drive PREP's Fund Development strategy action plan, ensuring all fundraising activities align with our mission, long-term objectives, and program delivery.

You'll design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, and oversee transparent reporting and impactful storytelling. To effectively communicate PREP's impact, the Manager will remain closely connected to program activities, staying up to date on program developments and deeply informed about the experiences of the youth and families we serve.

This role is critical to securing sustainable revenue that fuels PREP's programs, strategic priorities, and long-term organizational growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Co-create and lead the execution of PREP's Fund Development Strategy and ensure alignment with the organizational strategic plan.
• Develop annual fundraising targets in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Represent PREP at networking events, meetings, and community engagements.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure individual, corporate, and foundation support.
• Lead donor stewardship and engagement efforts, including the development of an organization-wide stewardship plan.
• Oversee donor cultivation activities, appreciation events, and engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate donor meetings, briefings, and presentations.
• Identify and assess grant opportunities aligned with PREP's mission.
• Develop and submit competitive grant proposals and supporting materials.
• Manage grant timelines, submission requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Prepare interim and final grant reports in collaboration with internal teams.
• Work with programs, student services, marketing and finance teams to support fundraising narratives, budgets, and impact metrics.
• Use CRM tools and donor databases to track donor activity and fundraising performance.
• Analyze fundraising performance to inform strategy and strengthen donor and funder relationships.
• Ensure ethical, accurate management of donor information and data systems.
• Support the Fund Development Committee, including planning, coordination, and documentation.

Perform other duties as assigned to support PREP's development goals.

Education and Experience

• Degree or diploma in a related discipline, or an equivalent blend of experience and education. Individuals nearing completion of their studies are welcome to apply.
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, communications, community relations, or similar role in the non-profit sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with donors, partners and individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Excellent organizational, project management and administrative skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, take initiative, and work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Core Competencies

• Relationship management and donor stewardship.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in donor management systems and fundraising software.
• Persuasive writing and storytelling.
• Financial and budget management.
• Strategic thinking, ethical judgment and discretion.

Benefits

The PREP Academy supports a healthy work-life balance. We offer health and dental benefits, life insurance, employee assistance program, technology package, annual professional development allowance, annual employee scholarship program, 3 weeks paid vacation to start, free parking, paid mileage, casual dress, flexibility and paid three week December holiday shutdown. 

How to Apply

Please merge your cover letter and resume into one PDF and:

• send to:
• use the subject header:
  Manager, Donor Development & Engagement
• Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to facilitate a two part interview process.

We thank all applicants, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Employment is subject to a successful clearance of a vulnerable sector check.