Development Manager

Bench Mark Program’s mission is to end generational hardship by walking alongside system-impacted youth and families through consistent relationships, accountability, and opportunity.

We partner with schools, probation, families, and community agencies to provide restorative, relationship-driven programming that supports students academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. Bench Mark Program is a culture where presence matters, trust is built over time, and young people are seen and supported.

Position Overview

The Development Manager plays a critical role in ensuring that every individual who supports Bench Mark Program feels known, valued, and connected to our mission.

This position is primarily responsible for building meaningful relationships with current and lapsed donors, with a strong focus on re-engaging supporters who have fallen out of contact and helping them reconnect to the life-changing impact of Bench Mark Program.

This is not just a transactional fundraising role, it is a relationship-driven position centered on authentic human connection. The ideal candidate is highly personable, proactive, and energized by reaching out to people, listening to their stories, and inviting them into deeper engagement with our work.

Key Responsibilities

● Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and execute the annual fundraising plan

● Oversee the annual fundraising budget

● Develop meaningful, long-term relationships that increase donor retention and lifetime engagement

○ Proactively engage current, lapsed, and prospective donors through personalized emails, calls, and in-person meetings

○ Identify opportunities to deepen donor involvement, including events, site visits, and student engagement

○ Ensure every donor interaction is thoughtful, personal, and reflective of Bench Mark Program’s culture

● Maintain external communication with stakeholders and partner agencies across the community

○ Oversee all external communications, media inquiries, and public-facing messaging

○ Collaborate with program staff to gather real-time stories, outcomes, and student impact

● Translate program impact into meaningful donor touchpoints, including emails, updates, videos, and podcast conversations through Bench Mark Studios

● Support the planning and execution of fundraising and community engagement events

○ Coordinate personalized outreach before and after events to strengthen donor relationships

● Research, pursue, and implement new funding opportunities, including sponsorships, grants, corporate partnerships, and tax credit programs

● Prepare and submit grant applications to local and national foundations, and support grant reporting as needed

● Work with freelancers and vendors to develop, update, and maintain promotional materials

○ Ensure the organization’s website remains current, accurate, and aligned with brand and messaging

○ Coordinate and execute social media campaigns that support engagement and fundraising goals

● Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in Little Green Light (CRM)

● Track donor, fundraising, and engagement metrics and report on performance

● Analyze trends in donor engagement and retention to inform strategy and decision-making

● Partner with the Board of Directors to support fundraising efforts, including equipping members with tools, messaging, and opportunities to engage donors

Qualifications

● Highly personable and relational

● Proactive and comfortable initiating outreach (calls, emails, meetings)

● Organized and detail-oriented

● Strong writing skills

● Passionate about Bench Mark Program’s mission and youth development work

Benefits

● 401(k) retirement plan with partial employer matching

● 20 paid time off days beginning after the first 90 days of employment

● Medical, dental, and vision insurance

● 24/7 access to gym spaces

● Flexible working hours

Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $70k Annual Salary

Reports To: Executive Director