Development Manager

The Davis Academy, an independent school, Kindergarten Prep – Eighth Grade, in Dunwoody/Sandy Springs seeks an experienced Development Manager.

The Development Manager plays a central role in strengthening relationships that sustain and grow the school’s mission. This individual will design and lead initiatives that deepen engagement across parents, grandparents, alumni, donors, volunteers, and community partners — transforming connection into meaningful participation and philanthropic support.

This is an opportunity for a relationship-driven leader to build programs that foster lifelong affinity, expand volunteer leadership, and advance annual fundraising priorities. The Manager will shape the experience of how families and alumni engage with the school — ensuring every touchpoint reflects excellence, warmth, and purpose.

Working closely with the Manager of Advancement and Community Engagement and the Chief Advancement Officer and in partnership with Marketing and school leadership, this individual ensures a cohesive and mission-driven approach to community engagement that supports both culture and revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive engagement strategy to increase participation and philanthropic support across parent, grandparent, and alumni communities.
• Recruit, manage, and inspire volunteer leaders to serve as ambassadors and advocates for the school.
• Plan and deliver high-impact events and experiences, including donor recognition gatherings, cultivation receptions, Grandparent events, the annual Golf Tournament, Community Celebrations, and annual campaign related initiatives.
• Oversee event execution, including logistics, timelines, vendor coordination, communications, and volunteer coordination.
• Identify and grow corporate sponsorship opportunities aligned with school priorities.
• Support annual fund and other fundraising initiatives through strategic outreach and stewardship.
• Drive and manage outreach for the Georgia State Education Tax Credit (GOAL) Scholarship program, including communications, volunteer participation, and donor recognition.
• Partner with Marketing team to align with and help execute alumni communications – including student, parent, and grandparent outreach, alumni newsletters, the Alumni Journey magazine, and social media content.
• Oversee alumni data integrity, tracking engagement metrics, and analyzing participation trends to inform strategy.
• Support Advancement communications and reporting efforts, including Davis Day of Giving, Annual Impact Report, donor materials, and promotional content that communicates the school’s mission and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in development, engagement, nonprofit fundraising, nonprofit program management or independent school advancement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently as well as in a team environment, and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong relationship builder with confidence interacting with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Experience managing events and/or sponsorships with revenue goals preferred. Proficiency with CRM/database systems (Raiser’s Edge, Veracross, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This is an in-person position based on campus and requires on-site presence five days per week.
• Occasional evening/weekend availability required.