Development Manager

Company Description Reality Changers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people become first-generation college graduates and leaders in their communities. The organization focuses on providing equitable access to education for students from Southern California’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. Since its founding, Reality Changers’ graduates have earned over $140 million in scholarships to top universities across the country, including UCSD, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and UCLA. The organization’s programs are designed to equip low-income, high-potential students with the support and resources needed to envision, pursue, and achieve a successful college and career pathway. Staff members join a mission-driven team committed to building confidence, capability, and motivation in youth who are striving to transform their futures.

Role Description The Development Manager is a full-time role based in San Diego, CA.. This position oversees day-to-day fundraising operations, including managing donor stewardship activities, coordinating fundraising campaigns, and supporting events that advance the organization’s revenue goals. The Development Manager will research prospective funders, prepare grant proposals and reports, and maintain accurate donor records in the CRM system. The role also involves collaborating with program and marketing staff to create compelling impact stories, donor communications, and fundraising materials that align with Reality Changers’ mission. The Development Manager will track key development metrics, prepare progress reports for leadership, and contribute to strategic planning to strengthen and grow philanthropic support.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, including donor relations, annual giving, and campaign support.
• Proficiency in grant writing, prospect research, and reporting to foundations, corporations, and other institutional funders.
• Ability to manage donor databases or CRM systems, maintain accurate records, and generate development reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for crafting compelling donor messages, proposals, and impact stories.
• Experience coordinating events or campaigns, including logistics, outreach, and post-event follow-up.
• Capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to educational equity and comfort working with communities historically underrepresented in higher education.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or Social Sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior nonprofit development or advancement experience, especially in youth or education-focused organizations, is highly beneficial.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following to [email protected] by August 15, 2026:

● A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and Reality Changers’ focus and mission

● Current resume

● This position is eligible for appointment at $70,000 annually

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Applicants who identify as first-generation college students/graduates are especially encouraged to apply.

Please note:

● No phone calls.

● Relocation is not available.

● All prospective staff will be fingerprinted and must pass a TB and criminal background check.

For more information, please visit www.realitychangers.org