Engagement & Development Manager

The Leadership has been a catalyst for transformation in Baltimore for over 40 years. Since 1983, we've brought together Baltimore's most passionate and diverse leaders to learn, connect, and mobilize for the greater good. Our 9-month immersive experiential Flagship program has empowered over 2,000 senior executives from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to tackle the region's most pressing challenges.

As The Leadership considers how best to serve its alumni network and the broader Baltimore community in the years ahead, staff members will play a key role in shaping the organization's direction and impact. With a strong foundation and a dynamic stakeholder community, The Leadership is poised for thoughtful growth and continued relevance in a rapidly evolving civic and professional context.

Joining our team now means stepping into a moment of transformation. As the Engagement & Development Manager, you'll help strengthen our vibrant network, expand our reach, and play a key role in shaping the organization's next chapter.

The Engagement & Development Manager is a key member of The Leadership's team, responsible for designing and delivering a high-quality engagement experience across the participant and alumni journey. From outreach and relationship-building to communications and events, this role ensures executive-level stakeholders remain meaningfully connected to the organization.

Overseeing The Leadership's brand, alumni engagement, and development communications, the Engagement & Development Manager cultivates relationships that foster long-term involvement, volunteerism, and philanthropy. Working in close partnership with the Operations & Executive Support Manager, this role helps plan and execute signature events and programs that anchor the organization's work.

This is a cross-functional, hands-on role for someone who excels at building relationships, creating experiences, and turning strategy into action within a mission-driven, collaborative environment. This position is hybrid and requires travel in and around the Baltimore metropolitan area, as well as occasional evenings and weekends.

Relationship Cultivation & Management

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and implement the organization's engagement strategy related to relationship cultivation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with program prospects, current participants, and alumni, as well as other key stakeholders.
• Design and implement thoughtful initiatives to foster ongoing alumni involvementwhether through event participation, volunteering, or financial contributions. Serve as the go-to person for alumnikeeping in touch, sharing updates, and creating space for connection and feedback.

Communication & Outreach

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and implement the organization's engagement strategy related to communications and outreach.
• Manage The Leadership's brand including its website, social media, and other external communications.
• Design and implement communications initiatives to enhance stakeholder engagement, includingnewsletters, social media, and targeted outreach campaigns.
• Develop and implement recruitment outreach initiatives to attract applicants to the Flagship program.
• Identify innovative ways to sustain alumni interest and involvement post-program.

Program and Event Design, Logistics, and Management

• Plan and run meaningful events that bring people togetherfrom recruitment gatherings to alumni networking events.
• Partner with both the Executive Director and Operations & Executive Support Manager to design and deliver The Leadership's programming including the annual Flagship cohort and alumni events. Focus on participant experience including event design, logistics, communications, and interaction.
• Ensure meaningful experience for participants by partnering with the Operations & Executive Support Manager to plan, coordinate, and execute events to foster community and connection.
• Collaborate with the Operations & Executive Support Manager to plan all program logistics and delivery details from start to finish, including timelines, vendor coordination, and day-of execution.
• Gather feedback and track participation to refine and improve future events.

Data, Reporting & Development

• Collaborate with the Operations & Executive Support Manager on the collection and analysis of engagement data to measure alumni participation, program impact, and fundraising potential.
• Leverage CRM/database systems (e.g., Neon) to track relationships, program prospects, alumni engagement levels, donor activity, and volunteer involvement.
• Partner with the Operations & Executive Support Manager to generate reports and insights to inform engagement strategies, recruiting approaches, fundraising efforts, and organizational decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and/or other stakeholders on development activities, including grant research, writing, and reporting.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, business or a related field.
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in alumni relations, community engagement, fundraising, marketing, or a similar role.
• Experience in donor relations, event planning, and database/CRM management is highly desirable.
• Background in higher education, leadership development programs or nonprofit organizations is a plus.

Mission & Values Alignment

• Alignment with The Leadership's mission and vision.
• Passion for Baltimore and for leadership development, community building, and nonprofit advancement.

Relationship Building & Communication

• Strong relationship-building skills with executive level individuals, including the ability to engage diverse audiences and foster a sense of community.
• Exceptional and compelling communication, presentation and public speaking skills for executive audiences.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies, donor cultivation, alumni engagement best practices.
• A natural host who loves convening and creating memorable experiences for groups.
• Loves to connect people, build relationships, and create community.
• Always asking, "How do I connect and build relationships with our stakeholders and offer them something of value?"

Technology & Data Tools

• Proficiency in CRM systems (Neon preferred), data analysis, and reporting tools.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Airtable.

Planning & Problem Solving

• Strategic thinking with a proactive and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Sound judgement and strong decision-making skills.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to successfully design, plan, coordinate and oversee the execution of events.
• Adaptability to changing organizational needs and priorities.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.

Collaboration & Work Culture

• Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented, relationship-driven work culture.
• Excited to work in close partnership with the Operations & Executive Support Manager.

Benefits

The salary range is $75,000?$80,000 , commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Leadership offers a generous benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, and a flexible hybrid work environment that supports work-life balance and personal well-being.

Qualification

Bachelor's Degree