Development Manager, Operations and Annual Giving

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Ellis Early Learning, “Ellis,” (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high-quality early education and care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four Boston Pre-K classrooms (formerly known as UPK). Ellis operates in two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain serves over 300 children annually.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) recently granted Ellis a contract to launch a new Family Child Care (FCC) System to expand its impact on children, families, and micro-entrepreneurs. Ellis is thrilled to launch an innovative, educator-focused “Family Child Care Network”.

ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ELLIS MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. We are recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood. Learn more at www.ellisearlylearning.org

WHO WE ARE

Ellis Early Learning (Ellis) is a vibrant nonprofit with a proud history dating back to 1885. We are redefining what it means to deliver inclusive, equitable, and high-quality early education. Ellis is among only 6% of early childhood programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Ellis is more than a learning center—we’re a nationally recognized model for diversity and innovation in early childhood education. Serving more than 300 children annually across two vibrant campuses in the South End and Jamaica Plain, we ensure every child, regardless of their background, develops the social, emotional, and academic skills to thrive in school and life.

WHY ELLIS?

At Ellis, you will join a dynamic team leading bold initiatives to shape the future of early education. As a result of our first seven-figure transformative gift, we’ve recently launched a Center of Excellence, and are making groundbreaking improvements in fundraising, leadership, programming, and evidence-based practices, setting new benchmarks for early learning outcomes.

Our partnerships are as innovative as our mission! Imagine working with organizations like the New England Conservatory, where weekly onsite music instruction ignites creativity in our classrooms, or collaborating with Boston Public Schools on four high-performing Boston Pre-Kindergarten (formerly UPK) classrooms. Programs like Raising a Reader add even more depth to our work.

WHAT SETS US APART?

• A Rich Legacy and Visionary Future: With over a century of impact, Ellis combines tradition with trailblazing initiatives that inspire and lead.
• A Thriving, Inclusive Community: Ellis is a socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organization serving Boston’s children.
• Recognition and Results: Ellis’s commitment to quality and inclusion has earned us widespread accolades and positioned us as a leader in the early education field.

Ellis does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, homelessness, or military status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

Position Overview: Ellis Early Learning is seeking a highly organized, mission-driven professional to serve as Development Manager, Operations and Annual Giving. This role is an essential member of a collaborative six-person advancement team working to grow philanthropic support for one of Boston’s leading early childhood education organizations.

Ellis is recognized locally and nationally as a model for inclusive, equitable early education and serves one of the most diverse communities of children and families in Boston.

The Development Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the success of Ellis’s fundraising efforts by managing development operations, maintaining donor data systems, supporting the Board of Directors, and helping execute key fundraising events and initiatives.

This position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and works closely with the CEO, and finance team.

Requirements:

Development Operations & Finance Coordination

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Development and Finance teams
• Oversee gift processing and reconciliation to ensure accuracy and strong donor stewardship
• Produce fundraising reports and assist with revenue forecasting

Database & Systems Management

• Serve as the primary owner of the donor CRM (Virtuous/Salesforce or similar)
• Maintain data integrity and manage donor segmentation
• Generate reports that inform fundraising strategy and donor engagement

Board and Leadership Support

• Assist the Chief Advancement Officer in supporting the Board of Directors and key committees
• Help coordinate materials and logistics for Board engagement

Event and Volunteer Coordination

• Manage Host Committees and Ellis events and special gatherings
• Lead operational logistics for Ellis’s annual fall benefit event

Team Support

• Supervise Northeastern University co-op students working within the Development office

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations or related field required
• 3–5 years of experience in development operations, donor relations, annual giving, and/or fundraising
• Strong experience with CRM systems (Virtuous, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar)
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative, flexible, and detail-oriented
• Commitment to the mission of Ellis Early Learning

Candidates must successfully complete all background checks and required clearances.

The purpose of this description is to describe the major responsibilities of the position. It should not be considered a complete statement of all elements of the work that may be performed.

Ellis does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, homelessness, or military status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.