Development Manager, Democracy at Third Plateau | $100K–$120K Remote Opportunity in Philanthropy & Social Impact
Are you an experienced fundraising professional passionate about democracy, civil society, and systems-level change? The Development Manager, Democracy role at Third Plateau offers a high-impact opportunity to shape fundraising strategy, strengthen donor relationships, and support a pooled philanthropic fund working to protect democratic infrastructure.
With a competitive salary of $100,000–$120,000 per year and a fully remote-first structure, this position is ideal for nonprofit development professionals seeking meaningful work at the intersection of philanthropy, advocacy, and strategic fundraising.
About Third Plateau
Third Plateau is an impact consultancy that partners with philanthropy, nonprofits, and communities to design and implement long-term strategies for social change. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators, the organization focuses on addressing complex, interconnected challenges through systems thinking and strategic collaboration.
Rather than applying short-term fixes, Third Plateau works with funders and organizations to build durable infrastructure for change. Its democracy-focused portfolio includes managing a pooled fund that supports civil society organizations working to strengthen democratic systems across the ideological spectrum.
Since its launch in 2024, the fund has already regranted over $20 million, demonstrating significant scale and growing influence in the democracy and civic space.
A High-Impact Role in Democracy and Philanthropy
The Development Manager will play a central role in advancing the fund’s fundraising goals as it enters its next phase of growth. As annual fundraising targets expand, this position will help strengthen donor pipelines, improve development systems, and support long-term funding strategies.
This is a highly collaborative role that blends donor relations, grant writing, project management, and strategic planning.
Core Responsibilities of the Development Manager
The Development Manager will work closely with the Fund Director, Development Associate, and external partners to strengthen all aspects of fundraising operations.
Strategy and Leadership Support
A key responsibility is supporting the development and execution of a long-term fundraising strategy aligned with the fund’s mission.
This includes:
- Assisting in refining fundraising strategies for foundations and individual donors
- Project managing development workflows across teams and partners
- Supporting reporting to advisory committees and stakeholders
- Collaborating with internal development staff to execute fundraising goals
The role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Donor Pipeline and Relationship Management
Managing donor relationships is a core function of the role.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining and growing a donor pipeline
- Identifying and cultivating new prospective funders
- Managing stewardship for small-to-mid-level donors
- Supporting donor meetings and communications
- Tracking engagement across the fundraising lifecycle
The Development Manager will also accompany senior leadership to donor meetings when needed, helping ensure strong relationship-building and continuity.
Prospect Research and Preparation
Data-driven donor research is essential to successful fundraising. The Development Manager will:
- Conduct detailed prospect research on potential funders
- Maintain organized donor prospect lists
- Prepare briefing materials and donor profiles for meetings
- Support strategic targeting of high-potential funders
These insights help ensure that outreach is focused, informed, and effective.
Grant Writing and Fundraising Materials
A significant portion of the role involves writing and refining development materials.
This includes:
- Drafting and editing grant proposals
- Preparing donor reports and updates
- Managing fundraising documentation and timelines
- Ensuring accuracy in financial and narrative reporting
Strong writing skills are essential for communicating impact and securing funding.
Development Operations and CRM Management
The Development Manager also plays a key operational role in maintaining systems that support fundraising efficiency.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing donor databases and CRM systems (such as Airtable or similar tools)
- Tracking donations and ensuring accurate records
- Maintaining fundraising calendars and deadlines
- Supporting acknowledgment and stewardship processes
- Improving systems for efficiency and accuracy
Attention to detail is critical, especially when managing multiple deadlines and donor commitments.
Skills and Experience Required
This role is best suited for experienced development professionals with a strong background in nonprofit fundraising.
Ideal candidates typically bring:
- 7–9 years of nonprofit or philanthropic development experience
- Proven success in donor cultivation and relationship management
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Experience with grant writing and reporting
- Familiarity with donor databases and CRM tools
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
- Experience working in democracy, civil society, or social impact sectors
Candidates should also be comfortable working across teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Compensation and Benefits
The position offers a competitive compensation package of $100,000–$120,000 annually, along with a strong benefits structure.
Additional perks include:
- Fully remote-first work environment
- Flexible time off
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid parental leave (13 weeks)
- Home office and technology stipends
- Annual learning and wellness funds
- Performance-based bonuses
These benefits reflect Third Plateau’s commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.
Why This Role Matters
At its core, this position supports work that strengthens democratic systems and civil society organizations. By helping manage and grow a pooled philanthropic fund, the Development Manager directly contributes to protecting democratic infrastructure and expanding resources for organizations working in this space.
This is not just a fundraising role—it is a strategic position that helps shape how resources flow into democracy-building efforts.
Final Thoughts
The Development Manager, Democracy role at Third Plateau offers a unique opportunity for experienced fundraising professionals to engage in meaningful systems-level work. With responsibilities spanning donor strategy, grant writing, CRM management, and relationship building, the position blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
For professionals passionate about democracy, philanthropy, and long-term social change, this role provides both impact and career growth in a highly respected impact consultancy.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
