Now Hiring: Development Manager
We’re Hiring: Development Manager
The Asheville Downtown Association is growing, and we’re looking for a Development Manager to join our team and help build the partnerships and resources that support a vibrant Downtown Asheville.
This is a relationship-driven role for someone who loves connecting people with meaningful opportunities to invest in their community. The Development Manager will lead our fundraising efforts, grow our corporate sponsorship program, strengthen our membership program, pursue grant funding, and ensure our partners have an exceptional experience working with the Downtown Association.
About the Role
As Development Manager, you’ll work across the organization to build relationships with businesses, members, donors, foundations, and community partners. From securing a new corporate sponsor to writing a compelling grant proposal to making sure sponsors are recognized at one of our signature events, this position plays an important role in both generating revenue and stewarding the relationships that make our work possible.
Key areas of responsibility include:
Fundraising: Cultivate corporate and individual donors and secure financial support for the organization’s programs and initiatives.
Corporate Sponsorships: Grow and manage sponsorships for Downtown Association events, programs, and initiatives while building long-term relationships with our partners.
Grant Writing: Identify funding opportunities and develop strong grant proposals to support our work.
Sponsor Fulfillment: Manage sponsor benefits from agreement through execution, including fulfillment at our public events.
Membership: Help reimagine and grow our membership program, with a focus on engagement, retention, and attracting new members.
Collaboration: Work closely with our marketing, communications, and program teams to integrate fundraising, sponsorship, and membership throughout the organization.
Who We’re Looking For
Our ideal candidate is an experienced fundraiser and relationship builder who is organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. We’re particularly interested in candidates with demonstrated success securing corporate and individual support, writing successful grants, and managing sponsorship programs.
Experience with membership-based organizations, nonprofits, CRM or donor management systems, and event-based sponsor fulfillment is a plus.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who believes in the future of Downtown Asheville and is excited about connecting businesses, organizations, and individuals with opportunities to be part of its continued vitality.
What to Expect
This is an in-person, office-based position in Downtown Asheville. The Development Manager will meet with sponsors, donors, members, and community partners both in person and virtually and will attend Asheville Downtown Association public events to oversee sponsor fulfillment. Some evening and weekend work is required.
The Asheville Downtown Association offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and professional development opportunities.
Join Our Team
For nearly 40 years, the Asheville Downtown Association has worked to support local businesses, advocate for Downtown, and create programs and experiences that make Downtown Asheville a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
We’re excited to welcome someone who can help us grow the resources and relationships needed for the next chapter of that work.
Interested in joining us? Apply today — and please share this opportunity with someone you think would be a great fit for our team.
The Asheville Downtown Association is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
