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About Why Not You Foundation

The Why Not You Foundation (WNYF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth to lead with a “Why Not You?” mindset—removing barriers, unlocking opportunity, and creating access for the next generation of leaders. Founded in 2014, Russell Wilson and Ciara's Why Not You Foundation partners with schools, hospitals, community-based organizations, and national nonprofits to create transformative impact through education, health, and community investment initiatives.

WNYF operates both as a direct-service organization and as a grant-making foundation, uniquely positioning it to launch internal programming initiatives—such as Why Not You “Spaces”—while also funding and strengthening aligned nonprofit partners across the country.

 

The organization is currently in a significant growth stage, with revenue expanding rapidly and new opportunities emerging nationally. As WNYF scales, strengthening its development infrastructure, formalizing systems, and deepening donor and corporate partnerships are critical strategic priorities.

 

Position Summary

The Senior Development Manager is a newly created role reporting directly to the Executive Director. This position is central to building the operational discipline, infrastructure, and relationship management capacity required to support the Foundation’s continued growth.

 

This is a high-impact, non-traditional nonprofit development role that blends corporate partner stewardship, major gifts relationship management, grant-partner oversight, and digital fundraising growth. While signature events contribute meaningfully to annual revenue, this role extends well beyond event execution and focuses on long-term donor strategy, partnership fulfillment, and sustainable revenue growth.

 

The Senior Development Manager will:

• Serve as the day-to-day steward of key corporate and funding partners
• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and major gift prospects
• Build systems and processes that bring structure and accountability to development operations
• Support digital and online giving growth initiatives
• Partner closely with the Executive Director on strategy, reporting, and organizational growth

 

This role requires a professional who thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment—someone who can “dot the i’s and cross the t’s” while maintaining momentum, exercising sound judgment, and elevating the Foundation’s brand and reputation among high-profile partners and stakeholders. The Senior Development Manager will work remotely and must have a willingness to travel minimally (approx. 10%).

 

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Corporate Partner & Major Donor Management

• Steward, manage, sustain, and grow existing corporate partnerships
• Serve as the primary day-to-day relationship manager for select corporate and major gift partners
• Ensure fulfillment of partnership agreements and contractual obligations
• Integrate visibility, activation, and value delivery for partners across WNYF assets and events
• Track, measure, and report impact quarterly and annually
• Build and manage a growing major gifts portfolio
• Anticipate partner needs and proactively identify opportunities to deepen engagement
• Maintain CRM records and reporting accuracy (Salesforce)

 

Grant & Nonprofit Partner Management

• Develop and implement systems for ongoing NGO and grant-partner management
• Manage communications with funded partners across the country
• Track outcomes, impact metrics, and storytelling opportunities
• Partner in refining and scaling the Why Not You “Space” model
• Research and recommend new communities and organizations for potential investment
• Maintain strong working knowledge of hospital institutions, local and national nonprofits, and community-based organizations

 

Development Operations & Infrastructure

• Help formalize development policies, procedures, and internal systems
• Create structure and accountability within fundraising operations
• Support annual reporting and third-party accreditations
• Provide strategic and operational partnership to the Executive Director
• Ensure disciplined follow-through and thoughtful execution across initiatives

 

Digital & Online Giving Strategy

• Identify opportunities to expand online giving and digital engagement
• Support strategy to grow donor commitment through digital channels
• Partner on social media and online presence initiatives that align with fundraising goals
• Evaluate digital performance and recommend growth strategies

 

Events & Special Initiatives

While not event-centric, this role will support strategic stewardship and partner integration across WNYF’s signature events, including:

• Annual Gala
• Golf Tournament
• Pickleball Tournament
• Special events and collaborative experiences

 

Candidate Qualifications

Required Experience & Background

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of nonprofit development, partnership management, or related experience
• Experience in corporate and/or foundation stewardship strongly preferred
• Experience managing or growing a major gifts portfolio
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations and project management principles
• Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to operate with multiple priorities and moving elements

Desired Competencies & Attributes

• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through
• Sound judgment—knows when to proceed cautiously without over-analyzing
• Proactive communicator with donors and executive leadership
• Comfortable operating among C-suite leaders, athletes, and high-profile stakeholders
• Understands brand value and reputation management
• Demonstrates poise, professionalism, and discretion
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a growth orientation
• Strong aptitude for digital fundraising and online engagement (preferred)
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment
• Embodies a “Why Not You?” attitude—confident, solutions-oriented, and mission-driven

 

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $95,000 – $110,000
• $5,000 annual healthcare stipend
• Opportunity for expanded benefits as the organization continues to scale
• Flexible, mission-driven work environment with occasional non-traditional hours

 

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Why Not You Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.