How do you become a senior development manager?

Aim for the best and believe to achieve it. -understand the role -work on the skills needed -create a development plan -connect with the right people -strategize your career -make valuable connections -learn people management skills Stay humble and be the leader you would want. Happy growing.

1. A bachelor's degree in a related field such as business administration, project management, engineering, or a specific area of development can provide a solid foundation 2. Gain experience in development management by working in entry-level or mid-level roles in project management or development teams 3. Deepen your understanding of the technical aspects related to your field of development. 4. As you progress in your career, focus on developing your leadership and management abilities. 5. Consider obtaining relevant certifications to enhance your credentials. For example, certifications in project management

Foster a Passion for Development At the heart of a Senior Development Manager is a deep passion for the field. Cultivate a genuine interest in development initiatives, whether it's in the realm of fundraising, project management, or community engagement. Passion fuels commitment, and commitment is the driving force behind every successful development manager.

The first 2 things on the list (assess your skills & expand your knowledge) should be considered as ongoing / life-long pursuits…to enjoy & embrace. As for being a “senior manager”, I might add, try to remember everything you’ve / we’ve learned (as “juniors”), as far back as we can remember…and make use of the many lessons we’ve learned along the way. With any luck, we should be able to make use of our “lessons learned” to either help & encourage others to focus on their strengths…or help them prevent making some of the errors we’ve learned from in errors on our paths Life is a journey, to enjoy, learn from, and share with others

I agree with each point noted above and with Shinbel’s added comment. In my opinion, a person that succeeds in the field of development probably didn’t ‘become’ the role but likely embodied the traits important to the role organically and innately. Feed your innate strengths and abilities through academic theory, self-learnings and apply them to your day to day activities. In the book Blink, Malcolm Gladwell describes that the Beatles started their career by performing with little to no audience. This is because they knew that to become the best required hours of practical experience. Food for thought. Marisa

Pursue Relevant Education and Training While there's no one-size-fits-all educational path, investing in relevant education lays a sturdy foundation. Pursue degrees or certifications in areas such as nonprofit management, project development, or fundraising. Continuous learning through workshops and conferences keeps you abreast of industry trends.

The best way to accomplish something is by doing it. If you don't have the necessary experience, you can consider doing an internship at a startup company, or volunteer your skills at your church or a charity.

A degree in the area of interest is the fundamental basis for developing any career. But the Long Life Learn philosophy and application of knowledge in practice will be your best allies.

?? While traditional learning resources remain valuable, the digital age has ushered in a new era of knowledge acquisition. Utilize AI-powered content curation tools to tailor your learning journey. These tools analyze your interests, competencies, and goals to recommend articles, courses, and webinars that align with your unique needs. Additionally, consider leveraging virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for immersive learning experiences, allowing you to practically apply your newfound knowledge in simulated environments.

Development - are we talking the aid and development industry? Or are we getting into the deeper elements of manager and leader roles where we are all looking to move beyond the cliche and superficial? How we work within and manage team dynamics in the organisational settings we all encounter? To consider ourselves managers with the capability to develop ourselves and others we have to cultivate the open, learning, styles when ever we can. Never compromising deadlines and delivery but always looking at how we learn in the different settings and challenges and, whenever time allows and energy is generated, being reflective and seeking fresh skills, knowledge, to support growth of expertise

Accrue Diverse Development Experience Diversity in experience is the secret sauce. Work across various facets of development — from grassroots projects to large-scale initiatives. This breadth of experience not only hones your skills but also provides valuable insights into the nuances of development management.

I would proactively seek greater responsibilities. Lead projects or teams to display my leadership, and business acumen. Drive improvements and innovative solutions, benefiting the organization and stakeholders. Actively seek feedback and recognition from managers, peers, and clients to validate your performance and achievements, reinforcing your capability for the senior role.

?? Demonstrating leadership potential often involves more than just volunteering for additional projects. Embrace AI-driven project management platforms that utilize predictive analytics to identify high-impact initiatives. These platforms can help you pinpoint projects that align with your strengths and career objectives. Furthermore, AI can aid in risk analysis, highlighting potential pitfalls and providing mitigation strategies, showcasing your strategic thinking capabilities.

Seek to work in settings where there is the open style to exchange and build. Find people with complementary skills to cross fertilise the learning and show you are able to take on specific elements where you have the confidence to deliver - success builds and breeds success and you will find more responsibility coming to you. Never be afraid to say - this is where I can achieve as is, and this is where I will need a bit of support. Responsibility fits with accountability

Master the Art of Relationship Building Development management is intrinsically tied to relationships — with donors, stakeholders, and the community. Master the art of building genuine connections. Cultivate relationships based on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to the goals of the organization.

I agree with the other comment. The power of building relationship is the key. This can take you further than any money. However, it must be of mutul benificial. You must bring something to the table. These days everyone wants to eat but no one want to prepare the table.

Networking is crucial, but AI-powered networking platforms can amplify your efforts. Machine learning algorithms can match you with professionals who share your interests and career aspirations. These platforms also provide real-time data on industry trends, allowing you to engage in conversations with up-to-date insights. Embrace AI chatbots to assist with initial networking interactions, ensuring that you make meaningful connections efficiently.

Seek Mentorship and Professional Networks Connect with mentors who have walked the path you aspire to tread. Seek guidance from experienced professionals in development management. Additionally, actively participate in professional networks, attend conferences, and engage in industry communities. Networking opens doors to opportunities and collaborative ventures.

Build your intellectual strength, develop your flexibility and stretch - always seeking to grow with an open mind - quality people worth working with and for will give you the opportunity to continue building positively

Actively pursue opportunities; when they're not readily available, take the initiative to create them. Engage in freelancing to showcase your skills, gain experience, and build a network. This proactive approach demonstrates your drive and adaptability, essential for career growth.

AI is transforming the job search process. AI-driven job matching platforms can provide you with job recommendations that align not only with your skills but also your cultural fit and career goals. Moreover, AI-powered resume optimization tools can help you create a resume that stands out to both human recruiters and automated applicant tracking systems. In the ever-evolving tech landscape, harnessing AI and advanced technology tools can provide you with a competitive edge on your journey to becoming a senior development manager. By integrating these technologies into your development strategy, you can adapt, learn, and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. ????

It's a strategic blend of academic expertise, practical experience, & leadership skills, gaining a deep understanding of organizational behavior, employee motivation, & performance. Actively engage in internships, projects, or roles that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. Cultivate strong communication & interpersonal skills, as collaboration & team management are integral. Progress through roles of increasing responsibility, demonstrating your ability to lead and drive organizational development initiatives. Seek continuous professional development, staying updated on industry trends, effective team management, and a comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics will position you for that role.

Pinnacle of Impactful Leadership Becoming a Senior Development Manager is not just a career progression; it's a journey of impactful leadership. By fostering a passion for development, acquiring diverse experiences, and continually refining your skills, you pave the way to the senior echelons of development management. Remember, the pinnacle of leadership is not just about reaching the top; it's about creating lasting impact and driving positive change in the realm of development.

Personally, returned to academic management and leadership mid-careers. Drawing through experiences, taking fresh perspectives on the art form decision making and applying the management science to how would develop with a new suite of tools and techniques. Always thinking about being a craftsperson, management is the art of building creatively on the science of design and development. Knowing we all need a full toolkit and, quite probably, other craftspeople to build something worthwhile.

Being proactive in facing challenges in any position you are in an organization is always welcome. Personal development is not a competition, but a consolidation of attitudes. Keep your mind open to giving and receiving help.