What: The Director of Development will be an early-to-mid career professional with a track record of success who is ready to lead and implement all the fundraising efforts of a nonprofit. This professional will have the ability to get things done in a fast-paced, growth-oriented setting and will work closely with the Executive Director and senior staff to strengthen core operations and secure the resources needed to make our work successful and our organization sustainable. Responsibilities include:
- Management of all development activities (25%)
- Set and follow an annual fundraising plan
- Manage a portfolio of individual and institutional donors and prospects
- Coordinate with internal finance, program, and executive staff to ensure organizational financial and program needs are integrated into annual fundraising plans
- Maintain Salesforce database of all donors and funders
- Provide support to Capital Campaign consultant
- Periodic reporting to board and Executive Director II. Prepare and submit all grant proposals and reports (45%)
- Lead strategy, planning, scheduling, writing, and submission of all grant-related materials, including letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports, to secure renewals and increase institutional giving
- Explore potential funders and donors, especially untapped corporate, church, civic, and family foundations
- Work closely with Executive Director, finance, and program staff to identify program goals, outcomes, activities, and budgets and ensure submissions reflect these needs and goals III. Cultivation, stewardship, and external relations (30%)
- Plan and execute Annual Fund
- Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events (with support staff and Young Professionals Board), taking leadership on renewing and securing new sponsors
- Conduct prospective donor research and recommend cultivation strategies to build a pipeline to increase giving across revenue streams
- Create and execute strategies to more authentically and regularly engage current and prospective donors, clients, and partners in our work
- Develop and execute strategy for building our brand through social media
- Manage regular updates to our website (with technical support provided)
- Collaboratively create and produce regular communications that tell our story in inspiring and innovative ways, which currently includes a monthly e-newsletter
- A bachelor’s degree is required, master’s preferred, plus at least 4 years working in fund development in a nonprofit
- Because LCLC is heavily funded by institutions, familiarity with institutional giving in Chicago, strong grant writing skills, and experience with various funder submission systems are essential; applicants with no grantwriting experience will not be considered
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
- Track record of success in fundraising, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement in a nonprofit, public, or civic setting, especially related to institutional giving and grant writing
- Time management skills and ability to manage priorities and workflow
- Good judgment, with the ability to make timely and sound decisions and a high level of integrity and trustworthiness
- Ability to collaborate with senior civic and corporate leaders and major donors
- High degree of computer literacy and demonstrated ability to learn new programs
- Understanding of and commitment to LCLC’s mission