What: The Mom Project is thrilled to partner with a Non-Profit in Downtown Chicago who is a faith-based organization that works with communities to address issues of racism and poverty. They are seeking a full-time (35 hour/week+ 1 day a week remote) Director of Development and Communications to join their team.
The typical work week for this role is from 9:30am-4pm Mon-Thurs in the office and Fridays are allocated for remote work capabilities. The client is very flexible if candidate requires additional scheduling needs.
The Director of Development and Communications plans and executes the client's fundraising and communications short-term and long-term goals. This position provides leadership and strategic counsel through collaboration, strategy, planning and execution. The Director of Development and Communications is the central staff member working closely with the Deputy Director, Executive Director, senior leadership team and board members to execute all fundraising and communication goals.
The Director will design a campaign framework for ongoing financial support, directing all fundraising activities related to securing grants/contributions from foundations and individuals and leading the organization’s communications strategy. The director will be a professional who has mastered front-line relationship building, soliciting, developing long range and strategic plans for increasing institutional giving support and expanding the client's funding base. This position requires a combination of extensive development and communications skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work collaboratively with the executive and senior leadership team and the Board of Directors to implement the annual development and communications plan, to guide growth in resource development and brand management activities; work with leadership staff and board of Directors to cultivate relationships with current and potential funders;
- Hire, manage, train and evaluate Development and Communications staff and volunteers
- Identify and implement ways to improve or increase the quality and production for the departmental work directed.
- Provide leadership to development and communications staff, develop and set individual and team performance goals to manage/drive change.
- Guide and manage the grant, congregational, and individual donor solicitation process (including proposal/report writing) in a timely manner, while managing the grants calendar, ensuring compliance, accountability and integrity.
- Work in collaboration with senior leadership to manage all organization fundraising and educational events, such as the Annual Awards Luncheon, Annual Meeting, and private parties.
- Drive the organization's communications activities including media relations, maintenance and development of the organization's website, and social media platforms; and the production of newsletters, annual reports, and other marketing materials.
- Develop, monitor and administer department budget, work plans and reports, including the collection and tracking of development and communications related data. - Work closely with two ad hoc committees of the Board of Directors, the Development Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee.
- Assist with identification of prospective board members, program advisory and development committee members.
- Resource the Board of Directors in meeting their collective fundraising commitments to the organization.
- Provide fundraising training to program staff, board of directors and when necessary volunteers.
- Work with senior leadership regarding programmatic work evaluation for current and- prospect funding and viability for funding.
- Attend Board of Directors meetings and provide fundraising status reports and other strategy progress.
- Manage and maintain philanthropic relationships with the funding community.
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus.
- Fluent in English, and fluency in Spanish is a huge plus.
- Minimum of six years of development and communications experience, ideally in a lead team role.
- Extensive grant writing experience
- Familiarity with local, regional and national funders who are interested in social change.
- Proven track record in raising funds both independently and cooperatively with staff, Board of Directors and volunteers.
- Knowledge of information systems, online proposal systems, and online reporting systems necessary.
- Supervisory experience of at least one year required
- Comfort and proficiency in working with budgets and financial reporting.
- Experience with fundraising techniques, including using technology and systems to manage the development process and implement fundraising strategies.
- The organization recently went through a re-org, so past experience with change management of a team is a plus.
- Ability to compellingly articulate organization’s mission and programs
- Experience working with people of various faiths and economic status.
- Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies.
- Must exhibit sound judgment and exercise diplomacy.
- Must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work appropriately and adapt easily to changing priorities.
- Ability to interact skillfully with high-level foundation program officers and individual donors.
- 35 hour work week
- 1 day/week remote
- Comprehensive health, vision, dental insurance package
- 30+ PTO days/annually
- Onsite fitness center membership option
- Passionate, mission-driven team