Major Gifts Officer - YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago - Chicago, IL

Major Gifts Officer
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago 

Chicago, IL

As a key member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Mission Advancement team, and reporting to the Senior Vice President of Mission Advancement, the Director of Major Gifts will be responsible for continue building a major gift program of individual donors who contribute $10,000 or more to support the Y’s highest priorities.

The Director of Major Gifts will interface, collaborate, and build relationships with key external constituencies (Metro board members, local board members, prospective donors, volunteers, key community leaders) and Y leaders to secure the financial support to enable the Y to fulfill its mission in an even more effective manner. This position will be filled by an experienced, energetic, strategic, creative, and dynamic fundraiser with a strong passion for and commitment to the mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

In this role, the Director of Major Gifts will develop and implement strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospective donors and donors and prospects. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the philanthropic community in Chicago and comfortable engaging with its members; and have previous work experience managing a portfolio comprised of high net worth individuals at a complex organization with multiple sites and programs. The Director will need to demonstrate the ability to work both independently and part of a team in a highly organized manner.

Scope of Responsibilities
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the Director of Major Gifts is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the major gifts program which is charged with raising outright and planned gifts of $10,000 or more from individuals to fund the Y’s key priorities that will ensure that the department’s budgeted goals are achieved.

To fulfill this mission, the Director will:

• Oversee the management of the entire pool of major and planned gift prospective donors, making sure goals are set for these people and actions are planned and executed to pursue them. The Director will have a personal portfolio of prospective donors to directly manage through the fundraising cycle. The Director will also staff the Y’s CEO, Y leaders, and key volunteers in all major gift activities including visits and events which will include providing background information on prospective donors and donors and key points to emphasize.
• The Director will work closely with board members to secure their own support and to work with them to develop and implement strategies to identify new prospective donors and move them to gift solicitation, closure, and stewardship.
• The Director will oversee the development and implementation of strategic engagement activities for small and large groups to qualify, cultivate and close gifts. The Director will also play a key role in major events such as the annual Recognition Dinner.
• In partnership with the Director of Development, the Director of Major Gifts will help lead an association-wide Individual Giving Initiative. The Director will work with Membership Center and Camp Executive Directors to identify major gift prospective donors and support their efforts to develop and implement strategies to move the prospective donors through the fundraising cycle to make gifts in support of core budgeted priorities.
• Working closely with members of the Mission Advancement staff and members of other Y units such as Learning & Evaluation, Youth Development, Community Operations, and Finance, the Director will support the continued refinement of the Y’s case for support. The Director will work with the Y’s CEO and its leaders to confirm a menu of major gift opportunities for prospective donors to consider.
• The Director will lead the efforts to re-institutionalize the Heritage Club which recognizes donors who have remembered the Y in their estate plans.
• The Director will work closely with the Director of Development to develop and implement stewardship strategies for major gift donors and members of the Heritage Club.
• The Director will need to prepare written documents (letters, proposals, email messages) to help cultivate, solicit, close, and steward prospective donors and donors.
• The Director will oversee major gift officers who are hired by a Center and/or a camp.
• The YMCA of Metro Chicago seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial fundraising professional with at least 5-7 years of experience in Development, including progressive, demonstrated experience in securing major gifts from individuals at the $10,000 level or above.

• S/he will have a demonstrated track record of successfully closing personal solicitations and meeting and exceeding fundraising goals; and working successfully with Boards and Committees on peer to peer solicitation strategy and implementation.
• S/he will be a high-energy leader who can drive engagement and is passionate and committed to the full mission and vision of the YMCA. Knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic community is highly preferred.
• S/he will have a demonstrated ability to collaborate internally and externally to facilitate leadership and support for major fund raising initiatives and events.
• S/he will have strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor complex plans, and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
• S/he will have a demonstrated capacity to develop and nurture long-term relationships between organizations and donors culminating in success of mission advancement goals.
• S/he will have excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to serve as an advocate/spokesperson for the organization and successfully tailor communications to audiences.
• S/he will have strong collaboration skills, with the ability to accept feedback and provide coaching and support to others in order to ensure the fulfillment of the Y’s mission.
• S/he will have an ability to creatively solve problems and overcome obstacles to success.
• S/he will be proficient in the use Microsoft Office Suite products; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or similar donor constituent software.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Sr. Development Associate- Forest Preserve Foundation - Chicago, IL

Senior Development Associate

Forest Preserve Foundation

Chicago, IL

The Forest Preserve’s Foundation’s mission is to engage in protecting and restoring the treasured natural habitats within the Forest Preserves of Cook County and to enhance the outdoor experiences of all communities.

The Foundation, which is an independent, 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, encourages and administers private gifts to further the Forest Preserves of Cook County's mission and goals.

In 2015, The Foundation adopted its first strategic plan to help guide its growth and impact over the next two years.

Scope of the Position

To support the Foundation’s leadership in fundraising, communications and administration activities aligned with its mission and strategic plan. Position requires an ability to effectively and successfully communicate the Forest Preserve Foundation’s mission, goals and accomplishments to others; fulfill Forest Preserve Foundation’s short and long-range fundraising needs and goals. This position reports to the Executive Director and supervises no staff.

The primary responsibilities of the position are:

Fundraising

• Conduct donor research, qualification and cultivation, and coordinate other fundraising efforts (donor relations, corporate sponsorships, fundraising special events, and planned giving) to help sustain the Foundation’s annual operating needs and accomplish its long-term fundraising goals.
• Identify prospective donors including individuals, corporations and foundations.
•  Support the implementation and expansion of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.
• Manage small prospect portfolio (including event sponsorship and tribute gifts).
• Solicit donors via face-to-face meetings, phone, written proposals, direct mail, etc.
• Plan and coordinate stewardship activities of donors.
• Maintain and improve donor databases and systems to: a) track contributions by project, by donor and by solicitation source; b) produce timely donor acknowledgements; and c) create reports as appropriate.
• Write/prepare grant proposals and reports, donor solicitations and campaign materials, and correspondence related to development activities.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and maintain prospect and donor portfolios.

Communications

• Work with Executive Director an annual communications plan.
• Develop and implement communications and information activities including producing newsletters, annual report, brochures, press releases and informational materials, and website development and maintenance.
• Develop and advance social media communications for the Foundation.
• Partner with Forest Preserves of Cook County and other entities, as appropriate, for mutual benefit to accomplish the Foundation’s mission and leverage resources. 

Administration

• Assist with staffing activities to the Board of Directors.
• Support implementation of the annual strategic plan.
• Skills and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree preferred).
• At least three years relevant experience including nonprofit fundraising (required); and communications, marketing, public relations, non-profit management (preferred).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office, desktop publishing (Adobe) and web-based software preferred.
• Ability to utilize internal and external tools to conduct prospect research – including Raiser’s Edge contact management database. 

Characteristics:

• Demonstrated experience with managing volunteer and donor relationships.
• High level personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent time management skills including ability to meet established goals and deadlines.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Ability to occasionally use personal vehicle as necessary in the performance of work-related activities – travel and mileage expenses will be reimbursed.
• Shared commitment to the Foundation’s mission and work.
• Ability to maintain strong, positive, collegial working relationships with staff, Board, and outside consultants and professional service providers.
• Ability to access to the Internet/email when not in the Foundation’s office.
• Must be willing to support an ethical, smooth and efficient working environment with staff, Board, funders and partners.

Benefits of the Position (following a 90 day probation period the following are available and offered to the successful candidate):

• This is a full-time position with potential for advancement.
• Starting salary commensurate with experience. Annual salary increases are based on performance metrics.
• Two weeks paid vacation to start.
• Health insurance stipend.
• Eligibility for enrollment in Foundation’s retirement plan after one year of employment.
• Training and career development opportunities available as annual budgets permit.
• Joining a young, dynamic and growing organization.

Forest Preserve Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and provides a smoke-free, drug-free work place.

Please mail or email letter of interest, current resume, brief writing sample(s) not to exceed three pages, and three references to:

Shelley A. Davis

President and Executive Director

Forest Preserve Foundation

69 W. Washington Street, Suite 2040

Chicago, IL 60602

shelley.davis@forestpreservefoundation.org

Position open until filled. Candidates will be notified regarding the status of their applications. For further information about the organization, please visit www.forestpreservefoundation.org