Paws and Claws Cat Rescue is a nonprofit rescue saving felines from euthanasia. We are looking for a dedicated, energetic full-time development and fundraising professional who will help take the organization to its next financial stage. Paws and Claws has rescued more than 1,100 cats from 40 different municipal shelters across the Midwest and southern part of the United States since its founding in 2020. Paws and Claws operates an Adoption Center in Evanston in addition to utilizing foster homes to care for felines.

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the leadership team and will be responsible for creating the foundation, expanding and maintaining a funding base for this new, quickly growing nonprofit organization.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward, corporate donations and philanthropic support from corporations, foundations and individuals in support of Paws and Claws’ mission and objectives
• Create and execute a strategy for a base of annual individual donors
• Create and execute a yearly fundraising plan
• Build a donor communications plan that fosters long term donor support and ensures donors are informed and appreciated.
• Manage Bloomerang database and oversee data entry and gift processing
• Lead and support the identification and moves management of revenue opportunities
• Write grant proposals, appeal letters, donor communications, newsletters, and reports
• Actively pursue and manage corporate and individual leads
• Foster strong donor and sponsor stewardship
• Seek, apply for and manage grant funding
• Network at selected community and leadership events
• Create and distribute donor acknowledgements.

Requirements:

• BA/BS or equivalent
• Minimum of 3-5 years in development or fundraising
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Able to quickly pick up various technology platforms including CRM software, Google Docs, Excel, and more
• Able to work independently and quickly in an organized fashion
• Passionate about Paws and Claws and its work including comfort working in an office in a fast paced animal shelter setting
• Willing to meet donors in the Chicagoland area

This position is hybrid and requires days onsite at our Adoption Center in Evanston with the option to work from home the remaining days.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of several successful years fundraising, is a self-starter, and understands the important role of development within an organization. They should be ready to hit the ground running, taking an approach that will bring in strong support. Reports to the Executive Director.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $32,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Why do you feel you would be a good fit for this role?
• How many years of majors gifts experience do you have?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Evanston, IL 60202