Description

Director of Development

MISSION:

Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement. 

At Gads Hill Center we envision a community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children and families through early childhood education, youth programs, and mental health supports. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center builds a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education to succeed in school and life.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Development and Communications is a senior staff position ensuring the achievement of fundraising and communication goals of Gads Hill Center through planning and execution. The individual reports to the COO and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Board Members to establish and achieve the fundraising goals. The Director will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive and strategic fundraising plan that includes grants from the government, private foundations, corporate sponsorships, individual donors, special events, and special campaigns.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events. This involves identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors, and planning and executing special events that engage donors and raise funds for the organization.

Lead a team of fundraising professionals, providing guidance, training, and support as needed. This includes setting goals and expectations for individual team members, monitoring performance, and providing feedback to ensure that fundraising goals are met or exceeded.

Develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials. This involves developing a compelling message that resonates with potential donors, creating donor recognition programs, and crafting targeted appeals that drive donations.

Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop fundraising strategies and goals that align with the organization’s mission. This involves presenting fundraising plans and performance metrics to the Board of Directors and working with the CEO to ensure that fundraising activities are aligned with the organization’s overall strategic plan.

Analyze and monitor fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed. This involves tracking donor engagement and retention rates, analyzing revenue streams, and making data-driven decisions that help the organization achieve its fundraising goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will have experience in nonprofit fundraising and a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth.

1. Proven success in leading fundraising work for a nonprofit with a budget of $15 million and up.
2. Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience in donor development.
3. Proven track record in cultivation, solicitation, and closing of corporate foundation grants and five-figure individual gifts.
4. Experience supervising and leading staff and coordinating with peers to achieve goals.
5. Experience in planning, leading, and managing development projects, as well as reporting progress to senior management and the Board of Directors.
6. Highly effective interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
7. Skilled in creating powerful, compelling written and oral communications for fundraising.
8. Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans and ability to translate plans into concrete goals and measurable outcomes.
9. Proficiency in Word, Excel, Salesforce, Donor Perfect, and/or similar fundraising software.
10. Flexible time is needed for donor cultivation and events.
11. Familiarity with Chicago’s funders and nonprofit landscape is a plus.
12. Ability to pass a criminal background check and child abuse/neglect registry check.

 BENEFITS:

1. Competitive Salary
2. Generous Paid Time Off
3. 10 Paid Holidays
4. 403B Plan (Up to 5% match following 2 years of employment)
5. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
6. Employee Assistance Program
7. Employer Paid Short-Term/Long Term Disability
8. Employer Paid Life Insurance
9. Supplemental Coverage Options Available

POSITION DETAILS:

• Salary: $100,000-$115,000
• Schedule: Full time
• Location: 1919 W. Cullerton, Chicago, IL 60608

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

To apply, please visit our careers page at www.gadshillcenter.org/careers and submit your resume and cover letter.

Qualifications