Director Development & Community Engagement

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS

NOW HIRING

Director, Development & Community Engagement

Full-Time | Exempt | Development & Community Engagement| Reports to: CEO & Executive Director

“To empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to fully engage in their communities as active, caring, responsible architects of their future.”

01 | POSITION AT A GLANCE

Location:

Springfield, Illinois

Reports To:

CEO & Executive Director

Employment:

Full-Time | Exempt | Benefits Eligible

Compensation:

$70,000 to $80,000 (commensurate with experience)

02 | ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the CEO & Executive Director, the Director, Development & Community Engagement is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for growing philanthropic support through donor cultivation, fundraising events and strategic partnership development. This position plays a key role in executing the annual resource development plan, managing a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors, and supporting the overall growth of private revenue.

The Director, Development & Community Engagement, works collaboratively with leadership, the Board of Directors, and volunteers to advance the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

This is an opportunity for a passionate, relationship-driven fundraising professional who wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people in our community.

ESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Donor Relations

•     Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors to meet annual fundraising goals.

•     Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects with an emphasis on regular, personalized contact to deepen engagement and increase giving.

•     Execute a comprehensive donor cultivation calendar, coordinating outreach, stewardship activities, and recognition for donors and prospects.

•     Grow the annual giving program through direct mail campaigns, personal solicitations, and digital outreach strategies.

•     Support the planning and implementation of major gift and planned giving solicitations in coordination with the CEO and Executive Director.

•     Coordinate all donor acknowledgment communications including appeal letters, thank-you notes, and impact reports.

Events & Community Engagement

•     Assist in planning and executing fundraising events and donor cultivation activities from concept through follow-up.

•     Represent the organization at community events, networking functions, and meetings with potential donors and partners.

•     Develop collaborative partnerships with local businesses, civic groups, and community organizations.

•     Social media responsibilities as well as media outreach

•     Develop and implement social media strategies across platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, etc.) aligned with overall marketing goals

•     Create, curate, and schedule engaging content including copy, graphics, and video

•     Build and maintain relationships with media contacts, journalists, and influencers for press coverage and partnership opportunities

•     Draft and distribute press releases, media pitches, and communications materials

•     Track, analyze, and report on social media KPIs and media coverage metrics

•     Monitor brand mentions, trends, and competitor activity to inform strategy

Planning, Reporting & Administration

•     Contribute to the annual Resource Development Plan and budget development process.

•     Track and report fundraising income; prepare variance reports and updates for leadership and the Board Development Committee.

•     Maintain accurate donor records in the database; ensure data integrity and effective use of CRM tools.

•     Monitor fundraising expenses and manage activities within established budget parameters.

Board & Volunteer Support

•     Support the CEO in positioning Board members to cultivate and solicit major gifts.

•     Staff the Board Resource Development Committee; prepare materials, record minutes, and follow up on action items.

•     Engage and support volunteers in stewardship and fundraising activities.

 | QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

✓ Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; CFRE a plus

✓ 3 years of professional fundraising experience

✓ Proven track record in donor cultivation & solicitation

✓ Social media and media outreach experience strongly preferred

✓ Nonprofit or youth development background preferred

Skills & Abilities

✓ Excellent written & verbal communication

✓ Donor database / CRM proficiency

✓ Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

✓ Strong organizational & project management skills

✓ Ability to maintain donor confidentiality

✓ Proficiency with social media and media relations

✓ Valid driver’s license; local travel required

Why Join Our Team?

🎓 Mission-Driven Work

Every dollar you raise directly supports programs that change the trajectory of young lives in our community.

📈 Professional Growth

Join a collaborative team with exposure to major gifts, events, grants, and board engagement.

🤝 Supportive Culture

We invest in our people — offering competitive compensation, benefits, and a team that celebrates impact together.

| HOW TO APPLY

We’d love to hear from you! 

Please submit the following to Debbie Thompson at alwaysonconsulting@outlook.com no later than April 23, 2026:

•     Cover letter describing your passion for development and marketing for youth development and relevant experience

•     Current resume

•     Two writing samples (donor communication and press release preferred)

•     Two professional references

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of credentials. Boys & Girls Clubs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois | 300 S. 15^th Street, Springfield, IL 62703 | 217-544-0548 | https://bgccil.org

This posting reflects the general nature of the position and is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities.