Director of Donor Relations

Job Title: Director of Donor Relations Reports to: Chief Development Officer Program Area: Development FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt Hours: 40-hour workweek; including some night and weekend work Location: Men’s Center, 402 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60624 POSITION SUMMARY Director of Donor Relations will secure funds for the organization by bringing in new donors and managing a group of assigned donors, assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement. The role is also responsible for growing Breakthrough’s planned giving program, including identifying donors and engaging in cultivation. The role is responsible for participating in each step of the donor pipeline, including: identification; qualification through research; cultivation; briefing; request for support; and prompt follow up, stewardship, and recognition. The role will sit on a cross-departmental team that cultivates and strengthens relationships amongst individuals and institutions supporting Breakthrough, allowing individuals to fully see themselves as partners in the work. This team regularly collaborates on strategy, messaging, and event planning. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS Manage a portfolio of donors, including implementation of donor strategy for specific donors within the portfolio. This portfolio is inclusive of major individual donors (as defined by Breakthrough) and planned giving donors. This may also include individuals who represent family foundations. Design, grow, and manage the organization’s planned giving program, including bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred gifts Prepare a prospect pipeline and secure gifts of new donors Support and lead research and development efforts of major/mega donors, helping the team to understand who they are, their interest and past level of engagement with other organizations and where Breakthrough falls within their giving priorities In partnership with the entire team, develop customized solicitation strategies based on interests, motivations, and capacity, ensuring meaningful engagement and successful gift solicitation Utilize Breakthrough’s donor-focused technology for donor management, research, and communication Represent Breakthrough to external audiences Participate in and support the planning and execution of donor-focused events, including volunteer and fundraising events Collaborate on content and messaging for donor engagement Performs other duties as assigned Demonstrated Values Has a demonstrated value of diversity, equity and inclusion Independently follows agency policy and procedures Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines Identifies and resolves difficult issues Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming Promote wellness and customer care through all actions and behaviors Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations. A passion for the mission of Breakthrough QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university Minimum of ten (10) years’ professional experience in donor management and individual donor relations Expertise in the Chicago philanthropic landscape Experience with Salesforce preferred Must be able to develop and sustain relationships with external stakeholders Must be able to develop and articulate a strategic vision for program areas Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite Familiarity with the concepts of Restorative Justice practices Must maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Exceptional ability in donor relations and individual relationship management Proven experience in moves management and donor cultivation Experience in utilizing data and CRM platforms as part of the donor management strategy Demonstrated experience in crafting and executing fresh ideas for donor engagement Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and in a group; demonstrated leadership through managing others and projects Attention to detail, organization, and time management Self-starter and critical thinker with the ability to own projects with minimal direction and supervision Must possess and demonstrate an accurate and informed understanding of cultural competency, especially as related to housing, youth, families, equity, and community development Knowledge of program outcomes and deliverables Ability to establish credibility and be decisive - but also able to recognize and support the organization’s preferences and priorities Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to communicate well and respectfully with diverse audiences and to produce accurate and compelling written accounts of the organization’s programs and operations Ability and commitment to maintain high level of confidentiality Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving ability SUPERVISION Direction received from the Chief Development Officer Does not supervise employees PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an office located in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equipment Used The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems. Safety Requirements Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance. BENEFITS Medical - We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan chosen, there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren). Dental – We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit. Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit. Life - Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization. Short and long-term disability - If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization. 401 (k) Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary. Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis. Vacation Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization. Personal Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one. Sick Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one. COMPENSATION The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity. $85,000 - 90,000/annually Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us at HR@breakthrough.org. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Salary : $85,000 - $90,000