Director of Development

Salary - $95,000 - $100,000

About Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS)

Chicago Methodist Senior Services is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing an array of programs and services to older adults across Chicagoland.

POSITION SUMMARY

CMSS is seeking an experienced, passionate, and collaborative relationship-builder to serve as our development expert. The Director of Development will work across departments to translate our increasing community impact into sustainable growth. Reporting to the COO, with active support from the CEO and Board, the Director will be responsible for the implementation of all fundraising activities and the leadership of the development team.

The successful candidate will oversee an operational infrastructure capable of scaling our annual fundraising goal from approximately $600,000 to $1 million over the next five years. This will be achieved through the strategic solicitation of individuals, foundations, and corporations, alongside the execution of high-impact annual appeals and special events. This role bridges the gap between organizational vision and revenue, executing our current strategic plan while establishing a future fundraising roadmap to capitalize on our evolving mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUCNTIONS

Strategic Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy in partnership with the CEO, CMSS Leadership, and Board of Directors to reach the $1 million annual giving goal by 2031.
• Develop high-impact grant proposals for existing and new funders from foundation, corporate, and government sources by identifying service gaps with department heads.
• Work closely with program leads to monitor and track programmatic goals to ensure all grant-funded requirements are documented and met.
• Manage annual fundraising events, including the Spring Concert and Fall Fundraiser, to maximize revenue and organizational impact storytelling.
• Partner with the marketing team to produce and deliver annual impact report.
• Implement a multi-channel donor stewardship strategy to deepen engagement with current supporters and new prospects.
• Launch a formal planned-giving program tailored to the organization's unique family network and community.

Board & Leadership

• Partner CMSS Leadership and Board of Directors, and Development Committee to drive initiatives and meet organizational giving goals.
• Support the Nominating Committee in identifying and cultivating new Board members who bring mission-aligned leadership to the organization.
• Serve as a key external spokesperson to build a broader bench of voices for relationship building and community outreach.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-performing fundraising staff focused on professional growth and goal attainment.

Infrastructure & Operations

• Ensure strong back-office processes and infrastructure, including CRM management, prospect research, and the master grant calendar.
• Institutionalize data-driven reporting, including quarterly board reports on revenue and strategic progress.
• Create and manage the annual fundraising department budget to ensure efficient resource allocation and a high ROI.
• Facilitate weekly strategy sessions with the CEO and key staff to ensure absolute alignment on the fundraising pipeline.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience in and ability to be successful in solicitation outcomes
• Ability to build and maintain meaningful rapport with donors
• Open to feedback and insight to move work forward
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives
• Ability to work both independently and with a team
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Passion for CMS mission: has the energy, enthusiasm, and ability to tell the CMSS story in a compelling fashion to current and potential donors
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising software (DonorPerfect or equivalent)
• Available for some travel throughout the Chicago area
• Must be knowledgeable in current PC applications and use computer proficiently
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong aptitude for written and verbal correspondene
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS and EXPERIENCE

• Five (5) or more years of non-profit fundraising/advancement experience with a track record in stewading major donors and security 5- and 6-figure major gifts
• Bachelor's Degree; advanced degree preferred
• On-the-job training provided

CMSS offers the following benefits to our amazing employees

• Competitive Pay
• Sick Pay
• Vacation and holiday pay
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) & Roth Retirement Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pay: $95,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $100,000