Regional Development Officer

This role presents a compelling opportunity for an experienced Regional Development Officer to advance a mission-driven, global educational organization with a strong commitment to access, excellence, and community impact. The position plays a critical role in securing philanthropic support that expands educational opportunity, strengthens cultural identity, and equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. Working closely with senior development leadership, the successful candidate will help drive major gifts strategy and build lasting relationships across a key regional market.

Key Responsibilities

Prospect Identification & Cultivation

Identify, research, and qualify prospective major gift donors within an assigned region, with a strong emphasis on building and maintaining a robust fundraising pipeline. Develop and execute thoughtful cultivation strategies tailored to individual donor interests and capacity.

Major Gifts Fundraising

Plan and execute major gifts strategies to achieve annual fundraising goals. Conduct donor outreach through in-person meetings, virtual engagement, written proposals, and follow-up communications to secure significant philanthropic commitments.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of gifts. Develop and implement stewardship plans that deepen donor engagement, reinforce impact, and support long-term relationships through regular updates and personalized communication.

Collaboration & Internal Partnership

Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer and development colleagues to align regional efforts with organizational priorities. Collaborate with program and leadership teams to understand funding needs, shape compelling case statements, and support regional and national events.

Reporting & Data Management

Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records within the organization’s CRM. Prepare fundraising activity reports, track progress toward goals, and analyze data to inform strategy and improve outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in major gifts fundraising, with a demonstrated record of securing significant donations.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor engagement strategies, and best practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
• High level of organization, project management capability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-oriented environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the assigned regional territory.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with donor databases and CRM platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with or experience engaging Jewish communal organizations and networks is desirable.
• MUST reside in Chicago.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Demonstrated passion for education, community impact, and mission-driven work.
• Strategic, proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate challenges and identify opportunities.
• Relationship-oriented approach with strong emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity.
• Collaborative leadership style that effectively bridges fundraising, communications, and programmatic teams.
• Professional presence and credibility when engaging senior donors, partners, and community leaders.

Work Environment & Benefits

• The organization offers a collaborative, values-driven work environment that emphasizes purpose, professional excellence, and respect for work-life integration. The compensation and benefits package includes:
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Paid family leave and generous paid time off.
• Commuter benefits.
• Observance of Jewish holidays and shortened Friday work hours.