Senior Director of Development

New Life Centers of Chicagoland connects young people and their families to Christ and Community through mentoring, education, sports, restorative justice, and community care. New Life Centers operates in five neighborhoods in Chicago in the Little Village, Humboldt Park, Pilsen, Brighton Park, and Archer Heights communities of Chicago. Our holistic program model enables us to fulfill our Mission and Vision: Young people and their families connecting with Christ and Community through restorative justice, safe spaces, and life-on-life relationships to create the Beloved Community together.

Position Summary 

The Sr. Director of Development position is full-time, 40 hours per week (exempt, benefits eligible). This position plans, organizes, and directs NLC’s fundraising efforts. The Sr. Director of Development brings a strong record of leading successful fundraising initiatives and expertise across diverse revenue streams, including institutional and individual giving, major gifts, foundations, and corporate partnerships. This role engages and motivates donors and partners by articulating a compelling organizational vision and driving innovative approaches to expand NLC’s resource development. The Sr. Director of Development is highly data-driven, using analysis and metrics to inform strategy, optimize fundraising performance, and achieve organizational goals. This position leads the Development Department, reports to the Chief Operating Officer, and collaborates closely with the Executive Team and Board of Directors on all fundraising and development initiatives. Will require some local travel (reimbursable). Pay commensurate with experience. This position is mobile and in-person. 

Core Responsibilities

Development Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage the New Life Centers (NLC) Development Team, providing strategic direction, supervision, and collaboration.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with NLC’s mission, vision, and organizational goals.
• Design and execute an annual development plan with revenue projections, utilizing a mix of fundraising tactics including special events, direct mail, e-appeals, crowdfunding initiatives, online giving, and personal solicitation.
• Maintain accuracy of the development budget and spending plan.
• Ensure all legal, regulatory, and compliance-related fundraising and reporting requirements are satisfied.
• Participate in required evaluations, audits, and internal reviews related to development operations.
• Demonstrate and model New Life Centers’ values in all professional interactions and activities.

Donor Engagement, Major Gifts & Fundraising Programs

• Grow and manage a major gifts program including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and volunteer engagement.
• Establish and steward ongoing relationships with prospective and existing donors, supporters, and volunteers to deepen engagement and long-term commitment.
• Routinely follow up with donors and volunteers to monitor continued involvement and strengthen relationships.
• Create and maintain a pipeline of donors, organizations, churches, and community partners across all stages of engagement, up to full commitment.
• Develop a tiered donor engagement and marketing strategy based on donor capacity, qualification level, and giving history.
• Create strong, compelling fundraising messages that resonate with potential donors and supporters.
• Make strategic public appearances and accept speaking engagements to share NLC’s mission and impact, resulting in increased fundraising support.

Donor Stewardship & Recognition

• With the Development team, design and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship plan.
• Maintain and oversee a gift recognition program that appropriately acknowledges donor contributions.
• Share impact reports and stewardship communications regularly with donors and the Executive Team.
• Track donor experience and engagement using the Virtuous database and other data collection tools to continuously improve stewardship efforts.

Grants, Foundations & Corporate Giving

• Collaborate with the Grant Manager to lead the grant application and reporting process, including: 
• Determining eligibility and funding alignment
• Gathering required information and documentation
• Coordinating strategy meetings
• Tracking submission and reporting deadlines
• Communicating with funders and submitting reports
• Build and manage a portfolio of foundation and corporate funding opportunities, overseeing timelines, reporting requirements, budgets, and compliance.

Events & Campaign Management

• Direct annual fund programs, including mailings and fundraising drives.
• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising special events.
• Evaluate fundraising event performance and use data-driven insights to recommend and implement improvements.
• Identify prospects, organize outreach efforts, and execute multi-channel fundraising campaigns to meet revenue goals.

Data, Reporting & Systems Management

• Oversee fundraising databases and donor tracking systems, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising performance metrics, including revenue, donor retention, campaign effectiveness, and return on investment.
• Assess donor engagement trends and provide strategic recommendations to refine fundraising approaches.
• Provide regular monthly reports detailing fundraising progress, donor engagement, volunteer involvement, and pipeline status to leadership.
• Continue development and optimization of donor tracking and engagement systems utilizing Virtuous and other tools as needed.

Marketing, Communications & Digital Engagement

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to finalize and implement branding and communication strategies for staff and volunteers.
• Help develop and guide all fundraising-related messaging, including social media content and marketing materials.
• Work with web developers to maximize use of the NLC website to increase visibility and effectiveness of fundraising efforts.
• Ensure messaging is consistent, mission-aligned, and donor-centered across all channels.

Collaboration, Community Engagement & Culture

• Work closely with the Executive Team, Board of Directors, Board Development Committee, Development team, and NLC staff.
• Assist Development staff in identifying and pursuing strategic donor and partnership opportunities with organizations, churches, and community members.
• Work cross-culturally and communicate with understanding and respect across diverse communities, donors, and partners.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, and organizational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer.

Compliance & Eligibility

• Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter (training provided).
• Must pass all required background checks, including criminal, Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System, National Sex Offender Registry, and driving record.
• Must maintain confidentiality of participant information.
• Must have a working phone and phone number.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, and access to a vehicle required.
• Willingness to be trained and proficiently use organizational databases and tracking systems.

Professional Experience & Education

• 10 years of frontline progressive fundraising experience with a proven record of securing major gifts and high revenue.
• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred with roles focused on strategic growth, donor relations, and leading complex, high-performing development teams.
• Relevant coursework or field of study (fundraising, communications, or related).
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies, particularly major gifts and donor stewardship.
• Experience managing and motivating teams, board members, and volunteers.
• Familiarity with restorative justice, violence prevention, and youth development is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal, and cross-cultural).
• Excellent organizational, time management, and detail oriented skills with strong follow through.
• Strategic, goal-driven approach to donor cultivation, visits, and fundraising outreach.
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, multitask, and take initiative.
• Positive attitude with sound judgment, strong listening skills, and community-minded approach.

Technical & Communication Tools

• Proficiency in CRM systems, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong experience with social media and digital communication platforms.
• Comfortable creating presentations and guiding development of videos and other communication materials.

Additional

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

How to Apply 

Please submit the following materials 

• Cover letter indicating your experience and interest in the position 
• Resume 
• List of three references with contact information (minimum 2 professional references, email and phone number included) 
• Please mention the name of any New Life Centers staff who referred the position to you if applicable. 

New Life Centers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. New Life Centers complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 

*NLC does not provide visa sponsorship, including for F-1 STEM OPT.