The Donor Relationship Director is responsible for overseeing a comprehensive development program, including individual and institutional giving, planned giving where appropriate, and data management through the donor database.
The ideal candidate is an effective fundraiser who thrives on the responsibility of driving an organization’s progress toward fundraising targets. Strong candidates will have at least 5 years of relevant experience and a proven track record in securing major gifts, the ability to develop and leverage the Board’s involvement, and the desire to cultivate community partnerships.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Planning (Approximately 25% of time)
Champion a culture of philanthropy, equipping staff and volunteers to leverage their skills and network to meet fundraising goals. Serve on the senior leadership team to ensure development is a shared goal of every staff member.
Partner with an external consultant and staff to create a multi-faceted fund development plan for all philanthropic activities, including major gifts, annual fund support, foundation and corporate giving, events, in-kind gifts, and sponsorships. Collaborate on the execution of all aspects of the plan and monitor progress to targets.
Mine data and assess the effectiveness of all fundraising programs, identifying appropriate metrics and reporting tools.
Individual & Planned Giving (Approximately 50% of time)
Develop and implement individual and planned giving strategies—annual fund appeals, events, and major donor activities—to achieve revenue goals.
Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in all aspects of the donor cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, including implementing effective cultivation and solicitation moves.
Foster meaningful relationships with donors, seeking to understand the impact they wish to have through their strategic giving.
Work with the Board of Directors to maximize their own giving potential and develop targeted strategies to cultivate their relationships with other donors/prospects.
Institutional Giving (Approximately 25% of time)
Manage existing relationships with institutional funders.
Update and oversee the annual grant calendar to ensure timely submissions.
Research, write, and submit foundation, corporate, and government proposals and reports. (Additional support is available for large federal and state grant proposals.)
Partner with External Engagement & Events Manager to grow corporate giving and sponsorships.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree required, and at least 5 years’ experience and strong fundraising outcomes.
Desire to be a change agent—both within the organization and local community.
Successful, verifiable individual giving results, including annual fund and major gifts.
Experience with foundation and corporate giving.
Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with different constituencies (e.g. community members, colleagues, organizational partners, donors, and Board members).
Track record of motivating and partnering with a Board of Directors in fundraising activities.
A goal-oriented person who is creative and self-directed.
Strong professional presence; ability to represent the organization well.
Comfortable using metrics and data to support fundraising plans.
Excitement about the mission of CYP.
Knowledge of the nonprofit landscape in Chicago is a definite plus.
Experience executing capital campaigns is a value add.
Chicago is a city of many neighborhoods, 77 to be exact. Youth who live in those that are tarnished by the ills of poverty and therefore are also areas of low opportunity suffer a substantial impact to their social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and behavioral development.
Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) endeavors to serve the comprehensive needs of each youth with an asset-based approach that intends to mitigate risks while building strengths. How do we do it? By making a long-term investment for a long-term impact. This investment begins as early as birth and lasts until age 25, when we expect our young adults to have successfully completed their post-secondary plans and be well on their way to establishing a life sustaining career.
