Director of Development

Chicago, IL, United States

Type : Full-Time

Reports to : Chief Executive Officer

Office Location : 1801 W. Warner, Suite 202, Chicago IL; required in-office minimum of 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change)

Background:

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey.

Who We Are Looking For:

The Director of Development supports NAMI Chicago's mission by creating, driving and supporting the strategy and execution of NAMI Chicago's fundraising efforts. The Director of Development is the primary person responsible for day-to-day management of assigned fundraising activities and for hands-on implementation and conclusion of assigned fundraising plans and initiatives. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Development manages the development team members responsible for fundraising events and initiatives. The Director of Development also develops and maintains relationships with donors, seeks new donors and sponsors and assists in the creation of grant proposals. The ideal candidate is an effective project manager with experience in fundraising, event planning, managing grants, developing and maintaining donor relationships and team leadership.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Manage the overall development program to secure annual operating budget.

• Assume full responsibility for various fundraising efforts including product sales, obtaining items for auction, and acquiring donations.

• Assist developing event opportunities.

• Assist executive leadership in development of strategic fundraising goals and work to achieve and surpass said goals.

• Work with development team to manage project workflow; oversee day-to-day milestones for projects.

• Track fundraising income through Donor Database software; reconcile data on a monthly basis

• Assess gaps in giving from corporations, foundations, and grants and develop strategies to improve in those areas.

• Recognize contributions with acknowledgment letters and special recognition events.

• Weekly review of development staff visits, calls, meetings with donors, and partners, foundations etc.; Making sure the development staff are in the field and tracking visits and meetings through our CRM system.

• Compile reports as needed for executive leadership and board committees.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Annual Campaign

• Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with major donor prospects.

• Research and identify prospective new donors and proactively initiate sponsorship and funding.

• Solicit gifts as appropriate in conjunction with the VP of External Affairs, CEO and/or board members.

• In collaboration with CEO and the VP of External Affairs, help recruit and develop Development Committee members, identification of potential board members, training and onboarding in conjunction with the Fundraising and Board Development Committees.

• In collaboration with senior leaders, liaise with board members to support their individual fundraising efforts

• Assist in grant writing as needed

Fundraising Events

• Establish a realistic budget for events and account for anticipated fundraising outcomes.

• Coordinate all aspects of fundraising events and activities from planning to execution.

• Work with staff and development contractors to promote fundraising events and to enhance and sustain NAMI Chicago messaging.

Execute against a detailed workplan for all events, driving towards revenue goals and other established success metrics.

Requirements

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge & experience developing, managing, scenario planning, and raising funds to support multi-million dollar organizational budgets.

Planning, Organizing and Executing - Ability to track multiple projects and complex grant contracts.

Interpersonal & Communications - Strong communication skills and ability to manage a team towards fundraising best practices.

Teamwork & Collaboration - Collaborative approach to work to drive organizational outcomes.

Flexibility & Adaptability - Ability to manage effectively in a growing organization with new complexities in funding.

Management of Others - Ability to effectively manage a team towards firm deadlines and necessary compliance.

Analysis & Problem Solving - Approaches work with a solutions-focused to analyze fundraising data and problem-solve.

Exercising Sound Judgement - Thoughtfully analyzes situations and challenges to arrive at sound decisions.

Time Management - Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time and complete projects in a fast-paced, changing environment with minimal supervision.

Qualifications & Requirements: Education: Bachelors degree required; Masters Degree preferred.

6+ years of experience working in marketing and development

Computer Skills: Proficiency Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word. Proficiency in Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by NAMI Chicago

Available Benefits: Compensation range begins at $100,000/year and is commensurate with experience

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits

Company Sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance

Unmatched 401k Program

Company sponsored wellness activities

NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer, we welcome and encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Veterans, Differently Abled, Returning Citizens and All Who Are Dedicated to Mental Health to Apply.

Covid-19 Note: In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from NAMI Chicago, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination and booster upon eligibility. You may apply for a Medical or Religious Exemption in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.