Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 annually

Position Summary:
The Director of Development will create and execute an ambitious fundraising vision for The Bloc. This role requires mastery of individual giving strategies, donor stewardship, events, government and institutional grants, and events. The ideal candidate will have personal magnetism that enables them to be the second face of our fundraising efforts, next to only the Executive Director, driving relationships from initial meetings to long-term contributions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals through individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, earned income, special events, institutional grants, and other funding sources.
• Donor Stewardship: Oversee donor stewardship plans to ensure all donors are appreciated and informed about the impact of their contributions. Foster long-term relationships with existing donors while identifying and cultivating new donors. Generate donor communications, newsletters, and reports.
• Team Leadership: Cast a compelling vision to guide development. Lead and mentor the development team, including the development manager, contractors, and any additional fundraising staff. Foster a collaborative, values-aligned, results-driven team culture.
• Event Management: Plan and execute fundraising events that engage the community and raise funds.
• Board Engagement: Support the Executive Director in engaging the Board of Directors to reach fundraising goals.
• Public Relations: Serve as an ambassador for The Bloc, representing the organization at events, meetings, and other public engagements. Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders.
• Data Management: Utilize fundraising data and analytics to inform strategy and measure success.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the development department budget. Monitor expenses and ensure cost-effective use of resources.
• Strategic Leadership: Serve as an organizational leader on the executive team.

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts, generating leads, and meeting fundraising goals.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a team.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop compelling fundraising materials.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to draw conclusions from data and experiences to impact the strategic direction of the department and optimize results.
• Integrity: High ethical standards—ensuring all fundraising practices align with our values and remain affirming of our community.
• Passion: Deep commitment to The Bloc’s mission and values, with a passion for empowering youth and fostering community development.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Certifications: CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or other relevant certifications.
• Network: Established network of contacts in the Chicago philanthropic community.
• Technology: Proficiency in donor management software and fundraising platforms.