Director of Development
About Equality Illinois
Equality Illinois is the statewide civil rights organization advancing full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We are among the most impactful LGBTQ+ civil rights organizations in the country. In the past few years alone, we have led the passage of nearly 30 transformative laws and regulatory changes, galvanized over 10,000 people a year to take civic action with us, and secured nearly 1,000 pro-equality news stories about our work in earned media across the country.
Equality Illinois is a 501(c)(4) organization with an affiliated 501(c)(3) entity, Equality Illinois Institute. Combined, the two entities raise over $2 million each year. The organization is led by a diverse, dynamic, and impactful team of six full-time employees.
On behalf of 500,000 LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, Equality Illinois and the Equality Illinois Institute bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power across Illinois, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people. Equality Illinois advances civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating, and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those served.
MISSION
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and full acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
VISION
Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where all people live freely, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or gender expression.
Position Summary
Equality Illinois is seeking a full-time Director of Development. The Director will primarily serve as a community organizer for individual donors and corporate partners. They will build strong personal relationships with current and prospective donors, grounded in mutual respect, and deepen the connection between these donors and our work. Additionally, they will rally these donors—collectively and individually—to leverage their networks to grow the base of support for LGBTQ+ equality.
Essential Job Functions
The Director of Development is a leading and essential member of the eight-person staff at Equality Illinois. While they do not manage any direct reports, they indirectly lead and support volunteer and donor-driven events and programming related to fundraising and community engagement. This role will also be responsible for three primary work streams:
- Maintaining and growing our individual donor circle, the Capitol Club. The Capitol Club is a collective of donors contributing $1,200+, with the goal of stewarding existing donors (roughly 125 individuals/families) to increase membership to over 200 by the start of 2026 through friendraisers, strategic prospecting, and leveraging the networks of our current champions.
- Maintaining and growing our corporate partner program, the Illinois Equality Council (IEC). We currently have 35 businesses participating in our IEC with program attendance for events and meetings hovering around 25 attendees. By 2026, we would like to have 75 businesses participating with program attendance drawing 50 or more people for most programming.
- Providing lead direction and management of key strategic events, including our Annual Gala, Network For Equality, and Pride Month Kickoff.
Qualifications
The core skills a successful candidate must have are:
- A deep commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and the mission, philosophy, and goals of Equality Illinois.
- A skilled problem-solver and self-starter with a high degree of adaptability.
- The ability and drive to establish, maintain, and grow relationships within a wide range of donors.
- A strong background in tracking and reporting to effectively manage overlapping plans, budgets, goals, tasks, prospects/donors, programs, and events.
- The ability to effectively communicate with staff, donors, and stakeholders.
- Strong narrative and storytelling skills to convey a compelling narrative and call to action for donors.
- Ability to anticipate needs and hold people accountable in a respectful manner.
- Entrepreneurial skills that point to a pattern of evoking new strategies and calculated risks.
- A team-minded mentality demonstrated by partnering with colleagues.
- Willingness and ability to travel (20%) and work evenings and weekends as required.
Reporting Relationships
The Director of Development reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and has no direct reports.
Compensation + Benefits
The salary range for this position is approximately $90,000 - $100,000. Equality Illinois provides a competitive package of benefits to all eligible full-time employees beginning after the first full month of employment.
Location
The successful candidate must reside in or relocate to the Chicagoland region. This position initially requires onsite work at the Equality Illinois Office in Chicago, Illinois, with the opportunity to transition into a hybrid work structure after six months.
EEO + Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Equality Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.