Director of Development at The Exeter Group

The Director of Development is responsible for developing and executing the fundraising and donor relations strategies for our client. Reporting to the CEO, they oversee all aspects of individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, grant management, and donor stewardship activities. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong communication and fundraising skills to advance our client’s mission and financial sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development and Implementation
• • Collaborate with the executive team and other key stakeholders to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities and strategic initiatives and devise performance metrics.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and annual development plans to achieve fundraising goals objectives.
  • Support sustainability model and conduct research to identify potential funding sources, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
  • Conduct ongoing analysis of fundraising trends, donor demographics, and market opportunities to inform strategic decision-making, value proposition, and resource allocation.
• Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management:
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, foundation funders, and other key stakeholders to maximize philanthropic support.
  • Personally manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to secure significant gifts and achieve annual performance metrics.
  • Oversee the development and execution of donor engagement strategies, including events, communications, and recognition opportunities.
  • Represent the organization externally, serving as a spokesperson and ambassador at community events, conferences, and donor meetings to promote awareness and support.
• Grant Acquisition and Management
  • Collaborate with the executive team and other key stakeholders to identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities and ensure alignment between grant activities and programmatic goals.
  • Prepare compelling grant proposals, grant reports, and other fundraising materials to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government entities.
  • Manage the grant application process, including prospect research, proposal writing, budget development, and submission deadlines.
  • Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting deadlines, and stewardship obligations to foundation and government funders.
• Fundraising Campaigns and Events:
  • Coordinate fundraising campaigns and events, including annual appeals, online giving campaigns, and special events.
  • Develop marketing materials, solicitation letters, and promotional strategies to maximize participation and donations.
  • Oversee event logistics, volunteer coordination, and donor recognition activities to ensure successful outcomes.
• Database Management and Financial Reporting:
  • Develop and manage the development budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and revenue projections.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the fundraising database, including gift processing, acknowledgment letters, and donor communication preferences.
  • Generate regular reports and analyses to evaluate fundraising performance, track donor metrics, and inform strategic decision-making.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to reconcile donations, track revenue projections, and prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public health, communications, business administration, or related field required. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related field, with a proven track record of securing grants and donations required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, inspire trust, and effectively engage donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising appeals, grant proposals, and donor communications.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies, including donor-centric approaches and innovative tactics.
• Knowledge of best practices in fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship, as well as familiarity with fundraising software and CRM databases.
• Knowledge of public health issues, community development, and social determinants of health is a plus.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of our client and dedication to promoting health equity and social justice on the South Side of Chicago.