Chief Development Officer

Shore Community Services•Skokie, IL

3d•$100,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer leads the fundraising team in achieving ambitious contributed-income goals through data-driven strategies, including annual fund and planned giving. As a member of the Leadership Team, the CDO works closely with the Sr. Director of Philanthropy, senior leadership, and board leadership to secure sustainable, mission-aligned funding through relationship-building and personalized donor engagement. The role leads development strategy and fundraising activities, manages a portfolio of major-gift prospects, supports annual individual giving and planned giving, and collaborates on grants, donor communications, stewardship, and events. The position also participates in executive-level cross-functional planning and may require after-hours meetings and events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
At least 10 years of full-time professional fundraising experience.
Proven track record in donor stewardship, securing major gifts, and donor prospect research leading to new gifts.
Experience working with diverse groups of people and a deep commitment to advancing the organization’s values of Inclusion, Dignity, Autonomy, and Health & Safety.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead development strategy, set fundraising goals, and manage fundraising activities to collectively raise more than $1.2 million in annual support.
Prepare the annual fundraising budget, including revenue goals and division expenses, and track progress toward revenue goals.
Track activity in the donor database, produce monthly donor reports and analyses as needed, analyze fundraising results, and develop recommendations for future planning.
Participate as a member of the executive leadership team in planning and executing cross-functional strategy for all departments.
Collaborate on fundraising activities for annual individual giving, including family support, Circle of Caring monthly giving, and major gifts, with a focus on moving annual donors to higher giving levels.
Personally develop and manage a portfolio of prospects capable of making five- and six-figure annual gifts.
Qualify and cultivate prospects, targeted at 50% of the portfolio, for first-time and increased gifts.
Work with Board of Directors and community volunteers to solicit prospects, and coach team members to do the same.
Develop and oversee a major-gift prospect management system that tracks cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition.
Work with the Development team to plan annual donor stewardship events and other recognition or benefit opportunities to engage new donors and encourage increased gifts.
Expand awareness of the planned giving program, The Legacy Society, and qualify prospects for planned gifts.
Meet regularly with donors and prospective donors to share organizational activities and build relationships.
Collaborate in supporting grant development.
Conduct presentations and meet with donors as needed for grant proposals.
Contribute to outgoing development-division correspondence, including print and electronic communications such as newsletters and donor letters.
Participate in after-hours meetings and events as required.
Assist with event strategy and support the team in planning and executing events.