Development Director

Family Rescue•Chicago, IL

13d•$111,000 - $113,000

About The Position

The Development Director will lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to increase private, unrestricted, and flexible funding. This role is critical in strengthening the organization’s financial sustainability and expanding its impact. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with a strong background in individual giving, major gifts, and donor engagement, as well as a deep commitment to equity and survivor-centered work. The Director works in close partnership with the CEO to raise Family Rescue’s profile in the funding community. This is more than a fundraising position—it is an opportunity to help reshape how resources flow to survivors. By increasing flexible and unrestricted funding, the Development Director will play a vital role in ensuring that support is accessible, responsive, and rooted in dignity.

Requirements

MA in Communication/Public Relations or related field with 5 years hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and resource development.
BA in Communication/Public Relations or related field with 7-10 years hands-on experience with nonprofit fundraising and resource development.
Demonstrated ability to lead a resource development department through growth and expansion.
Proven ability to secure major gifts and foundation and corporate funding.
Excellent writing and editing skills (especially related to funding proposals and applications) and strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with donors, grant makers, potential funders, staff, board members, and the public.
Ability to track, manage, and prioritize effectively while working on multiple projects.
Deadline driven.
Excellent verbal skills.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in nonprofit management a plus.
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred.
40-hour domestic violence training within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan and a long-range fundraising plan in conjunction with the CEO and Fundraising Committee.
Staff the board Fundraising Committee and provide regular resource development updates.
Assist in board development activities to support resource development.
Develop and report regularly on development metrics and progress towards goals.
Lead the writing and submission of grant requests, letters of intent, and applications for public and private funding.
Ensure issuance of essential documentation including grant agreements and acknowledgement letters.
Ensure the completion of all funder-required reporting.
Nurture relationships with current philanthropic and government funders.
Research, identify, cultivate, and nurture new and potential funding relationships to expand funding sources and opportunities. These should include government, philanthropy, corporations, and individuals.
Cultivate and steward donors, prospects, and institutional funders.
Oversee the creation of development-related communications, including donor solicitations, case-for-support materials, and promotional materials (e.g., annual reports, newsletters).
Coordinate key messaging and outcomes reporting to ensure accuracy and cross-department consistency.
Ensure consistent messaging and materials that inspire support.
Assist in the planning and execution of special events.
Oversee development operations (donor database, gift processing, acknowledgements).
Supervise the Development Associate.
Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the development database, Donor Perfect.
Develop a strong, strategic collaboration with the CEO to ensure a cohesive and influential fundraising strategy.
Work with program directors to ensure Family Rescue’s work and impact are reflected accurately and in a compelling way in fundraising materials and funding proposals.
Elevate the board’s understanding of their role in resource development and provide training as needed.