Director of Development and Donor Relations

Illinois Legal Aid Online • Chicago, IL

1d • $95,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) seeks a full-time Director of Development and Donor Relations to lead and grow its fundraising program during an exciting period of organizational expansion. Since 2021, ILAO has nearly doubled its budget, from under $2 million to nearly $4 million projected next fiscal year.
This role will lead ILAO’s development strategy with a strong focus on donor stewardship and relationship-based fundraising, while also growing unrestricted support from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. Working closely with ILAO’s operational team, the Director will increase ILAO’s visibility and engagement with donors and other stakeholders across Illinois.
The Director of Development and Donor Relations will oversee all fundraising and donor relations efforts, supervise development consultants and staff, activate ILAO’s Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board, and collaborate with staff and board members to advance ILAO’s mission and communicate ILAO’s unique value proposition.

This is a hybrid position, with an expectation of working from ILAO’s Chicago office 1 day per week and participating in regular in-person donor and stakeholder meetings.
This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Deputy, Finance, and External Relations Directors, the Board of Directors, and the Young Professionals Board.
Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. Working with great people from diverse lived experiences brings us closer to our vision of a society where all people can get justice. Because our services and products - like the law - are for everyone, we believe in including everyone. We strongly and enthusiastically encourage people of color, individuals who identify within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, women, and people with disabilities to apply.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of experience in a frontline development position with a proven track record of cultivating philanthropic relationships and soliciting and closing sponsorships, grants, and gifts.
• Experience managing and leading a range of special events of varying sizes and duties.
• Experience using a CRM and email marketing platform and working with external stakeholders.
• Experience administering government and foundation grants.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating with and managing vendors, consultants, and other independent contractors.
• Demonstrated commitment to ILAO’s user base, including working with people with a variety of lived experiences.
• Experience supervising and supporting staff, including providing direction, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative, accountable environment.
• Authentic ability to present about and represent ILAO in a compelling and professional manner and to inspire and generate enthusiasm among donors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders in a variety of in-person and virtual settings.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the talent to cultivate warm, collaborative relationships.
• Enthusiasm for talking to donors and prospective donors, and soliciting them.
• Self-motivated and strong attention to detail.
• Prioritizes multiple projects effectively, pivoting when needed, and completes responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Proficient computer skills, including Google Workspace and related tools, and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Team collaborator and transparent communicator with colleagues.

Nice To Haves

• Strong relationships with donors, funders, and other thought leaders in the Illinois philanthropic community.
• Experience working with Illinois-based private and public foundations.
• Experience with legal aid, law firms, or access to justice issues.
• Experience with Salesforce and Mailchimp.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead the execution of an annual fundraising plan and calendar that reflects ILAO’s goals, priorities, and capacity, including a persuasive case for support.
• Manage cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with new and existing individual and corporate donors.
• Research and pursue long-term relationships with new and existing foundations, agencies, and public and private institutions.
• Successfully execute signature events, including the Light in the Night annual benefit and the annual Beer & Cheese event.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Board’s Fund Development Committee, assist the Executive Director in supporting the Board of Directors, onboard new members, prepare for quarterly meetings, and serve as a point of contact for Board member needs.
• Support ILAO’s Young Professionals Board, including overseeing their fundraising activities, deepening engagement with ILAO’s staff and Board, and building community.
• Conduct grant stewardship (tracking, drafting, and submitting applications and reporting) for ongoing grants.
• Manage gift entry and acknowledgement process for donors using Salesforce.
• Via in-person, virtual, and phone meetings, represent ILAO to external stakeholders and effectively communicate ILAO’s impact and case for support.

Benefits

• health and dental insurance
• life insurance
• long-term and short-term disability insurance
• health and dependent care flex spending account
• 15 paid days off and 15 holidays in the first calendar year of employment
• 403(b) retirement plan, to which ILAO contributes a required 1% of salary monthly
• flexible workplace policy that supports remote work, wellness, and work-life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed