Director of Development & Fundraising

KO Business Solutions • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

KO Business Solutions is proud to work with a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to construction advocacy, training, and membership organization, focused on promoting diversity and creating a network of construction leaders with equitable opportunities aimed at transforming communities. They offer training, business capacity, and workforce development programs aimed at strengthening and diversifying the industry. Our client is seeking a Director of Development: a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to support the organization’s growth and advance the organization’s mission. The Director of Development will cultivate, solicit and steward six-to seven-figure contributions from philanthropists, foundations, government entities, and corporations. In partnership with the Executive Director, this role leads and manages the short- and long-term strategy to grow the Organization. This individual will drive strategy as well as provide leadership and management of the planning and execution of fundraising and development for the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required
• 7+ years of experience or equivalent combination considered
• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, development, and donor relations
• Proven track record of cultivating and closing gifts/securing funding of at least $250k annually
• Strong understanding of fundraising within workforce development, small business capacity programming, and/or economic development

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year fundraising plan to align with the organization’s priorities.
• Serve as the lead for development strategies across both entities.
• Implement a strong stewardship plan for intentional, ongoing relationship management with donors to maintain trust.
• Track progress towards goals and provide regular reporting and analysis to leadership and board of directors.
• Build and manage relationships with prospects and donors through visits, correspondence, and regular communication.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors including preparing for meetings, collateral creation and follow-up communication.
• Lead the development of funding proposals and track submittals.
• Lead all aspects of major gift fundraising, including donor research, engagement strategies, solicitation planning, and follow-up.
• Closely collaborates with Grant Manager to ensure all reports are properly submitted to remain in compliance.
• Create and lead grant writing, research and submittal process.
• Lead the respond to notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs), including developing all content for proposals as needed to secure financial support from government, foundations, and corporations.
• Collaborate with the Grants Manager to ensure compliance, reporting accuracy, and timely deliverables.
• Establish and manage an efficient, repeatable grant submission process.
• Create all fundraising material for each entity to ensure consistent messaging and branding on all collateral (e.g. pitch materials, branded reports, customized videos, printed collateral, etc).
• Oversee the development of all fundraising materials, including proposals, reports, talking points, and donor communications.
• Ensure timely creation and distribution of stewardship materials such as acknowledgements, impact updates, and donor communications.
• Plan and organize special fundraising events.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on fundraising efforts.
• Effectively track donor activity, funding, and key performance metrics through Salesforce or similar system.
• Establish procedures and best practices for donor data management, reporting, and forecasting to improve fundraising outcomes.
• Ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions, proposals, and funding activity.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director