Director of Development

Chicago Run • Chicago, IL

5d • $80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Chicago Run seeks a strategic, dynamic, and accomplished development leader to accelerate our philanthropic growth and institutional sustainability. As the funding landscape shifts, the Director of Development will lead the charge in diversifying revenue streams and expanding our donor base to support the thousands of students we serve across Chicago. Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior leader will serve as a key architect of our fundraising operations. You will partner closely with the Board of Directors to cultivate high-level donor relationships, attract major gifts, and recruit board members with significant fundraising reach. This role requires a "builder" mindset—someone who can thoughtfully design and rapidly execute strategies while providing high-level oversight to a team of fractional and contractual professionals. This is a pivotal moment for Chicago Run. We are looking for an accomplished professional with a track record of transforming development programs, engaging donors through meaningful program-led experiences, and positioning organizations for long-term, scalable impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five to seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including individual giving, annual fund, major gifts, foundation relations, as priorities.
• Ongoing commitment to professional learning—staying informed about trends in fundraising, nonprofit practice, technologies, and Chicago’s philanthropic and civic landscape is a must.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with CRM systems and database management; Neon experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, program partners, board members, and youth.

Nice To Haves

• Special event experience a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Planning: Establish fundraising priorities and performance metrics in collaboration with leadership to achieve annual revenue targets of $1.5M–$1.8M. Design and execute multi-year strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship across all levels, including major gifts, grants, and government funding. Lead the creation of comprehensive donor stewardship programs, including recognition activities and cultivation events, ensuring integration with program leadership for authentic engagement
• Mission Advocacy & Representation Prepare and support the Executive Director for high-stakes solicitations while collaborating with communications staff to translate program outcomes into compelling narratives for donors and foundations. Ensure all donor strategies, grant proposals, and cultivation plans are deeply rooted in Chicago Run’s mission and current program data. Regularly participate in school visits, community runs, and program events to maintain up-to-date knowledge and provide donors with "front-line" insights.
• Board Development and Governance Act as the primary development liaison for the Executive Director and Board; hold leadership accountable for fundraising goals and 100% board giving participation. Support board recruitment by identifying prospects with significant fundraising reach and influence. Educate and guide board members on fundraising best practices, donor engagement, and solicitation techniques
• Foundation Relations and Institutional Giving Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with foundation and corporate partners. Oversee the end-to-end grant process, from identification and alignment with organizational priorities to compliance and reporting. Partner with Finance & Operations staff to prepare materials for annual and funder-specific audits.
• Development Operations and Team Management Manage fractional and contractual staff, including CRM support, researchers, grant writers, and event coordinators. Maintain protocols for database management (CRM), gift processing, and financial reconciliation to ensure accurate reporting and data-driven decision-making. Manage the development budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and ROI
• Special Events and Campaigns Provide vision for signature events—including the 2028 20th Anniversary Gala—ensuring they meet revenue targets and deepen donor engagement. Drive the growth and success of Team Chicago Run, the organization’s signature endurance fundraising program; oversee athlete recruitment, provide high-touch fundraising support for participants, and manage relationships with major partners Oversee annual fund campaigns and direct mail programs to maintain a healthy donor pipeline. Supervise event contractors and evaluate event ROI to recommend strategic pivots for future growth.

Benefits

• Chicago Run offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, professional development opportunities, and generous paid time off.

What This Job Offers

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