Director of Development

Chicago Youth Centers

Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children’s lives?

Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year!

https://www.chicagoyouthcenters.org/

Position Details

Director of Development
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
6/3/2025
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Purpose:  

The  Director of Development is responsible for creating and overseeing CYC’s events and annual giving strategy, managing two development professionals, and cultivating relationships with Board members and major donors. This role is also responsible for strategies related to micro-events focused on cultivation, stewardship, and/or solicitation. CYC currently executes two major multi-channel appeals and two fundraising events. Additionally, this role provides tactical leadership for CYC's database operations and gift acknowledgment process. 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and day-to-day management for the Fundraising and Events Manager and Annual Giving and Database Coordinator roles on the development team, working closely with the SDOD and the Grants Manager to ensure activities are seamlessly folded into the broader development plan.
  • Create and implement a multi-channel annual giving plan aligned with the organization's strategic goals, with focus on increasing annual donor contributions, stewarding key donors, and recapturing high-potential lapsed donors.
  • Identify target donor segments, set revenue targets, and develop comprehensive plan to reach those segments.
  • Monitor fundraising performance, analyze donor data, and provide regular reports to SDOD and CEO on progress towards fundraising goals; assist with providing updated reports to the Fundraising Committee of the Board. 
  • Carry a portfolio of individual major gift donors and prospects, prioritizing personalized outreach and stewardship activities to help to cultivate long-term relationships with CYC. 
  • Partner with Board members to optimize annual appeal and event sponsorships. Provide reports and assistance to Board members as needed to effectively leverage and solicit their contacts.
  • Work closely with the Strategic Initiatives team on developing the Marketing & Communications assets for events and appeals. 
  • Provide strategic guidance to the FEM in managing the Auxiliary Board as well as corporate volunteering events at CYC Centers. 
  • Work with the AGDC to oversee and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of gift processing, data entry, and acknowledgments to support organizational strategy and translate fundraising goals into operations.
  • Provide direction for regular audits of data entry and reconcile fundraising reports with the finance department at regular intervals.
  • Monitor, analyze, and report fundraising data and key performance indicators to assess progress towards pipeline development goals.
Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in increased annual giving and event execution, preferably within the educational or youth development sectors
  • Demonstrated ability to coach and manage development team members
  • Experience working with donor databases and setting departmental practices to best maintain and leverage donor data 
  • Experience in creating and implementing systems for donor prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
  • Understanding of current trends in philanthropy and education
  • Ability to travel as needed for donor meetings and events
  • Commitment to the mission and philosophy of Chicago Youth Centers; a passion for youth development and a desire to help Chicago Youth Centers grow; experience working with diverse populations preferred

Benefits: 

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 403B, AFLAC (Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurances), Pet Insurance, Tuition Assistance.



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