The Civic Federation is an independent, non-partisan government research organization that provides analysis and recommendations on government finance issues for the Chicago region and State of Illinois. Founded in 1894, its membership includes business and professional leaders from a wide range of Chicago area corporations, professional services firms and institutions. To learn more about the mission and work of the Civic Federation visit www.civicfed.org.
Position Title & Description: Director of Development
The Director of Development is a front-line fundraising position primarily responsible for advancing the overall development strategy for the Civic Federation. The Director of Development will actively grow revenue and donor engagement through the solicitation of corporate and individual memberships, foundation grants, and events support. The successful candidate is a self-motivated, articulate writer who can effectively communicate the Federation’s mission as it relates to civic engagement and thrives on the responsibility of meeting the organization’s fundraising goals. Partnering with the President and Membership Committee Chair on fundraising strategy and donor engagement, the Director of Development is part of the Finance Team reporting to the Vice President of Finance and Administration, and works closely with the Membership and Events Manager.
Responsibilities
Partners with President to:
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Research and identify funding opportunities, develop relationships with and apply for grants from foundations and corporate entities that align with the Federation’s mission and values. Serve as the staff liaison to foundation partners, managing the LOI, application, reporting and renewal processes.
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Research and identify prospective members to join the Federation’s efforts.
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Meet with prospective and existing members to cultivate long-term relationships.
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Serve as the staff liaison to the Membership Committee, working directly with the Committee Chair to grow membership and support.
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Provide monthly donor reports with recommendations for enhancing fundraising strategy and donor engagement.
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Draft development correspondence for organization President, including member follow-up and confirmation, campaign solicitations and outreach.
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Manage the development calendar and schedule, attend and sometimes lead development-related calls and meetings.
Collaborates with Finance Team to:
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Plan and implement marketing programs and special events to maximize prospective member and foundation engagement.
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Direct donor relations and management including serving as administrator for DonorPerfect, the Federation’s constituent database which is used to record contact notes and track donor engagement.
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Record gift acknowledgments and contact individuals for stewardship.
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Manage all corporate sponsorship applications for special events and membership contributions.
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Responsible for other development tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
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Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and persuasive presentation skills. Knowledge of grant writing.
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Demonstrated success in developing and advancing fundraising campaigns to include donor acquisition, cultivation and retention.
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Ability to build intentional, strategic and meaningful relationships.
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Familiarity with individual, foundation and corporate giving in Chicago.
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Ability to understand and articulate the organization’s goals and needs within several months following the date of hire.
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Minimum 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, or similar responsibilities.
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Experience with DonorPerfect, Salesforce or a similar fundraising database preferred.
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Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite programs.
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Ability to work independently.
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Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
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Ability to distinguish what is significant and to set priorities.
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Ability to simultaneously carry on a variety of programs and activities.
Compensation and Benefits
Budgeted salary is $70,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Very generous vacation and benefits
package that includes enrollment eligibility in Dental, Disability, Health and Life insurance, 401(k) matching and
transit programs.
As a 501(c)(3), the Civic Federation is a qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
This is a full-time position.
To Apply
To apply, please submit:
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Resume;
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Cover letter; and
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Three references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Lauracyn Duncan
Vice President of Finance and Administration
The Civic Federation
10 N Dearborn St, Ste 800
Chicago, IL 60602
[email protected] (no phone calls please)
The Civic Federation is an equal opportunity employer. We fundamentally support and remain committed to
seeking a diverse, equitable and inclusive staff and board of directors to serve the mission of the federation. All
membership and employment decisions are made with this commitment in mind and we welcome everyone to
our team.
The Civic Federation encourages BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people, veterans, and any individuals with disabilities
or any other legally protected status to apply. Please feel free to note your pronouns and/or any reasonable
accommodation requests in your application or during the interview process