What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Officer position at Cunningham Children's Home?
Join Our Team at Cunningham Children's Home!
Job Title: Development Officer
Location: Urbana, Illinois (Travel Required)
Cunningham Children’s Home is dedicated to empowering children and families to thrive. We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Development Officer to help secure financial resources for our mission. This role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact.
Position Overview:
The Development Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of major gift and planned giving prospects, cultivating relationships, and securing financial support for Cunningham’s mission. This includes implementing strategies for donor engagement, solicitation, and stewardship across Illinois, with frequent travel. The position reports to the Director of Advancement and collaborates with senior leadership and external fundraisers.
Impact in Your First Year:
At Cunningham, we value our employees and provide resources to help you continually learn and grow. We foster a strong, collaborative community of people who are driven by their ability to make a difference.
Within 3 months, you’ll:
- Become familiar with the strategic vision and priorities of the agency
- Begin to dig into your portfolio to meet donors
- Attend professional development and networking activities
Within 6 months, you’ll:
- Begin cultivating relationships with key prospects and donors
- Develop and implement donor engagement strategies that support mission of Cunningham
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects ($5,000 and up.)
- Be able to share meaningful impact stories of transformative gifts
By the end of the first year, you’ll:
- Cooperatively set annual goals with your supervisor
- Continue portfolio growth of qualified prospects and successful solicitation strategies
- Work closely with Director of Advancement to develop proposals for significant gift opportunities
- Provide high level stewardship to donors
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
- Experience: 5 years in fundraising, donor relations, sales, public relations, or a related field with success in securing significant gifts.
- Licenses: Illinois Driver’s License and proof of insurance required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong understanding of fundraising principles and moves management.
- Proven ability to develop and implement donor strategies.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and relationship-building.
- Experience with portfolio management and donor databases (Raisers Edge preferred).
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently while collaborating with a team.
- Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics.
Additional Requirements:
- For-cause drug testing and criminal background check required. Applicants must be fit to work in a residential childcare facility.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary based on education and experience.
- Relocation assistance available — up to $2,500.
- Outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities.
- Additionally, Cunningham Children's Home is a qualified employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
If you’re an experienced fundraising professional committed to making a difference, apply today to join our team at Cunningham Children’s Home!
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
