Director of Development

About the job

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

The Director of Development is a key leadership role responsible for guiding the organization toward long-term financial sustainability by developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy. This external-facing position oversees institutional and individual giving, grant development, and donor engagement while building strong relationships with donors, associate board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders. The Director of Development manages grant activities alongside the Director of Grants and Research, including researching opportunities, writing and submitting proposals, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting for public agencies, private foundations, and corporate funders. Additionally, they maintain the donor database and support broader fundraising efforts, including funder cultivation and stewardship, annual fundraising events, capital campaigns, and year-end giving initiatives. Part of a high-performing development team, this role ensures a strategic and data-driven approach to fundraising, grants, and donor engagement.

Responsibilities include:

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising goals and strategies to support organizational growth.
• Lead efforts to acquire new donors and move existing donors through the donor cycle.
• Oversee and grow annual giving, major gifts, corporate giving, foundations, government grants, and special events to meet annual fundraising targets.
• Provide strategic support on fundraising initiatives, attend events, and serve as staff liaison for the Associate Board.
• Work to ensure strong donor stewardship and cultivation.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Lead and manage the entire grant lifecycle, including prospect research, application development, submission, award review, and compliance tracking.
• Develop a strategic approach to securing financial support from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other institutional sources.
• Evaluate potential grant opportunities to ensure financial and strategic alignment with organizational priorities.
• Oversee the preparation of letters of inquiry, proposals, grant applications, and funder reports with accurate data and timely submission.
• Work with the Data Analytics Project Manager to track and report grant impact effectively.
• Maintain a grant cycle calendar to manage deadlines for applications, renewals, and reporting.
• Serve as a relationship manager for funders, ensuring strong stewardship and engagement.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor Development and Communications Manager
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team environment while providing professional development and growth opportunities.
• Support the development of annual organizational priorities and strategies and represent the organization as a spokesperson.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in all fundraising efforts.

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with the Chief Development and External Relations Officer to establish annual marketing and communication goals.
• Serve as a thought partner and reviewer for external communications, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic plan and equity-centered messaging.
• Utilize digital platforms (e.g., social media, email marketing, website) to enhance stakeholder engagement and fundraising efforts.

Data & Relationship Management

• Maintain comprehensive records on donors, grants, and fundraising activities, tracking key metrics to measure success.
• Use technology platforms (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Zoom, CRM systems) to enhance efficiency and donor engagement efforts.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education & Experience: BA/BS degree in liberal arts, communications, business, or a related field, with 5-7 years of experience in development and grant writing for public and private funders.
• Fundraising & Grant Expertise: Proven track record of securing grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Strong understanding of institutional fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship.
• Writing & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling funding proposals for a variety of audiences.
• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated leadership and management experience, including the ability to delegate, mentor, and create clarity for direct reports and team members.
• Strategic & Organizational Skills: A strategic thinker who can build consensus across a diverse organization, evaluate funding opportunities, and align them with organizational priorities.
• Technology & Data Management: Proficiency in fundraising software, Salesforce (preferred) or other donor management systems, as well as MailChimp (preferred) or other email marketing platforms.
• Project & Financial Management: Experience in budget planning, financial management, and project oversight is a plus.
• Commitment to Mission: Passion for NLEN’s mission and a strong commitment to social and economic justice.
• Other Requirements: Excellent self-management, time management, and follow-up communication skills.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays (many Federal Holidays)
• Hybrid work schedule
• 401K participation, day one of employment
• Life Insurance

North Lawndale Employment Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000 depending on relevant experience.