Chief Philanthropy Officer - Hybrid, Full-Time, Director

Position Summary 

The Chief Philanthropy Officer is responsible for developing and implementing the fundraising strategies for Northern Illinois Food Bank in support of its current and long-term strategic objectives; achieving annual fundraising goals; effectively managing and developing the team engaged in all aspects of fundraising including, major gifts, annual fund, foundation and corporate fundraising, planned giving, special events and grant writing. In addition, the individual develops and executes strategy for the Volunteer and Marketing Communications teams to meet operational, awareness, and revenue goals.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Plans and develops strategies and objectives of the Philanthropy team to support current and long-term strategic objectives of the Northern Illinois Food Bank.   
• Oversees all aspects of fundraising including major gifts, foundation and corporate fundraising, annual fund, special events,  promotions,  planned giving, and philanthropy operations.  
• Provides professional expertise and direction in all aspects of fundraising to the CEO, Philanthropy team, and Board of Directors.   
• Works with the CEO and Board of Directors to establish a presence in the community to increase the organization’s visibility as a funding source for potential and current/past donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.  
• Identifies opportunities and programs to engage new donors. Maintains relationships with current and past donors.  
• Responsible for managing a portfolio of major individual and organizational donors and prospects including consistently cultivating and soliciting.  
• Oversees the volunteer department and strategy for recruiting and stewarding volunteers in all aspects of the organization, including operational, administrative, and program needs. 
• Oversees the Marketing Communications team to build awareness and target marketing strategies and messaging to promote the organization’s mission and expertise as a leader in hunger relief in Northern Illinois. 
• Serves as a spokesperson for the Food Bank at events and with media and is responsible for drafting and sharing key messages regularly with the team 
• Serves as staff liaison for the Board Development Committee and is responsible for collaborating with the Chair to set agendas, run meetings, track Board member engagement, and complete follow-up. Collaborate with philanthropy team to identify prospective Board candidates to present to the committee.  
• Develops and oversees annual department revenue (appx. $22M) and expense (appx $2M) budget. 
• Team management, including monthly meetings, team building, performance management, coaching, and goal setting.  Responsible for the culture and overall engagement of the MVP team. 

Required Education, Skills, and Experience 

• 10 years’ experience in a fundraising and donor solicitation role with a demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising targets.   
• 5 years in a management capacity with proven effectiveness in managing and developing staff. 
• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Experience in all areas of philanthropy including grant writing, major gifts, planned giving, direct mail, cause marketing, and foundation and corporate fundraising. 
• Experience in marketing and communications including brand management, advertising,  social media, organizational communication, and media relations. 
• Exposure to volunteer management including recruitment, engagement, and stewardship. 
• Proven effectiveness in leading the public relations/communications function and media relations experience. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite as well as experience with a Donor Database. 

Excellent presentation skills including in front of large groups and on camera  

Preferred Education, Skills, and Experience 

• Experience leading a Capital Campaign and Strategic Planning 
• CFRE Certification 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position supervises multiple employees and oversees the Philanthropy, Marketing and Volunteer Teams of approximately 30 people.  

Work Environment 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 
 This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the "core" work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and must work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. The position will require some evenings and weekends.  

Remote Work 

Based on the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Remote Work Policy and position evaluation, this position is eligible for hybrid remote work.  The expectation for Executive Leadership is to maximize time in the office as schedules allow. 

Position Location and Travel 

This position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location. Travel within a 13-county service area required and estimated at 10-25% of the time. Additional travel out of state to attend conferences is estimated at twice per year.  

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 

Northern Illinois Food Bank will embrace opportunities to stand in solidarity with our community and center the voices of those most impacted by systematic injustices. We affirm our commitment to anti-racism, gender equity, allyship, and fairness as we work towards a hunger-free future and create a better and more just world.  

Background Check 

All applicants who are offered employment with the Northern Illinois Food Bank will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation and drug test conducted in accordance with Northern Illinois Food Bank policy and state law. 

Equal Opportunity Employment  

Equal employment has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at Northern Illinois Food Bank where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, class origin, nationality, age, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected class. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.