Overview
The Director of Development, Midwest, is a full-time position responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all Chai Lifeline Midwest fundraising activities. These include major gift solicitation, fundraising events and programs, growing and strengthening Young Leadership, supporting national fundraising initiatives, including capital campaigns, and other development-related work. The
Development Director Midwest works in the Chicago Chai Lifeline office and reports to the Chief Development Officer based in New York City. It works closely with the Midwest Regional Director and lay leadership in all development and fundraising endeavors.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and implement short and long-term development strategies to support Chai Lifeline’s mission and fundraising goals In the Midwest, including Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee.
• To strengthen fundraising efforts, build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, including foundation supporters.
• Connect donors to the day-to-day work of Chai Lifeline by having them experience programs like i-Shine, Camp Simcha Without Borders, and holiday celebrations. Travel with donors to Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY, so that they can experience the joy of camp.
• Work with energetic and committed Chai Lifeline Midwest board members to leverage their relationships to find new prospects.
• Engage in direct and systematic prospect identification, research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net worth individuals.
• Work closely with the Midwest Regional Director on individual fundraising and donor events.
• Advance Chai Lifeline’s Young Leadership Division through individual meetings, volunteer activities, and Young Leadership events.
• Work with Chai Lifeline’s development team and senior management to develop program understanding, draft funding proposals, and develop prospect engagement strategies.
• Maintain all donor engagement information and cultivation plans through Chai Lifeline’s Salesforce database.
• Occasional travel around the United States may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
• Have 5 years of experience and proven success in fundraising, particularly with major gifts.
• Possess the skills to work with and motivate donors, board members, and other volunteers.
• Have the desire to get out of the office to build external relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
• Be a self-starter and goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls. • Be organized and follow through on tasks and goals.
• Display a positive attitude and passion for the organization, demonstrate self-confidence, common sense, and be a good listener.
• A bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in professional fundraising is required. A graduate degree is preferred.