The Director of Development works in close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Board of Directors, and Development Committee to lead and strengthen the organization’s fundraising strategy and external partnerships. This leadership role is responsible for cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations, while also overseeing all grant-related activities in coordination with our grant writer.
In this role, the Director will design and implement comprehensive annual fundraising campaigns through both mail and digital platforms, with a focus on expanding individual giving and corporate sponsorships. A key priority will be to foster a culture of philanthropy that is embraced across the organization, ensuring strong and consistent donor stewardship. The Director will serve as the primary point of contact for all fundraising and outreach efforts, managing donor engagement and recognition activities such as events, meetings, and special programs. Additionally, this individual will act as a brand ambassador, strengthening the orgnization’s visibility and reputation within the community and among funding partners.
The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a deep passion for the organization’s mission, with the ability to inspire generosity and secure lasting support.
Role & Responsibilities:
The Director of Development will oversee all fundraising activities of the organization and will be expected to perform the following duties:
- Collaborate on the strategic direction of all campaigns, individual and corporate initiatives related to the annual fundraising strategy to maintain the fiscal health of contributed revenue for the organization.
- Work closely with the CEO to establish long-term fundraising goals with strategic plan and objectives for each contribution category.
- Serve as the primary contact for charitable foundations and corporate sponsors as well as a portfolio of individual donors.
- Maintain clear lines of communication with staff, volunteers, and board members.
- Structure and oversee a timely and relevant gift acknowledgement program.
- Ensure donor retention and coordinate donor engagement opportunities
- Oversee ITA’s grant writing and provide necessary information to the grant writer.
- Secure contributions, meeting or exceeding annual goals set by the Board of Directors in the annual fundraising strategy.
- Support expanding the board of directors by actively recruiting.
- Collect, organize, and maintain a complete and accurate database record of donors and funding sources.
- Work with the Marketing Manager to create marketing materials and plan events to generate contributions.
- Assume other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.
Qualifications & Education Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 5 years nonprofit experience in a direct fundraising and/or development role with proven success.
Competencies & Preferred Skills
- Ability and confidence to interact with varied constituencies including Board Members and volunteers.
- Exceptional personal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- strong leadership skills.
- Energetic, team-orientated, and results-oriented personality.
- Solid organizational, time management and project management skills required.
- Creative and flexible thinker.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 software, specifically Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Sharepoint, and high level of comfort with CRM (Salesforce) database.
- Marketing capabilities, especially in social media.
- Interest and or experience in Creative Arts and/or Creative Arts Therapy is a major bonus.
Expected Salary Range: $90,000 – $95,000
Working Conditions (Travel, weekend, or evening hours, off-site work)
Benefits:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
- 401K
- Life Insurance
- Paid time off, including 7 days over the winter holidays
- Professional development reimbursement
- Free clinical supervision
- CEUs provided for ITA-hosted trainings
- Mileage reimbursement for travel between sessions
- All therapy supplies provided
- Option to purchase supplemental insurance through Aflac
Application Process: Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@itachicago.org with the subject line “Director of Development”