Development Director

Are you an experienced fundraising professional seeking to make a meaningful impact? Join Center for Independent Futures (CIF) as our Development Director in Evanston, Illinois. Play a key role in driving revenue for innovative programs that help individuals with disabilities achieve their personal goals and live full, independent lives. Bring your talents to our mission-driven team and contribute to the continued growth of CIF and the individuals we serve.

Job Description: Development Director

About Center for Independent Futures (CIF): Center for Independent Futures is a non-profit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to live full and independent lives. Founded in 2002, CIF provides a range of innovative support services, including housing, life skills coaching, and community engagement programs.

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Position Type: Full-time (Hybrid On-Site/Remote Option Available)

Job Summary:

The Development Director is responsible for driving revenue for innovative programs that support the mission of the Center for Independent Futures, which is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live full, independent lives. The Development Director plays a key role in working with the Executive Director to cultivate donors and ensure the long-term sustainability of CIF through successful fundraising efforts.

Job Responsibilities:

Major Gifts

• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with major donors, high-net-worth individuals, and philanthropic foundations.
• Identifies and engages prospective donors, develops strategies to secure major gifts, and ensures ongoing stewardship and communication are in place to sustain these relationships.

Fundraising Events

• Plans, coordinates, and executes fundraising events to ensure a seamless experience for participants and donors.
• Collaborates with the marketing and development staff to promote events and attract attendees.
• Oversees all logistics, donor engagement, and follow-up to ensure events are successful and donors feel valued.

Individual Donor Engagement

• Engages and retains individual donors through the development of personalized cultivation plans.
• Ensures that donors are connected to CIF’s mission, and their giving experience is meaningful to encourage continued and increased support over time.

Legacy Giving Programs

• Develops and promotes legacy giving opportunities, creating programs that allow donors to make planned gifts that contribute to CIF's long-term financial health.
• Works with donors to discuss, facilitate and establish long-term commitments to CIF through estate plans.

Capital Campaigns

• Leads and manages capital campaigns to support CIF’s growth including developing compelling campaign messaging and materials to engage donors and stakeholders.
• Oversees campaign strategy, establishes fundraising goals, ensures the successful implementation of the campaign, and regularly reports on progress to CIF’s Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

Foundation Grant Giving

• Researches, identifies, and pursues grant opportunities from foundations that align with CIF's mission and services.
• Writes grant proposals, manages relationships with foundation representatives, and tracks and reports on the use of grant funds.

Reporting:

The Development Director reports to the Executive Director. The Development Director is also supported by the Marketing and Development Manager and the Office/Development Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience in fundraising and development.
• Research Skills: Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research on major donors, foundations, and potential funding sources to inform fundraising strategies.
• Database Management: Experience using fundraising databases and tools to track donor interactions, manage donor relationships, and analyze fundraising performance.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to compellingly convey CIF's mission and impact.
• Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to solicit funds, secure major gifts, and implement successful fundraising strategies.
• Social Networks: Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging social networks and building relationships within the philanthropic community.
• Strategic Thinking: Strategic mindset with the ability to develop and execute fundraising plans aligned with CIF's goals.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to collaborate with the leadership team, Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Public Relations: Ability to work closely with the marketing and communications team to enhance CIF's public image and increase visibility in the community.
• Innovation: Demonstrated ability to bring innovative and creative fundraising strategies to enhance revenue streams and adapt to evolving donor landscapes.
• Commitment to Mission: Demonstrated commitment to non-profit missions and the ability to apply that commitment to the mission and values of Center for Independent Futures.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of fundraising and development management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree and a proven track record in fundraising and development.
• Proficiency in research, database management, and communication skills.
• Commitment to CIF's mission and values.

Compensation and Benefits:

The anticipated starting salary range for the Development Director position is $75,000–$85,000 annually. Compensation above this starting range may be considered for candidates whose experience, qualifications, and demonstrated accomplishments warrant a higher salary. 

CIF values work-life balance and fosters a collaborative, flexible, and supportive work environment. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while contributing to the growth and long-term success of a mission-driven nonprofit organization.

This is a full-time position with a potential hybrid on-site and remote working arrangement. At the Center for Independent Futures, we value work-life balance and understand the importance of flexibility in today's dynamic work environment. As such, we are open to discussing a collaborative arrangement that allows our team members to balance their professional responsibilities with personal needs effectively.

At CIF, we value diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply as we celebrate the richness of our differences. Join us in making a meaningful impact and be a part of a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. We look forward to receiving your application.