Development Director, Midwest Region

Development Director, Midwest Region

Thomas More Society | Chicago, IL (On-site, Downtown HQ)

Reports to: Vice President of Development

Salary: $130,000 – $145,000 (commensurate with experience)

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Thomas More Society is a national nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and freedom. Our attorneys provide pro bono representation from local trial courts all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. We represent everyone from major pro-life organizations and dedicated sidewalk counselors to brave teachers and faith-based individuals.

Every case is made possible by donors who share our convictions. As Development Director, you will build lasting relationships with those donors and give them a direct stake in defending life, family, and freedom. Join us to make a lasting impact in a role where your passion for our mission can help renew our culture.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

You will lead major and planned gift fundraising across Chicagoland and the Midwest, sustaining and growing gifts of $5,000+ while bringing new donors into deeper partnership with TMS. Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing a portfolio of approximately 150 major-gift prospects and donors, using a moves management approach to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward each relationship

• Meeting with donors in person and virtually, with a goal of 120 substantive visits per year across the Midwest region (ND, SD, MN, NE, IA, KS, MO, WI, IL, IN, MI); approximately 50–60% travel

• Personally soliciting major gifts and partnering with TMS leadership and attorneys on top-level asks

• Identifying and advancing planned giving, IRA, foundation grant, and donor-advised fund gifts

• Writing compelling proposals, solicitations, impact reports, and appeal letters

• Thanking donors well for their investment in the TMS mission

• Planning and managing local donor receptions, events, and gatherings

• Attending local events within the region to network and cultivate relationships

• Working with the Marketing and Legal teams to translate case work into donor communications and campaigns

• Tracking activity and results in DonorPerfect and reporting on key metrics

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN YEAR ONE

With the support of the VP of Development, you will identify and qualify your portfolio within the first 90 days. By the end of year one, you will:

• Raise at least $300,000

• Communicate with everyone in your portfolio (by text, mail, email, or personal visit)

• Complete at least 90 donor visits

• Identify events to attend and new prospective donors

• Communicate current cases and their impact to donors with confidence

WHAT YOU BRING

• 7+ years of frontline fundraising experience, with a record of personally securing major gifts of $10,000+ from individuals and foundations; experience with six- and seven-figure asks is a plus

• Experience building and managing a donor pipeline against measurable goals

• Familiarity with planned giving vehicles, or a strong desire to develop that expertise

• Excellent writing and presenting skills, with the ability to explain complex legal work in terms that move donors to act

• Warmth, discretion, and the ability to build trust with donors of many backgrounds

• Proficiency with donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred)

• Bachelor's degree preferred; CFRE a plus

MISSION ALIGNMENT

Because you will represent TMS's convictions to donors who share them, this role requires:

• Wholehearted support for TMS's positions on life, family, and freedom

• An active faith life in accord with Christian teaching

WHAT WE OFFER

• Medical, dental, and vision (TMS covers 90% of premiums)

• Life insurance

• Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account

• Pre-tax commuter benefits (transit and parking)

• Short- and long-term disability

• 401(k) with employer match

• 12 paid holidays plus PTO

• Annual retreat and professional development reimbursement

• Fitness club membership at our Chicago headquarters