We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as the Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization by leading comprehensive fundraising and development initiatives throughout the Northern Illinois Hospice service area. If you are eager to use your talents and skill set in a way that truly makes a difference for the region’s most experienced hospice in the Rockford, Illinois area, we can't wait to talk with you!

Job Summary: Working with the Chief Executive Officer and The Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation Board of Directors, the Executive Director (or Chief Development Officer) of Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation is responsible for the development and management of a high quality, creative, and strategic comprehensive fund development and donor communication/marketing program for the organization. Responsibilities include the fundraising strategies of endowment, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, special events and grants, ensuring revenue growth to support the mission of Northern Illinois Hospice throughout its service area. This position maintains a strong community presence to increase awareness of/engagement with Northern Illinois Hospice and identify the need for new fundraising opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Foundation Board of Directors to develop a vision and strategic direction for Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation’s advancement efforts and oversees all aspects of the Foundation Department, including leading, supervising, and mentoring staff and volunteers, and execution of fundraising programs to achieve the organization’s annual and long-term goals.
• Manages the relationship with Foundation Board and its committees and works closely with the Chair of the committees, the Board President, and Chief Executive Officer to build awareness and involvement of the Board with Foundation activities; provides accurate, timely reporting to the Board of department activities and results; and ensures solicitation and stewardship of Board members. 
• Develops promotional and solicitation materials, gift agreements, and presentation materials. Makes presentations and accompanies and supports Board Members, the Chief Executive Officer and directors at prospect and donor meetings.
• Implements donor development strategies throughout the Northern Illinois Hospice geographical footprint.
• Establishes and executes strategic programs to grow the annual, major gift, event, corporate support, special programs (e.g., Wishes, Grateful Families, etc.), foundation, grants and planned giving support, and alternate revenue producing activities.
• Leads the major gift fundraising efforts across programs (e.g. major individual, corporate and foundation donors and prospects); maintains a portfolio of key prospects.
• Develops and manages Foundation’s annual budget.
• Leads capital or special initiative campaigns for the organization and develops and communicates any donor naming opportunities.
• With the Marketing and Community Relations team, develops and implements donor communication, including the Perspective newsletter, mailings (email and USPS), social media, etc.
• Works with the Marketing and Community Engagement team to ensure regular, tailored communications to expand Northern Illinois Hospice’s donor relations.
• Ensures departmental compliance with organizational policies, procedures and standards; and state and federal regulations and auditing standards governing nonprofit organizations and solicitation/acknowledgement of funds.
• Engages community members through organizational memberships, public speaking, and education to promote the Northern Illinois Hospice mission and philanthropic opportunities.
• Coordinates donor development and recognition programs.
• Oversees fundraising and event volunteers.
• Oversees donor database to ensure proper and timely gift processing, filing of records and donor acknowledgements, and reporting.
• Research grant opportunities, develop proposals, and file reports requested by grantors.
• Stays current on industry trends and best practices in philanthropy, and maintains a strong networking relationship with local, philanthropic membership groups.
• Serves on the Management team and helps create and implement the Northern Illinois Hospice annual plan and strategic plan.

Northern Illinois Hospice supports our employees’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. The expected base salary range for this role is $78,000 - $112,000. However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation and benefits.

BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package Access a well-rounded benefits package designed to support your well-being.
• Choice of Medical Plans: Choose from two medical plans tailored to fit your unique healthcare needs. 
• Health & Wellness Accounts: Manage expenses with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Dental and Vision Insurance: Keep your smile bright and vision sharp with our dental and vision insurance options.
• Company-Paid Life & AD&D Insurance: Gain peace of mind with fully covered basic life and accidental death &      dismemberment insurance. 
• Company-Paid Disability Coverage: Stay protected with employer-paid short-term and long-term disability plans.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Build your future with Roth and Traditional 401(k) options, plus a company match every pay period.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy PTO that grows with your years of service.

Northern Illinois Hospice is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At Northern Illinois Hospice, we believe diversity makes us better.

Northern Illinois Hospice is a drug free workplace.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. 

Training and Licensure: CFRE or ACFRE Certification preferred or achieved within two years of hire; Other applicable certifications will be considered.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience and demonstrated success in soliciting major gifts required. Track record of prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and successfully closing donor gifts required. Grant writing experience a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability: 

• Demonstrated ability to supervise and direct professional and administrative personnel. 
• Knowledge of corporate business management. 
• Demonstrates superior communications skills and public relations skills, and world-class customer service. 
• Demonstrates autonomy, organization, assertiveness, flexibility, and cooperation in performing job responsibilities