Director of Development Full Time Chicago, IL   

National Able Network® is a mission-driven nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to workforce development, training, and economic opportunity for individuals and communities throughout the Midwest. Our work is grounded in partnership, accountability, and a belief that strong systems and strong people together create lasting impact. 

Reporting to the CEO & President, and working closely with the staff leadership team and Board of Directors, the Director of Development sets strategy for fundraising, donor engagement, and public awareness to support National Able Network's mission goals. The Director of Development will help build a well-rounded development program for National Able, including identifying individual, corporate and foundation donors, cultivating relationships, stewarding donors, building an annual plan, development operations, and working with the Board of Directors to open doors and participate in fundraising. Additionally, the Director of Development will develop and manage relationships with key volunteers and board members, ensuring a pipeline of active donors and volunteers. This position oversees the Marketing & Communications Department.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the CEO & President, Board, and staff leadership team to create an annual budget and effectively communicate key funding priorities for the agency.
• Prepare  an annual development plan with monthly, quarterly, and yearly activity and progress goals and actively track and communicate progress with CEO/President, Board and other leadership.
• Provide strategic guidance to leadership by actively participating in leadership team meetings.
• Qualify, develop, and solicit donors.
• Leverage all available resources to identify major gifts prospects and ensure that prospects capable of major gifts are cultivated and solicited in an appropriate and deliberate manner. 
• Research, identify, and align grant opportunities with agency strategic goals; develop, write, and submit grant applications targeting private and corporate funders, and ensure timely submission while tracking and reporting on grant outcomes.
• Lead and manage the Development Committee, fostering collaboration among board members, donors, and community stakeholders to advance fundraising initiatives.
• Manage fundraising events, fundraising database, including gift processing and acknowledgement process, as well as overseeing marketing and social media activities.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising metrics, tracking revenue, donor retention rates, campaign effectiveness, and return on investment.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Development Department practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Self-starter who can prioritize and manage multiple tasks and priorities, meet deadlines, and demonstrate consistent reliable follow- through. 
• High initiative, outstanding organizational skills, and clear attention to detail.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, along with strong presentation and relationship-building skills for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, effectively collaborate as a team member, and travel within the local area as needed.
• Ability to develop effective partnerships with internal and external constituencies. 
• Ability to collaborate with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds. 
• Advanced computer proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); knowledge of social service government systems strongly preferred. 
• Experience with strategic planning and nonprofit budgeting.
• Knowledge of or direct work experience with employment/training government programs preferred.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, or other job-related field, and 3-5 years of fundraising experience. 
• Demonstrated success cultivating and closing gifts.
• Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors.
• Able to work evenings and weekends as required to support events and organizational representation.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle or access to reliable transportation; able to travel to seminars, workshops, and other National Able Network locations as needed.

Benefits:

• Competitive Medical & Dental benefits
• Company-sponsored Vision benefits, Short-Term Disability / Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Paid Time Off (up to 25 days based on 40-hour work week)
• Generous Holiday Pay 
• 401(k) w/Company Match 
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Loyalty Benefit: Additional 10 days of PTO after every 5 years of FT service

Salary Description: $90,000-$115,000

Interested candidates should submit a resume with cover letter and salary expectations  

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability