Hope Chicago · 1 week ago
Chief Development Officer
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$230K/yr - $280K/yr
10+ years expHope Chicago is a nonprofit pioneering a radically different approach to advancing economic mobility for families and neighborhoods. They are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Chief Development Officer to architect the fundraising and partnerships needed to scale their innovative model, which guarantees debt-free pathways through postsecondary education for graduates and their families.
Financial ServicesHigher EducationNon Profit
Responsibilities
Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational-wide strategy and direction
Assess and refine Hope Chicago's current fundraising and partnership strategy
Deliver a clear, measurable fundraising plan in close collaboration with Executive Leadership
Drive long-term revenue sustainability by exploring innovative and nontraditional funding opportunities in addition to traditional philanthropy
Ensure alignment of fundraising strategy with organizational, programmatic, and financial priorities
Champion and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization
Provide strong, human-centered leadership to a talented, mission-driven development team of seven, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning
Build team capacity through coaching, clear expectations, and professional development opportunities
Enhance systems, processes, and workflows to increase efficiency and support future team scaling
Serve as a compelling public ambassador for Hope Chicago, communicating its mission and impact across diverse audiences
Partner with data and communications teams to shape clear, emotionally resonant messaging grounded in storytelling and impact metrics
Lead high-touch donor communications, events, convenings, and stewardship that deepen engagement and build long-term relationships
Elevate the organization's brand and visibility, positioning Hope Chicago as a thought leader in postsecondary access and multigenerational economic mobility
Partner with the CEO and Board to cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts
Set fundraising priorities and portfolio strategies in collaboration with the CEO
Work closely with the development team to help them achieve individual and team fundraising goals
Manage a portfolio of major donors, partners, and prospects while guiding the organization's broader philanthropic efforts
Qualification
Required
10+ years of professional fundraising experience at a non-profit organization of similar size and scope to Hope Chicago, with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals and growing a development program creatively and strategically
5+ years' experience managing fundraising professionals
Demonstrated success securing six and seven-figure gifts from individuals and institutions
A track record of energetic and creative approach to leadership with a passion for organizational development
Proven expertise operating with deep relational integrity to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional donors and partners
Ability to galvanize a team around a clearly articulated vision and strategy, with an eye toward cohesive team function and professional development of departmental colleagues
Strong analytical skills and the ability to partner effectively with data and information teams to inform donor strategy and decision-making
Experience collaborating with communications colleagues to deploy media and marketing strategies in service of organizational advancement
Excellent public presentation skills
A posture of positivity, hope, and joy that can inspire and motivate people - internally and externally - to participate in the organizational mission
Benefits
Generous benefits package
Company
Hope Chicago
Hope Chicago provides debt-free college and workforce programs for students and parents, supporting economic mobility.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Cameron Hardamon, MPA
Chief Impact Officer
Jennifer Bell
Chief Development Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase