Apply on Employer Site

Chicago Women in Philanthropy · 3 days ago

Chief Development Officer | Hope Chicago

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$230K/yr - $280K/yr

10+ years exp

Hope Chicago is a nonprofit pioneering a radically different approach to advancing economic mobility for families and neighborhoods. They are seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead fundraising and partnership strategies, ensuring sustainable investment in their innovative model for postsecondary access and mobility.

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

Fundraising strategyMajor donor relationsTeam leadershipAnalytical skillsPublic presentationPositivityCommunication skillsCollaborationCreativity

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