Development Manager

Development Manager

Full Time Aurora, IL, US

Salary Range: $79,000 to $87,000 annually

Title:

Development Manager

Ministry:
Development

Reports To:

Division Director of Development

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Pay: $79,000 to $87,000

At Hesed House, ending homelessness isn’t a distant aspiration — it is the mission that drives every action we take. We are the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois and the largest outside the city of Chicago, and a nationally recognized model for comprehensive, compassionate care. Located in Aurora, IL, our campus serves more than 1,000 individuals and families each year, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Our Comprehensive Resource Center brings together highly skilled professionals and community partners to provide shelter, meals, clothing, medical care, legal services, substance abuse counseling, employment coaching, housing assistance, and so much more. We believe every person deserves dignity and the chance to hope again — and we show up every day to make that real.

More than 7,500 volunteers from over 90 area churches, businesses, and organizations partner with us annually. Their generosity, alongside the financial support of our donors, makes our life changing work possible.

This is more than a fundraising job. It is a chance to change lives by connecting people who care with the mission they love. The Development Manager is a critical member of our Development Team, responsible for leading and growing Hesed House's annual fund — currently generating $1.5 million in revenue — through inspired donor relationships, creative fundraising programs, and compelling storytelling.

The ideal candidate brings proven fundraising instincts, a gift for building genuine relationships, and the creative energy to move donors from interest to deep, lasting engagement. You will be someone who wakes up eager to make a difference — both in the lives of donors who want to give well, and in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Lead the Annual Fund

• Direct Mail:
  Design and execute compelling multi-segment direct mail campaigns in partnership with external vendors, consistently maximizing return on investment.
• Monthly Giving Program:
  Cultivate and grow a loyal community of recurring donors who provide predictable, mission-sustaining revenue.
• Online and Tribute Giving:
  Optimize digital giving channels and manage tribute/memorial giving programs with creativity and care.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:
  Proactively reach out to annual fund and mid-level donors to cultivate relationships, communicate impact, offer facility tours, and invite donors to deepen their partnership with Hesed House.

Drive Donor Relationships

• Personally connect with donors through calls, meetings, tours, and events — expressing genuine gratitude and sharing the transformative impact of their giving.
• Identify opportunities to move annual donors toward deeper engagement and increased support.
• Represent Hesed House with confidence and warmth at community and donor events, serving as an enthusiastic ambassador for our mission.
• Deliver compelling, story-driven presentations to individuals, groups, and community organizations on behalf of Hesed House.

Create Inspiriting Marketing and Communications

• Hesed Highlights:
  Lead the creation and distribution of our quarterly print newsletter in print.
• Social Media:
  Manage our presence on Linked In, Facebook, and Instagram with fresh, engaging, mission-centered content.
• Email Communications:
  Produce e-news and targeted email campaigns that deepen donor connection.
• Collateral Materials:
  Develop compelling brochures, program-specific materials, event materials (including the Derby), and other print and digital assets.
• Website:
  Maintain and update hesedhouse.org with current, relevant content.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner with program staff and leadership to surface powerful stories and translate them into donor communications.

Support the Development Team

• Play an active role in major fundraising events including our signature Derby event.
• Manage and mentor Development interns and volunteers, specific to channeling their energy toward…