Director of Leadership Annual Giving

The Director of Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) is responsible for leading the strategic growth and performance of The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Leadership Annual Giving program, which engages donors contributing $1,000 to $24,999. This role providesvision, direction, and oversight to ensure a strong pipeline of donors, increased retention and upgrade rates, and a cohesive donor experience across channels.

The Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity LAG donors and prospects while alsosupervising frontline staff and driving strategy across the program. Because donors in LAGalso receive Direct Response communications, this role plays a critical leadership function in supporting the development of integrated, multi-channel engagement strategiestogether with the Director of Direct Response which maximize donor participation andlong-term value.

The Director of LAG partners closely with the Senior Director of Individual Giving and collaborates across development teams to align donor strategies, strengthen the pipeline to Major Gifts, and advance organizational fundraising priorities.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions Program Leadership & Strategy Lead the overall vision, strategy, and performance of the LAG program.

Establish and execute annual revenue goals, growth strategies, and key performance metrics for LAG  collaboration with the Director of Direct Response, develop and implementintegrated engagement strategies that align LAG and Direct Response efforts toensure seamless donor experience.

Analyze program performance, donor behavior, and portfolio trends to inform strategic decisions and optimize results.

Frontline Fundraising & Portfolio Management Manage a portfolio of high-value LAG donors and prospects, focusing onqualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Design and implement personalized engagement strategies to deepen relationships and increase giving.

Maintain a strong understanding of organizational priorities to effectively align donorinterests with funding opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development Supervise and mentor two Relationship Managers, providing guidance on portfolio management, donor strategy, and performance.

Foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture focused on accountability,professional growth, and donor-centered practices.

Support staff in developing and executing moves management strategies and achieving individual and team goals.

Pipeline & Cross-Team Collaboration Oversee pipeline development, and portfolio strategy across the LAG program.

Partner with Strategic Giving colleagues to identify and transition qualified donors($25,000+) into appropriate giving channels.

Collaborate with Direct Response and Donor Engagement, and other development teams to align outreach strategies and ensure consistent messaging.

Data, Systems & Reporting Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor engagement in the database,including contact reports, strategy notes, and prospect updates.

Utilize data and reporting tools to monitor progress, forecast revenue, and guide decision-making.

Continuously evaluate and refine portfolio assignments and moves management processes.

Other Perform other duties as assigned in support of the development team and organizational priorities

Significant fundraising experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or similar environment, with demonstrated success managing mid-level or major donorprograms.

Familiarity with Direct Response programs and how Leadership Annual Givingintersects.

Proven ability to lead strategy, manage staff, and drive measurable fundraisingresults.

Experience developing and executing donor engagement strategies across multiple channels, including coordination with Direct Response programs.

Strong understanding of moves management, pipeline development, and donorlifecycle strategy.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

Proficiency in CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel,PowerPoint).Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

Benefits Health, dental and vision insurance coverage

Employer-paid life and disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

Generous paid time off Parental leave

On-site gym $3,000 annual employer-paid Thrive Pass lifestyle and wellness benefit program $250 employee referral bonus
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