Director, Development - Experienced - Hybrid

Accountable To: VP of Development & Operations

Location (hybrid):

Primary

Work Location:

Office Utilization days/week Schafer Condon Carter 176 N Racine Ave. Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607

Secondary Locations:
Program Sites Utilization days/month Waveland Youth Facility 3701 N. Recreation Drive, Suite 2, Chicago, ILorHarborside Youth Learning Center

S. Doty Ave. East, Chicago, IL 60628

Compensation: $75k to $85k, annually;
Benefits eligible.

About First Tee - Greater Chicago

First Tee — Greater Chicago, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in the Chicagoland area by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Founded in 2000, First Tee — Greater Chicago reaches young people through its core program, the Life Skills Experience, as well as outreach to the broader community through its school and community-based programs.

First Tee — Greater Chicago currently has a full-time annual staff of ten (10). During the peak golf season, over 85 part-time coaches become an extension of the team. For more information:  .

About the Role

The Director of Development (DoD) is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for fundraising strategy, donor relations, sponsorship development, and campaign execution. The ideal candidate is proactive, creative, and relationship-driven, with a strong record of fundraising success, exceptional attention to detail, and a deep understanding of Chicago’s philanthropic and golf communities. Reporting to the VP of Development & Operations, the DoD works closely with leadership, the Board of Governors, the Leadership Council and the Ambassadors Council to expand the organization’s reach and impact.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping shape the next phase of First Tee – Greater Chicago’s growth, including potential new facility development on Chicago’s West Side.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, sponsor ships, giving societies, and targeted campaigns.

• Co-manage a donor portfolio of ~1,300, focusing on top donors and sponsors, while cultivating new relationships.

• Develop and oversee foundation and/or corporate proposals, subsequent reporting and donor communications.

• Plan and execute end-of-year giving mailer, including the storytelling, design, and overall execution.

Campaigns & Events

• Co-plan and execute signature fundraising events such as the Corporate Challenge Golf Outing, Fore the Kids, Masters Watch Party, and other opportunistic events.

• Lead digital and peer-to-peer campaigns via Give Smart and Harness.

Communications & Strategy

• Partner with the Marketing & Communications Manager to align messaging and fundraising materials.

• Partner with the Program team and coaches to gather participant stories and data to demonstrate program impact.

• Partner with the leadership team to ensure accurate reporting and use of financial statements, revenue tracking, and expense management.

• Navigate stock gifts, ACH transfers, wire payments, and other money movement processes.

• Actively participate in overall budget planning.

• Engage and inspire the Board of Governors and the Development Committee, along with other fundraising task forces.

• Represent First Tee – Greater Chicago at community, corporate, and donor events.

• At a leadership level, partner with key stakeholders to enhance and elevate First Tee — Greater Chicago’s impact. ○ i.e. First Tee HQ, Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, Chicago Parks Foundation, etc.

Database & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records in Eleo, ensuring timely reporting and segmentation.

• Analyze donor trends and campaign results to guide strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

• 5+ years of nonprofit development experience, with success in major gifts, sponsor ships, and donor engagement.

• Knowledge of Chicago philanthropic networks and corporate community.

• Proficiency with Eleo, Harness, Give Smart, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

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