Director of Development

Position Description

Director of Development

Chicago Run

Type: Full-Time

Start Date: When Final date to receive applications

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

Founded in 2007, Chicago Run empowers thousands of Chicago's young people, from Pre‑K through high school, with access to running and physical activity programs. Our programs meet young people where they are, partnering with schools and community organizations to provide regular opportunities for trauma‑informed and non‑competitive physical activity. Through these partnerships, we use the power of sport to improve academic performance, positive relationships, social‑emotional skills, and physical and mental health.

Each year, Chicago Run reaches thousands of youth participants through partnerships with Chicago Public Schools, community organizations, and parks. We focus our work in historically disinvested communities on the South and West sides. By partnering with stakeholders deeply rooted in these communities, we reach more young people and deepen our impact.

We offer customized programs designed to meet the needs of each student and community:

• Striders (Pre‑K to 2nd grade):
  High‑quality physical activity breaks using games that develop vital gross motor skills
• Chicago Runners (3rd‑5th grade):
  Physical activity breaks that promote well‑being and improve classroom concentration
• Running Mates (Middle & High School):
  Running and physical activity to improve social and emotional well‑being in an inclusive, non‑competitive environment where students work toward completing a local 5K while building positive self‑image, setting goals, and developing relationships with peers and mentors
• LACE Up! (Leadership, Action, Community, Endurance): A work‑based learning program that trains students to serve as leaders, mentors, and coaches for current Chicago Run participants

Chicago Run seeks a strategic, dynamic, and accomplished development leader to accelerate our philanthropic growth and institutional sustainability. As the funding landscape shifts, the Director of Development will lead the charge in diversifying revenue streams and expanding our donor base to support the thousands of students we serve across Chicago.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior leader will serve as a key architect of our fundraising operations. You will partner closely with the Board of Directors to cultivate high‑level donor relationships, attract major gifts, and recruit board members with significant fundraising reach. This role requires a 'builder' mindset—someone who can thoughtfully design and rapidly execute strategies while providing high‑level oversight to a team of fractional and contractual professionals.

This is a pivotal moment for Chicago Run. We are looking for an accomplished professional with a track record of transforming development programs, engaging donors through meaningful program‑led experiences, and positioning organizations for long‑term, scalable impact.

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Establish fundraising priorities and performance metrics in collaboration with leadership to achieve annual revenue targets of $1.5M–$1.8M.
• Design and execute multi‑year strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship across all levels, including major gifts, grants, and government funding.
• Lead the creation of comprehensive donor stewardship programs, including recognition activities and cultivation events, ensuring integration with program leadership for authentic engagement.

Mission Advocacy & Representation

• Prepare and support the Executive Director for high‑stakes solicitations while collaborating with communications staff to translate program outcomes into compelling narratives for donors and foundations.
• Ensure all donor strategies, grant proposals, and cultivation plans are deeply rooted in Chicago Run’s mission and current program data.
• Regularly participate in school visits, community runs, and program events to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and provide donors with 'front‑line' insights.

Board Development and Governance

• Act as the primary development liaison for the…