Director of Philanthropic Engagement

Job Title

Director of Philanthropic Engagement

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Program Area: Development

FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt

Hours: 40-hour workweek; including some night and weekend work

Location: Men’s Center, 402 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60624

Director of Philanthropic Engagement will secure funds for the organization by bringing in new donors and managing a group of assigned donors, assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement. The role is also responsible for growing Breakthrough’s planned giving program, including identifying donors and engaging in cultivation.

The role is responsible for participating in each step of the donor pipeline, including: identification; qualification through research; cultivation; briefing; request for support; and prompt follow up, stewardship, and recognition.

The role will sit on a cross-departmental team that cultivates and strengthens relationships amongst individuals and institutions supporting Breakthrough, allowing individuals to fully see themselves as partners in the work. This team regularly collaborates on strategy, messaging, and event planning.

• Manage a portfolio of donors, including implementation of donor strategy for specific donors within the portfolio. This portfolio is inclusive of major individual donors (as defined by Breakthrough) and planned giving donors. This may also include individuals who represent family foundations.
• Design, grow, and manage the organization’s planned giving program, including bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred gifts
• Prepare a prospect pipeline and secure gifts of new donors
• Support and lead research and development efforts of major/mega donors, helping the team to understand who they are, their interest and past level of engagement with other organizations and where Breakthrough falls within their giving priorities
• In partnership with the entire team, develop customized solicitation strategies based on interests, motivations, and capacity, ensuring meaningful engagement and successful gift solicitation
• Utilize Breakthrough’s donor-focused technology for donor management, research, and communication
• Represent Breakthrough to external audiences
• Participate in and support the planning and execution of donor-focused events, including volunteer and fundraising events
• Collaborate on content and messaging for donor engagement
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Has a demonstrated value of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Independently follows agency policy and procedures
• Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
• Identifies and resolves difficult issues
• Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
• Promote wellness and customer care through all actions and behaviors
• Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
• Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
• A passion for the mission of Breakthrough

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ professional experience in donor management and individual donor relations
• Expertise in the Chicago philanthropic landscape
• Experience with Salesforce preferred
• Must be able to develop and sustain relationships with external stakeholders
• Must be able to develop and articulate a strategic vision for program areas
• Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Familiarity with the concepts of Restorative Justice practices
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record.

• Exceptional ability in donor relations and individual relationship management
• Proven experience in moves management and donor cultivation
• Experience in utilizing data and CRM platforms as part of the donor management strategy
• Demonstrated experience in crafting and executing fresh ideas for donor engagement
• Strong…