Major Gifts Manager

We are seeking an energetic and strategic Major Gifts Manager to lead our organization’s fundraising efforts by cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and estate planners, driving impactful contributions that advance our mission. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for nonprofit management, exceptional relationship management skills, and a proven track record in securing major gifts through innovative strategies and compelling proposals.

Join us to make a lasting difference while working in a vibrant, mission-driven environment committed to growth and community impact.

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life‑skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness.

CHIL's programs and services are youth‑affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma‑sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three‑year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence.

(Covenant House Illinois reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following)

• Mission & Standard of Procedure
• Build and manage a portfolio of donors generating significant annual and multi‑year investments for CHIL. Establish and track progress against revenue goals and other related fundraising activities.
• Build a pipeline for qualification and prioritization working with prospect research, development staff, and others to evaluate and determine giving potential.
• Convert mid‑level and mass‑level CHIL donors to recurring donors.
• Research and develop a pipeline of prospective CHIL donors, with a focus on discovery and qualification.
• Qualify, cultivate, and manage individuals from CHI’s pipeline of Illinois donors, with the goal of donor retention and increased CHIL giving.
• Supervise Development Operations Coordinator
• Position supports general team operations and is responsible for accurate data entry and timely donor communications at all stages of gift processing.
• Working collaboratively with the Chief Development Officer, design and package special project proposals and engage in major gift solicitations that match donor interests with CHIL’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Develop and expand CHIL’s Planned Giving Program – The Cornerstone society – with the goal of converting CHIL’s major gift ($10,000+) portfolio to Legacy Donors.
• Support fundraising, friend‑raising events, stewardship and cultivation events, including planning small group engagements.
• With an emphasis on board expansion and development, provide insights, data, and trends pertaining to board composition, and develop a pipeline of potential board candidates based on organizational needs, strategic priorities, and an ongoing assessment of current board strengths and gaps.
• Lead CHIL’s Annual Giving Campaigns, including end of year (fiscal and calendar) and special project appeals.
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience, with at least 2 years focused on major gifts or donor cultivation.
• Proven track record of securing five‑ and six‑figure gifts from individual donors.
• Experience with donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Donor Perfect).
• Prior experience working in a nonprofit setting, especially with youth services, housing,…