Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago (EFGC) is a not-for-profit organization serving 44 counties in Illinois since 1946, with a mission to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. We offer a wide variety of programs and services, all at no charge, including clinical counseling, case management, support groups, and recreational and educational events for all ages.

We promote epilepsy education and awareness, fighting stigmas and supporting advocacy efforts that connect to the general public and support people living with epilepsy, their families, and the communities in which they live. We are a 501(c)3 tax exempt charitable organization existing under the laws of the State of Illinois and operating as a local affiliate of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

The Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement is an enterprise-level leadership position. This role is responsible for crafting strategy and implementing systems that achieve goals in fundraising to support a culture of philanthropy, donor stewardship and sustained investment for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago (EFGC). Serving as a chief architect of fundraising and partnership, this role is responsible for developing and executing strategies to grow the base of support from $3.2M to $4.2M over the next several years, including EFGC’s individual, community, and corporate fundraising strategies, donor communications, events, and engagement activities.

The SVP of Philanthropy and Engagement serves as a visible ambassador of EFGC, and cultivates sustaining-level relationships, focusing on growing a pipeline of major gift individual, corporate and institutional donors (e.g. wealth management firms, community trusts) while stewarding and expanding sustaining donors through stewardship efforts. This role also manages and develops a team that spans corporate and community relations, fundraising events, marketing, brand, and public relations, while overseeing development operations, including gift administration, fundraising activities, and volunteer events.

A key member of EFGC’s staff leadership team, this role participates in agency decision making, strategic planning, and direct engagement with EFGC’s Board of Directors.

• Inspire and promote a culture of philanthropy and giving throughout the organization, community, and Board.
• In partnership with President & CEO, set annual fundraising goals for corporate and individual giving, with specific targets for major gifts, annual appeals, sponsor ships, and grants.
• In partnership with President & CEO, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with EFGC’s mission, goals, and priorities.
• Create and implement a project plan to align with a fundraising strategy that supports agency goals.
• Lead staff to develop quarterly goals and deadlines.
• Evaluate current fundraising and donor communication activities and identify opportunities for growth and impact.

• Champion meaningful relationships with stakeholders and lead team members in their cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Attend networking events, utilize memberships, and cultivate opportunities to speak on behalf of EFGC and its mission.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with a portfolio of individual donors and corporate partners, ensuring they are engaged and recognized for their support.
• Manage the process for driving lead generation for new corporate and institutional partners.
• Partner with Board of Directors to grow pipelines and cultivate corporate and individual prospects.
• Lead the vision for sponsorship strategy and acquisition for the year.
• Lead team responsible for volunteer activities that cultivate donor and corporate engagement.
• Oversee team responsible for fundraising events and 3rd party fundraisers, including 5-6 annual events.

• Ensure effective and timely recognition of constituent engagement (individuals and corporate partners), including through thank-you letters, donor events, and public acknowledgment.
• Lead the…