Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving

Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving

KIPP Chicago's Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving is a new, key role for our organization. The Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving will generate and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, deepen engagement, and secure leadership and major gifts that advance KIPP Chicago's long-term vision for students and families. In this role, the Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving will expand and lead our individual giving program in support of our $25M 25th Anniversary "Path to Freedom" Campaign.

The position is located in Chicago and requires daily, consistent presence in Chicago, with the expectation of being actively in the field for outreach and relationship meetings, both during the day, in the evening, and on weekends when necessary – and with some time being spent in our regional office in Pilsen.

KIPP Chicago partners with the KIPP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports schools across the country. KIPP Public Schools is a national network of public charter schools that prepares students with the skills and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are currently a network of 278 schools, nearly 15,000 educators, and 175,000 students and alumni.

When you work at KIPP, you're part of a national network that partners with families and communities to create nurturing, rigorous, and joyful schools in pursuit of a more just world.

The ideal Director of Major Gifts & Individual Giving has the following previous experience and skills:

• 5–7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a focus on individual and major gifts.
• Ability to work in-person, daily in Chicago in both our Pilsen office and in the field for necessary donor cultivation, and flexibly for weekend and evening events when required
• Demonstrated success securing at least low- to mid-five-figure gifts; experience closing six-figure gifts and multi-year commitments strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage a major gift portfolio, including prospect research, moves management, and revenue forecasting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and inspire confidence with high-net-worth individuals.
• Strategic thinker with strong planning, organizational, and follow-through skills; comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Commitment to educational equity and to KIPP Chicago's mission; familiarity with the Chicago philanthropic community is a plus.

KIPP Chicago Schools offers a competitive compensation and benefits package:

• Competitive executive salary, commensurate with experience and aligned to regional salary bands
• Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance. Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered at no cost.
• Competitive retirement savings benefits:
  Chicago Teachers Pension Fund eligibility for IL licensed educators or 403B match
• Robust development and professional collaboration within national KIPP Foundation CSO cohort

KIPP Chicago is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background.