Director, Individual Giving

Position Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director of Development as part of the team responsible for raising $3.5M annually, the Director of Individual Giving will lead efforts to secure financial support from individuals. Working closely with other members of the development team, senior leaders, volunteers, and board members, the Director of Individual Giving is responsible for meeting quarterly and annual goals by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a diverse base of donors.

This position will play a critical role by assisting the Managing Director of Development in the creation and successful execution of a substantial and sustainable individual giving program while working in close partnership with other members of the Development team. The Director of Individual Giving will also work closely with City Year Chicago’s Marketing & Communications team to fully leverage the site’s outreach activities and events to meaningfully engage prospective and current donors and alumni.

Starting salary range for this role is $80,000 - $90,000. Anticipated start date for this role is fall 2026. This is a primarily in-person role with flexibility to periodically work remotely.

Bachelor’s degree preferred; five or more years of work experience including knowledge of fundraising for non-profit or educational organization preferred. Strong knowledge base of all aspects of fundraising with a strong emphasis on individual giving programs. Proven track record of funded gifts of $10,000+. Experience using donor/relationship management software to track donors, establish goals, and generate reports (experience with Salesforce preferred).

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences. Authorized documentation to work in the United States of America. Criminal background history clearance to work with school-age children, depending on the position.

• Individual Giving Lead – Individual Giving portfolio to raise approximately $900K in revenue towards the overall private revenue goal of $3.5M+. Build revenue plan to retain and scale individual giving fundraising strategy. Develop and implement an individual giving strategy to increase the funding for City Year Chicago and position the organization as a premier education leader in the community. Partner with department leadership to set and monitor annual budget and individual and foundation fundraising goals.
  
  Support all individual giving efforts including Red Jacket Society, mid-level giving, the Associate Board of Young Professionals, and appeals/campaigns such as #Giving Tuesday. Manage Alumni Board to meet memberships and fundraising goals. Collaborate with the Executive Director and Managing Director of Development to create strategies to identify and secure new supporters, fully leverage existing relationships, and increase multi-year commitments. Ensure that asset-based language is used in all communications and that stories center our students.
• Red Jacket Society – Oversee and lead strategy for Red Jacket Society portfolio to meet annual revenue goal of $700K for the program, with expectation to increase annually. Build and secure Red Jacket Society membership of 45 donors, with expectation to increase annually. Work closely with the Board, Development team, Headquarters prospect research, and site leadership, to identify, engage, and cultivate a pipeline of prospects that can make annual and multiyear investments at the $10,000+ level.
  
  Develop strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit leadership-level support and multi-year commitments from new donors. Strengthen engagement and provide an experience for all…