Director of Grant Development

Job Title

Director of Grant Development

Chicago, IL | Full‑Time |

Reports to:

Chief Executive Officer | Direct Reports: none, subject to change in future

GRO Community is a mental healthcare provider that specializes in trauma recovery services for males of color ages 5 and up. GRO services are grounded in an understanding of the neurological, biological and psychological effects of trauma. GRO services include mental health and wellness, stress management, and community outreach.

The Director of Development is responsible for creating, leading, and executing a comprehensive development strategy that advances the organization’s financial sustainability and mission. This role will focus on donor cultivation, grant acquisition, strategic fundraising campaigns, and stewardship of supporters. Reporting to the CEO, the Director will collaborate closely with leadership and key program staff to build a robust philanthropic culture across all entities.

• Develop and implement annual and multi‑year fundraising plans to meet organizational revenue goals.
• Lead all aspects of individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsor ships, foundation support, and planned giving.
• Manage donor segmentation, outreach, and cultivation efforts.
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with current and prospective donors, including high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Oversee donor acknowledgment processes and ensure meaningful stewardship activities.
• Coordinate donor events, briefings, and recognition efforts.
• Build an individual donor relations base.
• Identify new funding opportunities from foundations, government, and corporate entities.
• Lead or support the writing and submission of grant proposals and reports.
• Research and identify federal, state, local, and foundation grant opportunities aligned with organizational programs and initiatives.
• Prepare, draft, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and related materials.
• Collaborate with leadership and program teams to gather data, budgets, outcomes, and program information needed for submissions.
• Maintain a grants calendar to track Final date to receive applicationss, reporting requirements, and renewal opportunities.
• Assist with post‑award reporting and ensure compliance with grant deliverables and timelines.
• Monitor funding trends, legislative updates, and community investment opportunities relevant to behavioral health, youth services, housing, outreach, and community programming.
• Plan and execute capital campaigns, annual appeals, and fundraising events.
• Collaborate with marketing for campaign messaging and materials.
• Data, Reporting, and Systems Oversight.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Generate regular development performance reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
• Work closely with marketing team to enhance donor engagement.
• Supervise development team members and contractors, if applicable.
• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
• Skilled in cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, and stakeholders.
• Strong grant writing, reporting, and compliance management experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal skills with the ability to present compelling cases for support.
• Proficient in CRM/database management and using metrics to inform decisions and forecast revenue.
• Effective team leader and collaborator, with experience supervising staff and cross‑functional coordination.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple campaigns and events.
• Financial Awareness, understanding of development budgets, donor ROI, and alignment with financial goals.
• Passionate about advancing the organization’s mission through ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.

• Hybrid Schedule/40 hours per week
• 10% travel

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive development experience in the nonprofit sector
• Proven success in securing major grants and building donor…