Director of Development

Job Type

Full-time

The Director of Development serves as YWCA Evanston/North Shore's lead fundraising professional and is responsible for expanding philanthropic support through strategic donor cultivation, relationship management, annual giving, and revenue diversification. Working in close partnership with the President & CEO, this position develops and implements fundraising strategies that inspire investment in YWCA's mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

Strategic Fundraising & Revenue Growth (35%)

• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies that increase philanthropic support and diversify revenue.
• Partner with the President & CEO to establish annual fundraising goals and measurable performance targets.
• Develop strategies to increase donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades.
• Expand recurring giving and annual fund participation.
• Identify new revenue opportunities including individuals, family foundations, corporate giving, workplace giving, and community partnerships.
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend adjustments throughout the year.

Donor Cultivation & Major Gifts (40%)

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and qualified prospects through active cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Schedule and conduct donor visits independently and jointly with the President & CEO.
• Develop individualized cultivation and stewardship plans for major donors.
• Prepare donor briefings, talking points, and solicitation strategies for the CEO.
• Ensure timely follow-up after meetings, gifts, and organizational engagements.
• Build long-term relationships that increase donor loyalty and lifetime giving.

Campaign Management & Stewardship (15%)

• Lead annual fundraising campaigns including Giving Tuesday, Year-End Appeal, Monthly Giving Program, Donor Renewal Campaigns, Legacy Gift Campaigns.
• Develop stewardship strategies that demonstrate donor impact.
• Coordinate personalized donor acknowledgments and recognition.
• Partner with Marketing to ensure fundraising communications effectively tell the organization's story.

Donor Operations & Reporting (10%)

• Maintain accurate donor records within Donor Perfect.
• Monitor donor pipeline activity and fundraising metrics.
• Prepare monthly fundraising dashboards and reports.
• Ensure gift acknowledgments are timely and IRS compliant.
• Utilize donor analytics to inform fundraising strategy.

• Attends staff training and participates in agency committees.
• Pursues professional development.
• Understands and adheres to all YWCA Evanston/North Shore procedures and policies as well as YWCA Employee Handbook.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Education
:
Bachelor's degree.

• 7-10 years progressive fundraising experience
• Demonstrated success securing five-figure and six-figure gifts.
• Experience managing a donor portfolio.
• Experience planning annual fundraising campaigns.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Experience utilizing donor databases (Donor Perfect preferred)
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Licenses/Certificates: Current driver’s license and auto insurance.

Technology/Equipment:

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Advanced proficiency with Donor Perfect Online or comparable donor database.
• Reliable access to a personal auto to conduct business.

Education
: MBA or master’s degree in communication or non-profit administration

• Certified Fund Raising Professional (CFRE) preferred
• Experience with in a nonprofit human service organization.
• Experience fundraising around racial equity, gender equity, violence prevention,…