Director of Donor Engagement

Job Description

Marklund in Geneva is hiring a Director of Donor Engagement. Would you like to make a difference in the lives of others and be appreciated for what you do? Join us in making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities and love your job! Marklund is seeking a highly motivated and mission-centered individual for the position of Director of Donor Engagement.

This is a full-time position based out of our Geneva campus. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM with occasional evenings and weekends for special events. The starting salary for this position is $80,000- $90,000 based on qualifications and experience.

Marklund is a nonprofit organization that provides residential, educational and therapy services to infants, children, teens and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs. With two residential locations – the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva and the Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin – it is currently home to nearly 178 residents. The Marklund Day School offers Multi-Needs and Life Skills programs for children and young adults with multiple medical needs, and those diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

In addition, our Community Day Services program at each site is a therapeutic day program for adults who reside at Marklund and those who come in from the community.

Marklund provides a rich culture where everything we do contributes to our mission of ‘making everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities.’ Each and every employee’s job contributes to Marklund’s vision of providing a happy, safe purpose-filled life for every individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and is integral to enhancing the lives of the individuals we serve. As part of our private, not‑for‑profit network of services, you will learn what it’s like to have the individuals we serve not only change your career, but also change your life.

The Director of Donor Engagement will help drive organizational sustainability by cultivating, stewarding, and retaining donors through personalized relationship management, strategic communication, and high‑impact events. They develop fundraising strategies, manage donor pipelines, track donor retention and key data points, and collaborate with the development team to enhance donor recognition and stewardship.

• Take a leadership role as a backup to the CDO.
• Help strengthen the LGC and Annual Fund programs at Marklund.
• Work with the Signature Events Director and Community Events Manager to employ individual giving and stewardship strategies for previous event participants.
• Represent development to new and potential donors and other Marklund stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and encourage ongoing research/ideas of new campaigns and/or appeals in an effort to identify new potential funding.
• Develop and pursue fundraising ideas, contacts and strategies to raise funds from individuals, corporations and foundations in the Chicago area.
• Other duties as assigned.

Please note that this job summary is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job and to meet its functional and environmental requirements.

As an equal opportunity employer, Marklund respects and supports diversity, equity and inclusion as part of our work environment.

Are you ready to contribute to Marklund’s mission and vision, and become an integral part of enhancing the lives of the individuals we serve?

• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge NXT well as with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word).
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and/or cultivation/stewardship plans.
• CFRE certification preferred.
• Ability to manage external relationships with donors, prospects, vendors, board members, and other…