Director of Development and Donor Relations ILAO

Director of Development and Donor Relations

Organization: Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO)

11

E. Adams Street, STE 500, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Remote or Telecommuting: Hybrid position with expectation of working from ILAO’s downtown Chicago office one day per week and participating in regular in‑person donor and stakeholder meetings.

ILAO seeks a full‑time Director of Development and Donor Relations to lead and grow its fundraising program during a period of organizational expansion. Since 2021, ILAO has nearly doubled its budget, from under $2 million to nearly $4 million projected next fiscal year.

This role will lead ILAO’s development strategy with a strong focus on donor stewardship and relationship‑based fundraising, while also growing unrestricted support from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. Working closely with ILAO’s operational team, the Director will increase ILAO’s visibility and engagement with donors and other stakeholders across Illinois.

The Director of Development and Donor Relations will oversee all fundraising and donor relations efforts, supervise development consultants and staff, activate ILAO’s Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board, and collaborate with staff and board members to advance ILAO’s mission and communicate ILAO’s unique value proposition.

This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Deputy Finance, External Relations Directors, the Board of Directors, and the Young Professionals Board.

Illinois Legal Aid Online (ILAO) is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. Working with people from diverse lived experiences brings us closer to our vision of a society where all people can get justice. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, and people with disabilities to apply.

• Create and lead the execution of an annual fundraising plan and calendar that reflects ILAO’s goals, priorities, and capacity, including a persuasive case for support.
• Manage cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with new and existing individual and corporate donors.
• Research and pursue long‑term relationships with foundations, agencies, and public and private institutions.
• Successfully execute signature events, including the Light in the Night annual benefit and the Beer & Cheese event.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Board’s Fund Development Committee, assist the Executive Director, onboard new members, prepare for quarterly meetings, and serve as a point of contact for board member needs.
• Support ILAO’s Young Professionals Board, including overseeing fundraising activities, deepening engagement with staff and board, and building community.
• Conduct grant stewardship (tracking, drafting, and submitting applications and reporting) for ongoing grants.
• Manage gift entry and acknowledgement process for donors using Salesforce.
• Represent ILAO to external stakeholders via in‑person, virtual, and phone meetings, and communicate ILAO’s impact and case for support.

• A minimum of five years of experience in a frontline development position with a proven track record of cultivating relationships and soliciting and closing sponsor ships, grants, and gifts.
• Experience managing and leading a range of special events of varying sizes and duties.
• Experience using a CRM and email marketing platform and working with external stakeholders.
• Experience administering government and foundation grants.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating with and managing vendors, consultants, and independent contractors.
• Demonstrated commitment to ILAO’s user base, including working with people who have a variety of lived experiences.
• Experience supervising and supporting staff, providing direction, performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative, accountable environment.

• Authentic ability to present about and represent ILAO in a compelling and professional manner and to inspire enthusiasm among donors, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the talent to cultivate warm, collaborative relationships.
• Enthusiasm for…