Organization Summary: 

Margaret’s Village is a beloved and integral part of the Englewood and South Chicago communities. The agency addresses the needs of the poor and marginalized through operation of two transitional housing shelters serving homeless women, children, and families, and a senior center which assists socially isolated seniors who lack access to services. Margaret’s Village works collaboratively with many organizations and government entities to strengthen and revitalize these impoverished communities, to renew hope and offer opportunities to residents. 

Position Purpose 

The role of the Director of Development is to: 

• Plan, organize and execute strategies to secure donors and contributions in support of the organization, provide oversight of the fund development program, 
• Monitor development activities, and 
• Organize and execute fundraising events. 

Along with the Executive Director, the Development Director will serve as a primary source of communication for the agency, oversee all appeals, newsletters, and social media content, work with media, and present to individuals and groups. 

The successful applicant should have proven experience in fundraising with at least three years of management experience at a non-profit organization or similar environment. This candidate must be motivated, and have the ability to solve complex problems, and have a passion for philanthropy. 

The Development Director will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Board of Directors as it relates to development and fundraising endeavors. 

Development Director Responsibilities: 

FUNDRAISING 

Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and facilitate short and long-term resource development plans 

Execute a systematic, long-term strategic, relationship-driven approach to identifying, researching, cultivating an active pipeline of new, prospective corporate/foundation partners and ensure ongoing effective cultivation and conversion of prospective pipeline corporate/foundation partners into active partners 

• Achieve major core fundraising goals for both corporate and individual donations 
• Meet with prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective relationships 
• Research grant making foundations; prepare and submit proposals; address reporting requirements 
• Work with program and finance department in submission of government grants 
• Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors 
• Work with the Executive Director to build a planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests 
• Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives 
• Coordinate with fundraising committee for events, including selection of honorees and venue, all aspects related to run of show, publicity, and follow-up 

COMMUNICATIONS 

• Increase awareness and enhance the positive image of Margaret’s Village 
• Create consistent and persuasive communications for our programs 
• Oversee development of communications for direct mail appeals, event communications, media requests and press releases, as well as digital media and e-newsletters, website and social media 
• Represent the agency at events and outreach to organizations, churches, and other groups 
• Recruit, train and supervise volunteers and interns to assist with development functions 
• Seek in-kind support of goods and services for agency 
• Prepare reports for quarterly board meetings and board committees as needed 
• Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives including the use of crowd sourcing 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Commitment to the mission of Margaret’s Village 
• A minimum of three years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in corporate relationships, customer service, business development and planning in or with non-profit and corporate cultures 
• Bachelor’s degree preferably in non-profit management, social work or human services with ancillary skill to support marketing and communications 
• Exceptional skills in strategic thinking, problem solving 
• Personal initiative with proven ability to innovate and meet aggressive goals 
• Ability to imagine, research, develop and coherently propose new ways to engage prospective and current major donors and corporate partners, including proposal development and sponsorship 
• Strong knowledge of individual giving strategies and proven track record of cultivating and soliciting gifts 
• Exceptional verbal and written skills with confidence to make public presentations to represent the organization 
• Demonstrated ability to gain access to and work with executive and sophisticated volunteer leaders 
• Excellent account, project management, and communication skills with the proven ability to develop and grow high-value relationships 
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively across the organization including ability to prioritize, multi-task and work efficiently 
• Ability to research and convert data into materials and proposals 
• Advanced computer skills, i.e., developing PowerPoint presentation, financial spreadsheet, and an ability to use business and communications apps 
• Knowledge of the philanthropic community, particularly as it relates to homelessness, seniors, and issues related to the areas of Englewood and South Chicago 
• A high level of personal and professional integrity, with an ability to inspire confidence and cooperation 
• Access to reliable transportation 
• Compensation: 

Compensation is based on education, experience and qualifications. Generous vacation package, health insurance 

Work Environment: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch. 

 Workplace is a smoke and drug free environment. 

Candidates should respond with resume and cover letter to: 

Angela Hicks 

Executive Director 

Margaret’s Village 

7315 S. Yale Ave. Chicago, IL 

Or email cover letter, resume and references to: 

resumes@margaretsvillage.org