Development Director - Fundraising & Communications

Uptown People's Law Center; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling

Remote work options

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Uptown People's Law Center (UPLC) in Chicago seeks a Development Director to lead fundraising and communications, securing support from individuals, foundations, and law firms, and managing donor data systems. This senior role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, supervising the Development Assistant/Comms Assistant and shaping grants, communications, and events to advance UPLC's advocacy.

This role will drive donor engagement, annual planning, and collaboration with program and

Qualifications

• 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, preferably legal aid or advocacy.
• Proven ability to create and lead a successful fundraising strategy.
• Supervisory experience with coaching junior staff.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editing for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual fundraising plan with the Executive Director.
• Lead donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across individuals, foundations, and law firms.
• Oversee grants program, including calendar, data gathering, and proposals.
• Prepare fundraising reports and collaborate on external communications.
• Supervise Development Assistant and provide mentorship.
• Coordinate with legal, outreach, and admin teams to align funder messaging.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Grant writing

Donor communications

Staff supervision

Storytelling

Project management

CRM experience

Advocacy/justice

Tools

Network for Good

Job description

Uptown People's Law Center (UPLC) in Chicago seeks a Development Director to lead fundraising and communications, securing support from individuals, foundations, and law firms, and managing donor data systems. This senior role combines strategic planning with hands-on execution, supervising the Development Assistant/Comms Assistant and shaping grants, communications, and events to advance UPLC's advocacy.

This role will drive donor engagement, annual planning, and collaboration with program and