Development Director: Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

UCAN (Chicago); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

UCAN seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, and communications in Chicago. You will oversee annual fund, major gifts, and donor communications while coordinating with the VP of Development and CEO to meet UCAN’s fundraising goals.

The role includes managing a team, advocating for donors, shaping branding and events, and supporting board fundraising, with occasional travel to UCAN events and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years fundraising experience.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements annual fundraising strategies; cultivates major gifts and donor stewardship.
• Manages Moves Management with UCAN leadership and staff.
• Budgeting, planning, forecasting, and soliciting philanthropic revenue from major gifts 25,000+.
• Oversees donor communications, email appeals, and matching gift campaigns.
• Plans and executes events including UCAN Leadership Awards gala; supports major development events.
• Coach and mentor staff; conduct annual performance reviews.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Event management

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Blackbaud

Job description

UCAN seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, and communications in Chicago. You will oversee annual fund, major gifts, and donor communications while coordinating with the VP of Development and CEO to meet UCAN’s fundraising goals.

The role includes managing a team, advocating for donors, shaping branding and events, and supporting board fundraising, with occasional travel to UCAN events and partners.