Development Director — Remote Fundraising Leader

Ascend Justice; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Uptown People’s Law Center (UPLC) is seeking a Development Director to lead fundraising and communications. The role secures and grows funding from individuals, foundations, and law firms; crafts donor communications; and manages data systems to support fundraising cultivation and stewardship.

This is a leadership role with hands-on execution, reporting to the Executive Director. Responsibilities include guiding grants, donor campaigns, events, and public messaging while overseeing staff and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional nonprofit fundraising experience, preferably in legal aid, social justice, or advocacy contexts.
• Proven ability to create and lead a successful fundraising strategy including grants, major donors, and campaigns.
• Supervisory experience with coaching and accountability for junior staff.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editing skills for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to build cross-functional relationships with diverse internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with donor databases or CRMs; experience managing data and generating reports.
• Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Lead donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies including individuals, institutions, and law firms.
• Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and adjust strategies to ensure sustainability and growth.
• Prepare internal and external fundraising reports in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Operations.
• Supervise the Development Assistant, providing mentorship and feedback.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Grant writing

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

CRM/data analysis

Tools

Network for Good

Job description

Uptown People’s Law Center (UPLC) is seeking a Development Director to lead fundraising and communications. The role secures and grows funding from individuals, foundations, and law firms; crafts donor communications; and manages data systems to support fundraising cultivation and stewardship.

This is a leadership role with hands-on execution, reporting to the Executive Director. Responsibilities include guiding grants, donor campaigns, events, and public messaging while overseeing staff and