Director, Corporate Development

The Chicago Lighthouse; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 days paid vacation

12 paid holidays

6 sick days

Insurance eligibility after 30 days

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Short/long term disability

Life insurance 2x salary

401(k) match

On-site meals

Job summary

The Chicago Lighthouse seeks a Director of Corporate Development to lead fundraising and engagement with corporate partners. You will identify, solicit, and steward sponsor opportunities, align corporate partnerships with program priorities, and advance donor commitments.

The role reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and oversees volunteer opportunities. Ideal candidates bring 7–10 years in nonprofit fundraising, strong communication skills, and a track record of cultivating relationships in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (nonprofit management, business, marketing, communications)
• 7–10 years of progressive fundraising/development experience, preferably corporate relations
• Proven track record in corporate development and Chicagoland relationships
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Adaptive, energetic, quick learner with professional demeanor
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Commitment to mission of empowering people who are blind or visually impaired

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual corporate development strategy through sponsorships, grants, and employee engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate executives and stakeholders
• Ensure proper stewardship, acknowledgments, and reporting on impact of corporate support
• Manage sponsor benefits, invoicing and payment collection
• Represent The Chicago Lighthouse at events to identify funding opportunities
• Collaborate with advancement, communications and events teams
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential corporate partners and tailor engagement
• Support wider Advancement Department initiatives as needed

Skills

Fundraising

Corporate relations

Stakeholder engagement

Proposal writing

Communication

Relationship management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management or related field

Experience in nonprofit sector

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

CRM software

Job description

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Director, Corporate Development will play an important fundraising and engagement role at The Chicago Lighthouse as a member of the Advancement Team. This position will be responsible for identifying, engaging, soliciting and stewarding corporate relationships that lead to programmatic and fundraising opportunities for The Lighthouse. This role will be responsible for achieving annual revenue goals tied to event sponsorship, corporate foundation support and corporate and cause marketing campaigns. The position requires an experienced corporate development professional with a proven track record. This role will be responsible for developing new partnerships and enhancing existing corporate partner relationships. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, this role is also responsible for developing and managing corporate volunteer opportunities.

Accountabilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Develop and implement the annual corporate development strategy to identify, engage and solicit support for The Chicago Lighthouse’s programs through sponsorships, grants, and employee engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate executives and key stakeholders, engaging individuals in the mission of The Lighthouse, leading to deepening commitments and support of the organization.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of corporate relationships, including acknowledgement, recognition and reporting on the impact of corporate support.
• Manage sponsor benefit fulfillment, invoicing and payment collection to execute benefits properly and fully.
• Represent The Lighthouse at networking events, conferences and meetings to identify new funding opportunities, cultivate relationships, and promote our work.
• Work closely with internal teams, including advancement, communications, and events to align corporate fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential corporate partners, assess their philanthropic priorities and tailor engagement strategies accordingly.
• Contribute to the Advancement Department in other ways, participating in events and organizational initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications or a related area.
• Minimum of seven – ten years of progressive experience in fundraising development, or related roles within the nonprofit sector, preferably with a focus on corporate relations.
• Proven track record of corporate development, with established relationships in the Chicagoland community.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Clearly articulates goals and progress, and how funding strategies impact larger organizational goals.
• Adaptive and flexible; high energy; passionate; capable of learning quickly; excellent listener; positive and outgoing personality with a professional touch.
• Familiarity and experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired is essential.

Employee Benefits

BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

• 10 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• 6 sick days accrued over the year
• Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
• Short/long term disability
• Life insurance 2x salary
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Aff and has a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.