Director of Development

Gorton Center; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance subsidized by Gorton

401k program with matching

Childcare at a greatly reduced rate

Discounted fees for Gorton events and

Free parking

Job summary

Gorton Center in Lake Forest, IL seeks an energetic Director of Development to lead all fundraising functions, including Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Sponsorships, and Donor Stewardship. The role directs campaigns, settings budgets and metrics with the Executive Director and Board to grow contributed income and support program expansion.

The position is onsite, offering a collaborative leadership environment, competitive compensation, and benefits aimed at supporting donors and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability and experience working effectively on a team, with a Board and with volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal, decision-making and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage projects effectively to meet internal and external deadlines and objectives.
• Knowledge of the regional philanthropic environment.
• Experience with annual giving programs.
• Experience with the development and implementation of a major gifts program.
• Knowledge of donor and patron database programs and proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the executive leadership team and coach staff and Board to foster philanthropy.
• Develop strategies to secure contributed income and meet annual budget needs.
• Formulate and evaluate fiscal goals, milestones and policies for fundraising.
• Lead major fundraising campaigns, including gifts and donor stewardship.
• Identify high-potential donors and customize engagement strategies.
• Organize donor events and orient/training for Board and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Fundraising knowledge

Project management

Tools

Donor database software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Director of Development
Gorton Center | Lake Forest, IL

About Gorton Center

The gathering place in the heart of our community – where people connect, converse, learn, listen, play and perform.

Housed in a landmark building in the heart of the North Shore of Chicago, Gorton Center, a 48-year-old multi-use cultural center at 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045, is a vibrant, viable and vital hub of activity, serving as “the community’s house” for residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and the surrounding region.

Gorton provides valuable programs for creative-minded people at every stage of their lives. We offer unique arts and educational programs for diverse ages and interests, including performing arts, educational and cultural classes and programs for adults and children, camps and workshops, and special events.

Gorton Center is seeking an energetic, experienced Director of Development who wants to be an essential part of our organization’s growth and evolution as a key cultural and educational asset to the region.

The new Director of Development will join an organization with a dynamic Executive Director, stable financial situation, longstanding community support, a supportive Board, and a strong staff with deep experience. Staff and Board share a strong sense of purpose and engagement in the future of Gorton and the possibilities ahead. This position is onsite at Gorton.

Job Summary

The Director of Development, along with the Executive Director and Board, sets the direction and provides overall management for our fundraising activities. The Director of Development directs all fundraising functions for Gorton, including the Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Sponsorships, Planned Giving and Donor Stewardship, and designs and helps coordinate fundraising events and volunteers. Contributed income makes up 20% of Gorton Center’s roughly $3 million annual budget. The ideal candidate will thrive on growing annual fund and major gifts to new levels commensurate with Gorton’s growth and new and expanded programming goals.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development will:

• Participate in Gorton’s executive leadership team and lead, inspire and coach staff and Board members to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Work with the Executive Director, Board and Development Committee to develop strategies for securing contributed income to meet Gorton Center’s annual budgetary needs and special campaigns; set annual team fundraising goals and department budgets.
• Work with the Board, Development Committee and Executive Director to formulate, implement and evaluate fiscal goals, key milestones and metrics, plans, objectives and policies related to overall annual and long-range fundraising goals; act as main liaison to the Board for fundraising activities and manage the Development Committee.
• Strategize, guide and support major fundraising campaigns, including the identification, research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects and donors; develop budgets and contracts, and oversee research and other support services; direct the creation and generation of collateral materials, systems, policies and protocols for campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with the Board, staff and volunteers to identify high-potential donors and prospects, make assignments, and develop and implement customized strategies for engaging those individuals.
• Engage prospective donors through personalized activities and events targeted to their interests and needs.
• Help orient and train Board members and fellow staff in fundraising best practices.
• Plan strategic fundraising events in collaboration with the special events team.
• Oversee the Manager of Donor Engagement & Stewardship, who manages sponsorships, community events, donor communications and special events.
• Work productively with vendors and consultants as needed (donor research, data management, communications, collateral materials, events).

Qualifications

Outstanding candidates will possess:

• Genuine enthusiasm for Gorton Center’s mission and belief in the role it can play in fostering community.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability and experience working effectively on a team, with a Board and with volunteers.
• Strong interpersonal, decision-making and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage projects effectively to meet internal and external deadlines and objectives.
• Knowledge of the regional philanthropic environment.
• Experience with annual giving programs.
• Experience with the development and implementation of a major gifts program.
• Knowledge of donor and patron database programs and proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Requirements

• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to effectively influence internal and external stakeholders.
• A track record of successfully building fundraising programs and managing high-level donor relationships.
• Substantial fundraising experience, including experience managing leadership volunteers; campaign experience highly desirable.
• Ability to motivate and work effectively with colleagues, Board members and community leaders.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• A flexible, collegial attitude and ability to work well with others.
• Some evening and weekend events will be required.

Compensation and Benefits

Gorton offers a collegial work environment and the following benefits:

• Salary commensurate with experience starting at $90K
• Health insurance subsidized by Gorton
• 401k program with matching
• Childcare at a greatly reduced rate
• Discounted fees for Gorton events and programs
• Free parking

Gorton Center is an equal opportunity employer. We seek talented people of all backgrounds and value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Candidates who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, bilingual or multilingual, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.