Director of Grant Development

GRO Community; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

GRO Community in Chicago, IL seeks a Director of Grant Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program. You will design and execute strategies for grant funding, major gifts, and donor stewardship, reporting to the CEO and working with program staff to strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

The role emphasizes securing foundation and government support, managing grants, and coordinating events and communications with stakeholders to advance GRO's mission in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive development experience in the nonprofit sector.
• Proven success in securing major grants and building donor pipelines.
• Strong grant writing and campaign management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of grant data analysis.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on initiative.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans to meet revenue goals.
• Lead all aspects of individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and planned giving.
• Manage donor segmentation, outreach, and cultivation efforts.
• Oversee donor acknowledgment processes and ensure meaningful stewardship activities.
• Coordinate donor events, briefings, and recognition efforts.
• Build an individual donor relations base and maintain partnerships with high-net-worth individuals.
• Identify new funding opportunities from foundations, government, and corporate entities.
• Lead or support the writing and submission of grant proposals and reports.
• Maintain a grants calendar to track deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewals.
• Assist with post-award reporting and ensure compliance with grant deliverables and timelines.
• Monitor funding trends and opportunities relevant to behavioral health and youth services.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor cultivation

Grant writing

Campaign management

CRM/databases

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or CFRE preferred

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Job Title: Director of Grant Development

Location:Chicago, ILJob Type:Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer |Direct Reports: none, subject to change in future

About Us:

God Restoring Order (GRO) Community is a mental healthcare provider that specializes in trauma recovery services for males of color ages 5 and up. GRO services are grounded in an understanding of the neurological, biological and psychological effects of trauma. GRO services include mental health and wellness, stress management, and community outreach.

Position Summary:

The Director of Development is responsible for creating, leading, and executing a

comprehensive development strategy that advances the organization’s financial sustainability

and mission. This role will focus on donor cultivation, grant acquisition, strategic fundraising

campaigns, and stewardship of supporters. Reporting to the CEO, the Director will

collaborate closely with leadership and key program staff to build a robust philanthropic culture

across all entities.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans to meet organizational


• revenue goals


• Lead all aspects of individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation


• support, and planned giving


• Manage donor segmentation, outreach, and cultivation efforts


• Donor Engagement & Stewardship


• Build and maintain strong partnerships with current and prospective donors, including


• high-net-worth individuals


• Oversee donor acknowledgment processes and ensure meaningful stewardship


• activities


• Coordinate donor events, briefings, and recognition efforts


• Build an individual donor relations base

Grant Management

• Identify new funding opportunities from foundations, government, and corporate entities


• Lead or support the writing and submission of grant proposals and reports


• Research and identify federal, state, local, and foundation grant opportunities aligned


• with organizational programs and initiatives.


• Prepare, draft, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and


• supporting narratives.


• Collaborate with leadership and program teams to gather data, budgets, outcomes, and


• program information needed for submissions.


• Maintain a grants calendar to track application deadlines, reporting requirements, and


• renewal opportunities.


• Assist with post-award reporting and ensure compliance with grant deliverables and


• timelines.


• Monitor funding trends, legislative updates, and community investment opportunities


• relevant to behavioral health, youth services, housing, outreach, and community


• programming.

Campaign & Event Leadership

• Plan and execute capital campaigns, annual appeals, and fundraising events


• Collaborate with marketing for campaign messaging and materials


• Data, Reporting, and Systems Oversight


• Maintain accurate records


• Generate regular development performance reports for internal and external


• stakeholders

Team Collaboration

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to align fundraising goals with


• organizational priorities


• Work closely with marketing team to enhance donor engagement


• Supervise development team members and contractors, if applicable

Competencies:

• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across


• individual, corporate, and foundation channels.


• Skilled in cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, and


• stakeholders.


• Strong grant writing, reporting, and compliance management experience.


• Exceptional written and verbal skills with the ability to present compelling cases for support.


• Proficient in CRM/database management and using metrics to inform decisions and forecast revenue.


• Effective team leader and collaborator, with experience supervising staff and cross-functional coordination.


• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple campaigns and events.


• Financial Awareness, understanding of development budgets, donor ROI, and alignment with financial goals.


• Passionate about advancing the organization’s mission through ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.

Work Setting:

• Hybrid Schedule/40 hours per week


• 10% travel

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred


• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive development experience in the nonprofit sector


• Proven success in securing major grants and building donor pipelines


• Strong grant writing and campaign management skills


• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills


• Knowledge of grant data analysis


• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute hands‑on initiatives

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.


• A supportive and dynamic work environment committed to social impact.


• Opportunities for professional development and growth.