Strategic Development Director (Remote)

The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Firehouse Community Arts Center in Chicago seeks a full-time Development Director to lead fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorship, grant coordination, and external relationship efforts. You will collaborate with executive leadership, donors, funders, and partners to grow revenue and impact.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, strategic planning, and stewardship, with in-person work at the center and some flexible scheduling opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in nonprofit fundraising, development, or donor relations.
• Experience with donors, sponsors, foundations, or philanthropic stakeholders.
• Strong writing and communication skills for donor-facing materials.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with individual and major donors, sponsors, and foundations.
• Support the annual fundraising strategy and campaign planning.
• Develop corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
• Coordinate grants, budgets, reports, and funder communications with teams.
• Plan fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
• Maintain donor data, track gifts, and prepare development updates.

Skills

Donor relationship management

Written and verbal communication

Organization and deadline management

Stakeholder engagement

Grant coordination

Tools

CRM systems

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Grant portals

Job description

Firehouse Community Arts Center in Chicago seeks a full-time Development Director to lead fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorship, grant coordination, and external relationship efforts. You will collaborate with executive leadership, donors, funders, and partners to grow revenue and impact.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, strategic planning, and stewardship, with in-person work at the center and some flexible scheduling opportunities.