Strategic Grants Director & Donor Growth

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

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