Vice President and Chief Development Officer

CJE SeniorLife; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Employee assistance program

Job summary

CJE SeniorLife, based in Chicago, is seeking a Vice President & Chief Development Officer to lead its fundraising initiatives. This hybrid role requires over 15 years of experience in fundraising and a proven record in engaging donors and leading teams. The successful candidate will work closely with leadership and the Board of Directors to develop comprehensive strategies that align with the organization’s mission to support older adults.

The VP & CDO will represent CJE at community events and manage the fundraising department, contributing to its long-term sustainability and growth.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in fundraising, including 7 years in leadership roles.
• Proven success in developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal skills with a focus on donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute CJE's fundraising strategy.
• Partner with leadership to deepen donor engagement.
• Oversee all aspects of philanthropy including major gifts and annual events.

Skills

Fundraising strategy development

Donor engagement

Team leadership

Communication skills

Relationship building

Project management

Salesforce proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM Systems

Job description

Overview

CJE SeniorLife (CJE) is dedicated to helping older adults live with dignity, purpose, and connection. Guided by Jewish values and a deep commitment to compassionate care, CJE supports seniors and their families through every stage of aging. For more than 50 years, CJE has been a trusted leader in the Chicago community, providing a comprehensive continuum of services including healthcare, residential living, social engagement, counseling, and community-based support that empowers individuals to maintain independence and experience meaningful quality of life. CJE fosters a culture grounded in respect, compassion, collaboration, and innovation, creating an environment where both clients and staff are valued and inspired by the impact of their work.

CJE is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President & Chief Development Officer (VP & CDO) to lead and grow the organization’s philanthropic efforts during an important period of organizational opportunity and impact. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the VP & CDO will drive the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to strengthen and expand support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners. This leader will work collaboratively across the organization and closely with the Board of Directors, Resource Development Committee, executive leadership, and program teams to advance CJE’s mission, deepen donor engagement, and position the organization for continued growth and long-term sustainability.

Compensation Range: $200,000-$225,000.

To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jamie Perry, Evolve Giving Group: [e-mail]

This is a hybrid role (2 remote days per week) and is based at the Bernard Horwich JCC in Chicago. CJE Senior Life is an equal‑opportunity employer. We strive to recruit and employ the most qualified personnel and provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of CJE’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, aligning philanthropic goals with organizational priorities and long‑term growth objectives
• Partner closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership team, and grants department to advance strategic fundraising initiatives and deepen donor engagement
• Oversee all aspects of philanthropy, including annual gala, annual giving, major gifts, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving and endowments.
• Manage, lead, and mentor a high‑performing Resource Development team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and donor‑centered culture
• Drive donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition strategies in partnership with leadership, board members, and key stakeholders
• Ensure timely, high‑quality development communications, including proposals, reports, and sponsorship materials
• Oversee fundraising operations, including communications, database management, gift entry, and analytics through Salesforce
• Engage and support the Board of Directors in fundraising, stewardship, and leadership activities
• Manage the fundraising department budget and collaborate with finance to monitor fundraising performance
• Represent CJE SeniorLife at community events, professional gatherings, and partner organizations

Qualifications & Skills

• 15+ years of progressive fundraising experience in major gifts, individual giving, and relationship‑based philanthropy, including at least seven years in a senior leadership or supervisory role
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high‑performing development teams
• Experience within social services, healthcare, senior services, or Jewish communal organizations preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and compellingly articulate mission, impact, and funding priorities
• Proven track record designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that drive philanthropic growth and donor engagement
• Strong knowledge of the Chicagoland Jewish Community and its philanthropic landscape strongly preferred
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with the ability to effectively engage with board members, donors, staff, clients and key stakeholders
• Ability to understand donor motivations related to aging, caregiving, healthcare and community impact
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Donor CRM; Salesforce experience a plus

Benefits for Full‑time Roles

• Vacation and sick time off
• BCBSIL medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee life insurance
• Spousal and dependent life insurance
• Long term and short term disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement for nurses, nurse assistants, and CNAs
• Competitive pay [with shift differentials]
• Retirement plan
• Opportunity to work in a mission‑driven organization
• Supportive team environment
• Ongoing training and development
• Employee purchase discounts
• Employee assistance program
• Health club discounts