Vice President & Chief Development Officer

Evolve Giving Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Evolve Giving Group is seeking a Vice President & Chief Development Officer to lead fundraising efforts for CJE SeniorLife in Chicago, IL. This hybrid role emphasizes compassion and community engagement, offering a dynamic environment that fosters professional growth.

The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of fundraising experience, exceptional communication skills, and a strong understanding of the Chicagoland Jewish community. The compensation range is $200,000–$225,000.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive fundraising experience in major gifts and relationship-based philanthropy.
• At least seven years in a senior leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Partner with senior leadership to advance strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing Resource Development team.

Skills

Progressive fundraising experience

Demonstrated success in leadership

Exceptional communication skills

Strong knowledge of the Chicagoland Jewish Community

Strategic thinking and project management

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Vice President & Chief Development Officer

CJE SeniorLife

Chicago, IL

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.

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.

Compensation Range

$200,000–$225,000

To Apply

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

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.