STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Director, Major Gifts Officer is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive, donor centric development plan with a focus on raising new private support for both general operations and generating funds for major and planned gifts through the Endowment Campaign. The development plan should build upon the success of existing fundraising efforts while creating new ways of acquiring brand-new individual donors, as well as retaining and upgrading current donors and constituents.
TRAVEL REQUIRED: Roughly 60% of time will be spent in visits with donors/potential donors (via remotely and/or in person). This position may require evening and/or weekend hours.
SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Responsible for growing The Chicago Lighthouses individual giving program through one-on-one cultivation and solicitation of individual donors.
Screening, seeking out, and cultivating brand-new donors who have capacity to make major gifts to general operations (the Annual Fund) and to the Endowment Campaign.
In collaboration with the President/Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Development Officer, develops a systematic fundraising plan that addresses the needs and concerns of each prospective donor segmented by type, level and fund.
Engage in direct donor solicitation with support of the President/Chief Executive Officer and members of the Board of Directors, where necessary.
Participate in the evaluation and formulation of policies and long-term programs involving analysis of comprehensive data, while working collaboratively with Management Team members to ensure effective attainment of strategic and annual goals and objectives.
Interfaces as appropriate with Associate Board, Junior Board, and other affinity groups to support and recognize their activities.
Attends and staffs special events with an eye towards meeting and cultivating new donors in attendance at the events.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Development Officer and the President & Chief Executive Officer.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree required, Master's or equivalent experience preferred.
Minimum of five years of related experience in multiple fundraising areas such as annual fund, major gifts, planned gifts and/or endowment.
Must have a demonstrated nonprofit organizational track record raising six figure gifts.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills; sensitive to donor intentions. Clearly articulates goals and progress, and how funding strategies impact larger organizational goals.
Adaptive and flexible; high energy; passionate; capable of learning quickly; excellent listener; positive and outgoing personality with a professional touch.
Familiarity and experience with Raiser's Edge preferred.
Possess a great competence translating finance and numbers to instill confidence in donors, board members, and agency supporters.
Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired is essential.
Employee Benefits:
BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:
10 days paid vacation
12 paid holidays
6 sick days accrued over the year, up to 16 days available to be accumulated
Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
Medical (65% covered by the Chicago Lighthouse), dental and vision insurance offered
Short/long term disability
Life insurance – 2x salary
Employee recognition events
Company paid pension plan after one year of employment
Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)
Access to micro-kitchens
The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.