Development Director

Job DetailsJob Location: Headquarters - Chicago, IL 60608Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 Salary/yearPosition Summary

The Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive fundraising and advancement strategies that support A Safe Haven Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability. This position oversees individual, corporate, foundation, and government fundraising efforts, donor stewardship, special events, and development operations. The Director of Development works closely with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and program staff to build strong philanthropic partnerships and expand revenue streams.




Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership


Develop and execute a multi-year, diversified fundraising strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and financial goals
Set annual fundraising targets and track progress using data-driven metrics
Serve as a key advisor to the CEO/Executive Director on development strategy and donor relations


Donor & Relationship Management


Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, corporate partners, institutional funders, and community stakeholders
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors
Oversee donor recognition, communications, and stewardship activities to ensure strong engagement and retention


Grants & Institutional Giving


Lead foundation, corporate, and government grant strategy, including prospecting, proposal development, reporting, and compliance
Collaborate with program and finance teams to ensure accuracy and alignment in grant narratives, budgets, and outcomes


Events & Campaigns


Plan and oversee fundraising events, capital campaigns, annual giving efforts, and special initiatives
Ensure events and campaigns align with brand, messaging, and return-on-investment goals


Board & Volunteer Engagement


Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen board giving, fundraising participation, and ambassador engagement
Support board committees related to development and external relations


Team & Operations Management


Lead, mentor, and manage development staff and consultants
Oversee development operations, CRM systems, data integrity, and reporting
Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and best practices





Qualifications

Required


Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or a related field
7+ years of progressive nonprofit development experience, including leadership responsibility
Demonstrated success in major gifts, institutional fundraising, and diversified revenue generation
Strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills
Experience working with executive leadership and boards on fundraising initiatives


Preferred


Master’s degree or CFRE designation
Experience in human services, workforce development, housing stability, or mission-driven community organizations
Knowledge of donor CRM systems and development analytics

Qualifications