Director, Development

About the role

Per Scholas is seeking a Director of Development to join the Chicago Campus team. Key responsibilities include providing input on and implementing a strategic fundraising plan/campaign, analyzing program data, organizing funder meetings, cultivating relationships, and preparing development materials.

Responsibilities

• Provide input on and implement a strategic fundraising plan/campaign to meet fundraising goals for Per Scholas Chicago, including identifying and researching new funding sources: corporate, foundation, government, and individual.
• Analyze program data and coordinate with local program teams and fiscal departments to gather all needed information and collateral to prepare and write accurate and compelling letters of interest, grant proposals, reports, and other materials that are responsive to donor guidelines.
• Organize and attend funder meetings and site visits, including drafting agendas, preparing learners, and taking and distributing notes.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with current Advisory Board members and other stakeholders to ensure continued partnership and support, including conducting personal outreach, developing solicitation materials, and engaging them in relevant events/activities. Support the onboarding of new Advisory Board members.
• Prepare slide decks, one-pagers, proposals, and other collateral to support fund development.
• Contribute to accurate and up-to-date development record-keeping in Salesforce and other development systems.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director, Marketing/Comms, and National Development teams to identify and execute brand-building opportunities that enhance local reach and relevance with key stakeholders and the philanthropic community.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have 5 or more years of relevant fundraising experience, ideally managing external individual and institutional donor relationships. They must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, project management skills, relationship management skills, and a results-driven approach with a commitment to outcomes and tracking. Experience with Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and Google Apps for Business is preferred. Familiarity with the Chicago and Illinois philanthropic community is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Professional Requirements: Professional Requirements listed above.
• Personal Characteristics: Personal Characteristics listed above.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent relationship management skills.
• A results-driven approach with a commitment to outcomes and tracking.
• Ability to gather and interpret data to drive decision-making.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and Google Apps for Business.
• Availability to travel 5-10%.

Benefits & Perks

Per Scholas offers a comprehensive benefits package including holidays & PTO, medical coverage, dental and vision insurance, retirement savings, employee assistance program (EAP), parental leave, and additional benefits such as flexible spending accounts, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal services, and pet insurance.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $95,000-$100,000. Final salary offers are determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s geographic location, specialized experience, and alignment with the role’s senior-level requirements.

Schedule

The role is based in Chicago, IL and reports to the Managing Director - Chicago Campus. The position is full-time and requires availability to travel 5-10%.