Director, Major Gifts

The Role

The ideal candidate will lead major gifts fundraising efforts at Covenant House Illinois, a leading organization serving young people experiencing homelessness in Chicagoland and Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate major donors to support Covenant House Illinois's mission
• Solicit and steward major gifts to secure funding for critical services and programs
• Develop and execute comprehensive major gifts strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Cultivate relationships with donors to build trust and foster long-term giving
• Manage donor communications and stewardship efforts to ensure donor satisfaction and retention
• Collaborate with other departments to align fundraising efforts with overall organizational strategy

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years of successful major gifts fundraising experience
• Proven track record of increasing major gift revenue and donor retention
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations and a strong understanding of the sector
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Qualifications

• Passion for Covenant House Illinois's mission and commitment to supporting young people experiencing homelessness
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of major gifts fundraising best practices and tools

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to travel occasionally as needed

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

$100,000 - $125,000 annually

Schedule

Hybrid work arrangement combining remote work with on-site office hours and off-site donor meetings

Must maintain composure and apply trauma-informed practices in all interactions

May be exposed to challenging behavioral situations and high-stress environments

Must be able to perform a variety of physical activities, including: walking long distances, climbing up and down stairs, lifting bags or boxes weighing up to 50 pounds

At Covenant House Illinois, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of its mission