Director of Development, Gary Comer Youth Center

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Position Summary:
The Director of Development is responsible for leading the strategic implementation of all development activities for the Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC). This newly created position provides an opportunity to shape the role of philanthropy and partnership income by designing and executing an innovative development plan, which will include individual, corporate and foundation giving.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Executive Director, staff and Advisory Board to align Development Department goals with GCYC mission and vision.
• Increase philanthropic support and meet strategic objectives by leading a comprehensive annual fundraising program which includes major giving, planned giving, annual fund, direct mail, research, corporate and foundation giving, special events and new fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee and direct the financial administration of contributed income including maintaining systems, databases, software, and donor/prospect records, as well as providing timely and thorough reports to the Executive Director.
• Supervise and guide the development team.
• Oversee the continued submission of grant proposals.
• Assist in developing revenue-generating initiatives that may include earned income, strategic partnerships and others.
• Develop strategies for Board communication and development, donor recognition and stewardship, annual and planned giving opportunities.
• Make direct solicitations to designated prospects.
• Track and manage cultivation and solicitation activities of all donors and initiate strategic communications to effectively steward current and prospective donors, including effective utilization of social media.
• Participate in annual budget processes, development of annual goals and benchmarks, staff development and training plans and evaluation processes.

Education and Experience:
GCYC seeks a motivated, polished and dynamic professional with five to ten years of progressive experience. We look for a measurable record of accomplishment in the fundraising arena that includes successful work with boards, effective special events, and successful initiatives with individual donors, institutional partners and major gifts development. Knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic marketplace is critical. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is flexible and has the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Additional qualifications include:

• Entrepreneurial and motivated, creative problem solver and strong collaborator.
• Demonstrated passion for community based services.
• Demonstrated social skills to effectively engage community members and leaders, civic and corporate philanthropists, as well as active and prospective donors.
• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement creative fund development plans in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with board members and business leaders collaboratively.
• Ability to gather, analyze and effectively communicate data, including financial statements, budgets, and social media.
• Intelligent, resourceful, organized and innovative professional.
• Undergraduate degree required, advance degree or CFRE preferred.

Salary:
Dependent upon qualifications and experience.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume and references:
via e-mail:
apply@gcychome.org

via US mail:
Administration
c/o Gary Comer Youth Center
7200 S Ingleside Ave
Chicago, IL 60619