Vice President of Development

SUMMARY: The Vice President of Development is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and expansion of individual giving at YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, including annual campaigns and donor communications, major gifts and planned giving programs. This individual is also responsible for overseeing a small team that manages the development department’s donor database and operations, as well as the Ambassador Council, YWCA’s young professional's board.

This staff member will partner closely with the Chief Development and Brand Inspiration Officer to set annual revenue budgets related to individual giving and be accountable to meeting those budgets through effective engagement of individual donors at all levels.

An ideal candidate will have a rich development background with experience in building and growing annual appeals, major/planned gifts, and capital campaigns. They will integrate frontline fundraising techniques with the organization’s priorities and have a passion for the organization’s mission, which translates into coaching and mentoring direct reports and engaging in external relationship building.

COLLABORATES WITH: The Vice President of Development will work closely with the Strategic Engagement team, particularly the Chief Development and Brand Inspiration Officer, the VP of Marketing and Communications, the CEO, Executive Team, YWCA Board of Directors, and Ambassador’s Council to develop and execute strategies to engage individual donors.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to the development of an annual departmental budget (P&L), and monitor revenue and expenses throughout the fiscal year.
• Develop and implement annual plans with clear goals and objectives for growing revenue from individual donors.
• Monitor and report progress towards annual goals and meet regularly with key leaders to review plans and progress.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development and Brand Inspiration Officer to develop strategies for growing gifts from existing donors.
• Coach and lead team members to support their ongoing leadership and professional development.
• Monitor development operations including donor gift entry, KPI reports, and donor acknowledgment letters.
• Conceptualize and create annual fund campaigns, coordinating with the marketing team.
• Develop a communications and events plan to foster engagement with donors.
• Ensure organizational compliance with fundraising principles, financial reporting requirements, and ethical codes of conduct.

Breakdown of Core Responsibilities:

Donor Identification and Cultivation (20%):

• Maintain “top prospect” lists based on giving histories and research.
• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 individual donor prospects, partnering with senior management for engagement strategies.
• Support the Board of Directors in fostering a culture of philanthropy.

Solicitation and Moves Management (20%):

• Work with leadership to solicit major gift donors and oversee moves management processes.
• Create personalized proposals and donor communications.

Development Operations and Administration (20%):

• Manage and coach team members and ensure database integrity.
• Provide reports and analytics to assess progress toward KPIs.

Recognition and Stewardship (15%):

• Develop recognition opportunities for major donors, including events and publications.

Planned Giving Program (10%):

• Lead the development of a robust planned giving program.

Cross Department Collaboration (10%):

• Work with teams to establish donor engagement activities.

Other duties as assigned (5%):

• Participate in leadership development opportunities and departmental activities.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS / COMPETENCIES:

• Seven years of experience in individual giving and fundraising, preferably in human services or racial justice.
• Management/supervisory experience and collaboration with high-level donors.
• Knowledge of tax laws impacting charitable giving.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience with development databases.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, Master’s preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Downtown Chicago office with hybrid work schedule. Evening and weekend work may be required.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

• Generous PTO & Sick Leave, holidays, and flexible benefits.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), and Pet Insurance.