Job Description

North Lawndale Employment Network is a comprehensive workforce development agency on Chicago’s West Side dedicated to advancing the economic outcomes of the community’s residents through innovative employment initiatives, including our social enterprises. In August 2021, North Lawndale Employment Network transitioned to a new campus which features a premier community café for residents and stakeholders.

North Lawndale Employment Network is seeking a visionary, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer to lead and grow our fundraising strategy in alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer is a key member of the senior leadership team and a trusted partner to staff, board, and external stakeholders.

This role provides high-impact leadership across all areas of development—from institutional and individual giving to donor engagement and development operations. The Chief Development Officer will oversee a dynamic team, including the Sr. Director of Development and the Director of Grants and Research, and will play a central role in diversifying revenue streams, strengthening donor relationships, and positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and compelling communicator, with a deep passion for equity and a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising.

Responsibilities:

Foundation Relations

• Lead the identification and cultivation of new foundation prospects and present compelling funding opportunities tied to organizational priorities.
• Coordinate and develop budgets for existing and proposed grant projects in collaboration with program and finance teams.
• Partner with the President & CEO to steward existing foundation relationships and expand new ones.
• Oversee and manage the organization’s full grant pipeline, including proposals, reporting, and compliance.

Individual Giving & Major Donors

• Direct efforts to expand individual giving through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors at all levels.
• Partner with the President & CEO, Director of Development, and other team members to strengthen relationships with current donors and increase overall donor retention and engagement.
• Support executive leadership and board members in deepening donor relationships and soliciting major gifts.

Development Strategy & Implementation

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy with defined goals across multiple channels including foundation support, individual donors, online fundraising, and corporate partnerships.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and communications staff to craft compelling donor messaging aligned with organizational values and programs.
• Mentor and support staff and board members in their fundraising efforts and build internal capacity for development.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner and senior leadership team member contributing to organizational direction.

Board Engagement

• Provide development updates, reports, and analysis to the President & CEO and Board of Directors.
• Coach and support board members in their donor engagement and fundraising responsibilities.

Management & Administration

• Lead the design and implementation of efficient systems and infrastructure to support fundraising growth, including gift tracking, acknowledgments, and database management.
• Oversee development operations, including a Salesforce-based donor management system.
• Supervise and mentor development staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Track progress toward annual revenue goals and ensure coordination of all fundraising activities across the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of progressively successful experience in fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a successful, comprehensive fund. development program and preparing an annual development work plan and calendar to achieve goals.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and securing new foundation grants of five-figures and up.
• Demonstrated success with generating increased funds from individual donors, both major donors and annual appeals, through a coordinated, strategic approach.
• Hands-on experience with one or more donor databases/software, such as Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, etc.), as well as Microsoft Office suite and QuickBooks.
• Demonstrated success in conducting initial outreach to prospective foundations/donors, arranging for organizational leadership to meet with prospective donors/foundations and successfully preparing them for those meetings.
• Exceptional writing skills, especially for grant proposals, reports and related fundraising materials.
• Ability to think creatively about how to effectively engage new donor audiences.
• Strong oral communication, relationship building and “people” skills.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays (many Federal Holidays)
• 401K participation, day one of employment
• Life Insurance

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