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Job description
The Director of Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) is responsible for leading the strategic growth and performance of the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Leadership Annual Giving program, which engages donors contributing $1,000 to $24,999. This role provides vision, direction, and oversight to ensure a strong pipeline of donors, increased retention and upgrade rates, and a cohesive donor experience across channels. The Director manages a portfolio of high‑capacity LAG donors and prospects while supervising frontline staff and driving strategy across the program. Because LAG donors also receive Direct Response communications, this role plays a critical leadership function in supporting the development of integrated, multi‑channel engagement strategies with the Director of Direct Response to maximize donor participation and long‑term value. The Director of LAG partners closely with the Senior Director of Individual Giving and collaborates across development teams to align donor strategies, strengthen the pipeline to Major Gifts, and advance organizational fundraising priorities.
Primary Responsibilities And Essential Functions
Program Leadership & Strategy
Lead the overall vision, strategy, and performance of the LAG program.
Establish and execute annual revenue goals, growth strategies, and key performance metrics for LAG portfolios.
Collaborate with the Director of Direct Response to develop and implement integrated engagement strategies that align LAG and Direct Response efforts, ensuring a seamless donor experience.
Analyze program performance, donor behavior, and portfolio trends to inform strategic decisions and optimize results.
Frontline Fundraising & Portfolio Management
Manage a portfolio of high‑value LAG donors and prospects, focusing on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Design and implement personalized engagement strategies to deepen relationships and increase giving.
Maintain a strong understanding of organizational priorities to align donor interests with funding opportunities.
Team Leadership & Development
Supervise and mentor two Relationship Managers, providing guidance on portfolio management, donor strategy, and performance.
Foster a collaborative, results‑oriented team culture focused on accountability, professional growth, and donor‑centered practices.
Support staff in developing and executing moves‑management strategies and achieving individual and team goals.
Pipeline & Cross‑Team Collaboration
Oversee pipeline development and portfolio strategy across the LAG program.
Partner with Strategic Giving colleagues to identify and transition qualified donors ($25,000+) into appropriate giving channels.
Collaborate with Direct Response, Donor Engagement, and other development teams to align outreach strategies and ensure consistent messaging.
Data, Systems & Reporting
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor engagement in the database, including contact reports, strategy notes, and prospect updates.
Utilize data and reporting tools to monitor progress, forecast revenue, and guide decision‑making.
Continuously evaluate and refine portfolio assignments and moves‑management processes.
Other
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the development team and organizational priorities.
Qualifications
Significant fundraising experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or similar environment, with demonstrated success managing mid‑level or major donor programs.
Familiarity with Direct Response programs and how Leadership Annual Giving intersects.
Proven ability to lead strategy, manage staff, and drive measurable fundraising results.
Experience developing and executing donor engagement strategies across multiple channels, including coordination with Direct Response programs.
Strong understanding of moves management, pipeline development, and donor lifecycle strategy.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
Proficiency in CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
Benefits
Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
Employer‑paid life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
403(b) retirement plan with employer contributionGenerous paid time off
Parental leave
On‑site gym
$3,000 annual employer‑paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
$250 employee referral bonus
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Worksite address
chicago, IL, 60290, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.