About this opportunity
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search lists this Director of Strategic Giving opportunity in chicago, Illinois. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Chicago, IL
Hybrid - 3 days onsite
Ready to apply Before you do, make sure to read all the details pertaining to this job in the description below.
Position Overview
Join a purpose-driven team working to end hunger and tackle its root causes through community partnerships, advocacy, and direct food distribution. Every role contributes to a powerful mission that helps provide millions of meals annually to individuals and families in need. Be part of a movement creating lasting change by increasing access to nutritious food and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.
As the Director of Strategic Giving, you will lead the organization’s strategic giving program, overseeing donor engagement strategy, portfolio management, and team leadership to drive meaningful philanthropic growth and long-term impact. You will manage and support a team of Relationship Managers, guide data-informed fundraising strategies and donor journeys, and partner closely with the Senior Director of Individual Giving to translate insights into clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and strong donor relationships. In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening portfolio effectiveness, advancing institutional priorities, and ensuring the Individual Giving program delivers sustained and mission-aligned results.
Responsibilities
Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects contributing $25,000 and above, guiding complex donor relationships and engagement strategies
Partner with the Senior Director of Individual Giving and Relationship Managers to develop donor strategies aligned with organizational priorities and fundraising goals
Provide strategic direction on donor movement, portfolio prioritization, and relationship management to maximize philanthropic impact
Collaborate with executive leadership, including the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Chief Executive Officer, to advance key donor relationships
Analyze fundraising data, pipelines, forecasting, and portfolio performance to identify trends and deliver actionable insights that support strategic decision-making
Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and data-driven narratives for executive leadership and key stakeholders
Lead and mentor a team of four Relationship Managers, providing coaching, accountability, and strategic guidance to support strong performance and donor-centered practices
Partner with the Senior Manager, Donor Engagement to create and execute meaningful cultivation and stewardship strategies that deepen donor engagement and drive long-term support
Develop multi-year fundraising strategies that strengthen donor relationships, increase mission support, and deliver measurable outcomes
Foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture with a strong focus on strategic thinking, continuous improvement, and meaningful impact
Qualifications
10+ years of major gifts fundraising experience within a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or similarly complex environment
Proven success managing major donor portfolios with gifts and prospects at the $25,000+ level
Strong expertise in fundraising analytics, forecasting, pipeline management, and data-driven strategy development
Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop fundraising professionals
Experience preparing executive-level reports and translating complex data into clear strategic insights and recommendations
Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, and colleagues effectively
Collaborative and enthusiastic team contributor with a commitment to supporting organizational mission and fundraising xhqgsiq success
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the ability to incorporate inclusive practices into donor engagement and fundraising strategies
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated with demonstrated initiative and a willingness to lead or support new projects and ideas
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, along with experience using donor databases and fundraising systems.
Willingness to travel locally as needed for donor meetings and events, including occasional evening and weekend commitments
Core competencies include donor-centered fundraising, strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, executive communication, and collaborative leadership
Compensation
Salary:
$130,000
Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Employer-paid life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Generous paid time off
Parental leave
On-site gym
$3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
$250 employee referral bonus
Worksite address
chicago, IL, 60290, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.