Financial Services - Managing Director - Development

ABA Chicago, 321 North Clark, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 5:00 AM The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member‑based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe. The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world. The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits. Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Job Summary/General Purpose of Job The ABA is seeking an accomplished leader in the Fundraising and Development space to lead our strategic growth initiatives and cultivate high-level donor relationships. Your primary mission will be to design and execute a comprehensive revenue strategy that aligns with our long-term institutional goals and mission. The Managing Director-Development for the ABA will lead the strategy, execution, and growth for both charitable fundraising under the Association’s 501(c)(3) charitable arm and Corporate Sponsorship programs, under the Association’s 501(c)(6) corporate sponsorship arm. Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities Establish a short and long-term fundraising and development expansion strategy and partner with member and employee stakeholders to lead its execution. Establish a distinct corporate sponsorship policy and process to increase revenue and partner with members and employee stakeholders to lead its execution. In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, establish annual and long-term fundraising goals. Lead campaign planning and identify and expand diversified revenue streams including individual giving, sponsorships, foundations, corporations, grants, and events to ensure consistency, coordination, and strategic fundraising across the Association. Oversee management and coordination of solicitations for the ABA FJE and ABA corporate sponsorships across the Association in collaboration with all entity staff and leaders. Oversee all gift acceptance and corporate sponsorship acceptance procedures to ensure compliance with, and consistent application of, policies and processes across the Association. Incorporate charitable fundraising and corporate sponsorship best practices to modernize processes and improve the effectiveness of fundraising efforts. Leverage technology to track solicitations, enhance donor and fundraising/campaign reporting, maintain oversight and coordination of solicitations and relationship management and engagement, and improve operational and administrative efficiency to optimize revenue growth and engagement. Maintain and enhance relationships with donors to drive recognition of the ABA as the organization of choice. Ensure a high-quality donor experience through consistent, coordinated, and modernized communications and engagement. Enhance Board visibility and engage and train board members and other volunteer leaders in donor cultivation in support of the ABA’s fundraising and development goals. Work with the Council of the FJE to provide strategic recommendations for FJE fundraising and programs to the ABA Board of Governors in its role as the Board of the FJE. Represent the ABA FJE with grantors and other entities, function as the staff liaison to the American Bar Endowment, and as the staff Director for the Council of the Fund for Justice and Education. Review and make recommendations to update ABA policies regarding financial solutions, both charitable and non-charitable. Oversee the development of fundraising and corporate sponsorship updates, developing dashboards and interpreting data for presentations at board and stakeholder meetings. Partner with General Counsel and Finance to ensure accurate determination and recording of charitable projects and activities per IRC 501(c)(3) requirements. Lead and develop a team of fundraising and development professionals who are the go‑to resource for advice on policies and procedures related to charitable fundraising and corporate sponsorship solicitation for all entities across the ABA. Perform other related duties as required. Required Education, Qualifications, Experience Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of ten years’ experience in development which must have included experience in annual giving programs, major and planned gifts, and/or grant development. A minimum of five years’ experience developing, fostering, and enhancing relationships with donors, corporate giving/foundations, private, individual, and/or governmental entities with a proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting revenue targets. Previous experience working for a not-for-profit, educational, association, and/or NGO environment. Good understanding and working knowledge with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization type. Experience working with board members and senior leadership. Prior experience managing a team of outreach, fundraising, or grant/donor development professionals. Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge). Previous experience working on development of corporate sponsorships. Previous experience working in a law-related environment. The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Bar Association