Development Manager - Chicago

ABOUT GUITARS OVER GUNS

Guitars Over Guns Organization (GOGO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides music education and mentorship by pairing students from vulnerable communities in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York with professional musicians. Our goal? To help them overcome challenges, discover their voice, and unleash their potential as future leaders. Since 2008, we've positively impacted over 12,000 students, boosting academic achievement and engagement, across 43 schools and community sites. At Guitars Over Guns, you’ll be part of a passionate, creative, and mission-driven team working at the intersection of music, mentorship, and social change. A genuine desire to find joy in what we do lies at the core of our values. Join us in making a difference through the power of music in shaping the future for tomorrow's leaders.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Development Manager is a key member of the advancement team, responsible for executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support GOGO’s growth in Chicago and beyond. This role manages donor and corporate relationships, drives revenue across multiple streams and ensures best-in-class stewardship and engagement. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on – someone who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is passionate about youth development, the arts, and community impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Philanthropy & Revenue Generation

• Generate and manage a portfolio of individual & corporate donors, with a focus on identifying and securing five-seven figure multi-year gifts to achieve overall revenue goals
• Support philanthropy strategy, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Execute annual gala and other revenue driving events
• Secure corporate sponsorships and foundation grants

Engagement, Stewardship & Relationship Building

• Build meaningful, long-term relationships with stakeholders and prospects
• Design and execute donor engagement opportunities (site visits, events, student showcases)
• Ensure timely and personalized donor acknowledgments and reporting
• Track donor interactions and maintain accurate records in CRM systems

Events & Campaign Support

• Support planning and execution of fundraising events, including annual gala, benefit concerts and community activations
• Contribute to campaign strategy and execution for multi-year growth initiatives
• Partner with program staff to align storytelling with impact

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Monitor fundraising performance against goals and KPIs
• Generate regular reports and dashboards for leadership
• Maintain data integrity within donor databases (e.g., Salesforce)

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with GOGO leadership on strategic negotiations, and enterprise level partnerships as needed
• Collaborate with site leadership in Chicago to identify local funding opportunities
• Engage board members and volunteers in fundraising efforts
• Partner with marketing/communications to develop compelling donor-facing materials
• Maintain a working knowledge of GOGO’s mission and programs to promote enterprise initiatives

Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4-6 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related field
• Proven success in managing donor relationships and meeting revenue targets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadline
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Passion for youth development, community impact and the arts

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in youth development, arts education, or mentorship programs
• Familiarity with the Chicago philanthropic landscape
• Experience supporting fundraising events and campaigns

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Relationship-building and emotional intelligence
• Unwavering integrity and trustworthiness
• Strategic thinking with strong execution skills
• Results-oriented and data-driven
• Collaborative and adaptable
• Ability to work in dynamic environments, managing competing priorities and a diverse workload

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 401(k) with 3% employer match (eligible after 12 months of employment)
• Health insurance at no additional cost, with optional dental and vision benefits available at a cost
• Paid time off (PTO) structure, parental leave, bereavement leave, as well as ±18 federal & cultural paid holidays per year
• Hybrid in-person and remote workplace
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development

CONTACT

Please send a resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io with “Development

Manager – Chicago” in the subject line.