Director of Development & Fundraising

Full time | KO Business Solutions | United States Posted On 05/29/2026 Job Information Work Experience 4-5 years Nonprofit Charitable Organizations $110,000 - $120,000 State/Province Illinois City Chicago 60607 Job Description KO Business Solutions is proud to work with a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to construction advocacy, training, and membership organization, focused on promoting diversity and creating a network of construction leaders with equitable opportunities aimed at transforming communities. They offer training, business capacity, and workforce development programs aimed at strengthening and diversifying the industry. Our client is seeking a Director of Development: a strategic, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to support the organization’s growth and advance the organization’s mission. The Director of Development will cultivate, solicit and steward six-to seven-figure contributions from philanthropists, foundations, government entities, and corporations. In partnership with the Executive Director, this role leads and manages the short- and long-term strategy to grow the Organization. This individual will drive strategy as well as provide leadership and management of the planning and execution of fundraising and development for the organization. Location : Chicago, IL – Onsite Schedule : Monday-Friday; May require evenings and flexible hours of availability for events Key Responsibilities In collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team, develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year fundraising plan to align with the organization’s priorities. Serve as the lead for development strategies across both entities. Implement a strong stewardship plan for intentional, ongoing relationship management with donors to maintain trust. Track progress towards goals and provide regular reporting and analysis to leadership and board of directors. Build and manage relationships with prospects and donors through visits, correspondence, and regular communication. Collaborate with leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors including preparing for meetings, collateral creation and follow-up communication. Lead the development of funding proposals and track submittals. Lead all aspects of major gift fundraising, including donor research, engagement strategies, solicitation planning, and follow-up. Closely collaborate with Grant Manager to ensure all reports are properly submitted to remain in compliance. With support from the appropriate team, create and lead grant writing, research and submittal process. Lead the respond to notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs), including developing all content for proposals as needed to secure financial support from government, foundations, and corporations. Collaborate with the Grants Manager to ensure compliance, reporting accuracy, and timely deliverables. Establish and manage an efficient, repeatable grant submission process. In partnership with the marketing team, create all fundraising material for each entity to ensure consistent messaging and branding on all collateral (e.g. pitch materials, branded reports, customized videos, printed collateral, etc). Oversee the development of all fundraising materials, including proposals, reports, talking points, and donor communications. Ensure timely creation and distribution of stewardship materials such as acknowledgements, impact updates, and donor communications. Event & Partnerships Work closely with the Event Manager to plan and organize special fundraising events. Collaborate with stakeholders on fundraising efforts. Data & Administration Effectively track donor activity, funding, and key performance metrics through Salesforce or similar system. Establish procedures and best practices for donor data management, reporting, and forecasting to improve fundraising outcomes. Ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions, proposals, and funding activity. Qualifications and Skills Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. 7+ years of experience or equivalent combination considered. 5+ years of experience in fundraising, development, and donor relations. Proven track record of cultivating and closing gifts/securing funding of at least $250k annually. Strong understanding of fundraising within workforce development, small business capacity programming, and/or economic development. Benefits 401(k) plan Medical insurance Vision insurance Paid time off Equal Opportunity Employer KO Business Solutions is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr KO Business Solutions