Director of Leadership Annual Giving (Chicago)

Chicago, IL

Hybrid - 3 days onsite

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 Director of Leadership Annual Giving, you will lead the strategy and growth of the organization’s leadership annual giving program, overseeing donor engagement, portfolio management, and team leadership to strengthen donor retention, increase giving, and build the pipeline to major gifts. You will manage a portfolio of leadership-level donors and prospects, collaborate across development teams to drive integrated fundraising strategies, and help advance the organization’s long-term philanthropic goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, growth, and performance of the Leadership Annual Giving program, establishing revenue goals, key metrics, and donor engagement strategies
• Manage a portfolio of leadership-level donors and prospects, driving qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and donor retention
• Develop integrated fundraising strategies in partnership with Direct Response and other development teams to create a seamless donor experience
• Analyze donor behavior, portfolio performance, and fundraising data to inform strategy, forecast revenue, and optimize results
• Supervise and mentor Relationship Managers, provide guidance on donor strategy, portfolio management, and goal achievement
• Oversee pipeline development and donor progression, identifying opportunities to transition qualified donors into major giving programs
• Collaborate across development teams to align outreach efforts, strengthen donor relationships, and support organizational fundraising priorities
• Ensure accurate donor records, engagement tracking, and reporting within the CRM database
• Continuously evaluate portfolio assignments, moves management processes, and fundraising effectiveness to maximize philanthropic impact

Qualifications

• Significant fundraising experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or similar environment, with success managing mid-level and major donor programs
• Demonstrated ability to develop fundraising strategies, lead teams, and achieve revenue goals
• Experience designing multi-channel donor engagement and stewardship strategies, including collaboration with Direct Response programs
• Strong knowledge of moves management, donor pipeline development, and donor lifecycle strategy
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership capabilities
• Familiarity with Leadership Annual Giving and Direct Response fundraising programs preferred