Development Manager

At Hesed House, ending homelessness isn't a distant aspiration — it is the mission that drives every action we take. We are the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois and the largest outside the city of Chicago, and a nationally recognized model for comprehensive, compassionate care. Located in Aurora, IL, our campus serves more than 1,000 individuals and families each year, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our Comprehensive Resource Center brings together highly skilled professionals and community partners to provide shelter, meals, clothing, medical care, legal services, substance abuse counseling, employment coaching, housing assistance, and so much more. We believe every person deserves dignity and the chance to hope again — and we show up every day to make that real. More than 7,500 volunteers from over 90 area churches, businesses, and organizations partner with us annually. Their generosity, alongside the financial support of our donors, makes our life-changing work possible. The Opportunity This is more than a fundraising job. It is a chance to change lives by connecting people who care with the mission they love. The Development Manager is a critical member of our Development Team, responsible for leading and growing Hesed House's annual fund — currently generating $1.5 million in revenue — through inspired donor relationships, creative fundraising programs, and compelling storytelling. The ideal candidate brings proven fundraising instincts, a gift for building genuine relationships, and the creative energy to move donors from interest to deep, lasting engagement. You will be someone who wakes up eager to make a difference — both in the lives of donors who want to give well, and in the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness. What You Will Do Lead the Annual Fund You will own and grow a $1.5M annual fund through a portfolio of programs including: Direct Mail: Design and execute compelling multi-segment direct mail campaigns in partnership with external vendors, consistently maximizing return on investment. Monthly Giving Program: Cultivate and grow a loyal community of recurring donors who provide predictable, mission-sustaining revenue. Online and Tribute Giving: Optimize digital giving channels and manage tribute/memorial giving programs with creativity and care. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Proactively reach out to annual fund and mid-level donors to cultivate relationships, communicate impact, offer facility tours, and invite donors to deepen their partnership with Hesed House. Drive Donor Relationships Exceptional fundraising is built on exceptional relationships. You will: Personally connect with donors through calls, meetings, tours, and events — expressing genuine gratitude and sharing the transformative impact of their giving. Identify opportunities to move annual donors toward deeper engagement and increased support. Represent Hesed House with confidence and warmth at community and donor events, serving as an enthusiastic ambassador for our mission. Deliver compelling, story-driven presentations to individuals, groups, and community organizations on behalf of Hesed House. Create Inspiring Marketing and Communications You are a creative storyteller who knows how to move people to action. You will lead the production of Hesed House's external communications, including: Hesed Highlights: Lead the creation and distribution of our quarterly print newsletter in print. Social Media: Manage our presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram with fresh, engaging, mission-centered content. Email Communications: Produce e-news and targeted email campaigns that deepen donor connection. Collateral Materials: Develop compelling brochures, program-specific materials, event materials (including the Derby), and other print and digital assets. Website: Maintain and update hesedhouse.org with current, relevant content. Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with program staff and leadership to surface powerful stories and translate them into donor communications. Support the Development Team Hesed House's fundraising success is a team effort. You will: Play an active role in major fundraising events, including our signature Derby event. Manage and mentor Development interns and volunteers, specifically, channeling their energy toward meaningful work. Bring a collaborative, solutions-focused spirit to every project and every team interaction. What We're Looking For We are seeking a high-performing fundraising professional with a genuine heart for serving people. The strongest candidates will bring: Experience managing annual giving programs, direct mail campaigns, or similar fundraising portfolios — this experience is essential. Proven ability to build and steward meaningful donor relationships that result in increased giving and long-term loyalty. Strong analytical mindset to review program performance, identify trends, and adapt strategies accordingly. Experience working with donor CRM databases; Raiser's Edge experience strongly preferred. Creative and Communication Skills Exceptional written communication skills — you write with clarity, warmth, and a compelling voice. Strong oral communication skills; you are a confident, engaging public speaker and storyteller. Creative instincts for developing content that resonates across print, digital, and social channels. Proficiency with design and communications tools including Canva, MS Office, and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude. People and Mission Orientation A deep desire to serve — you are energized by connecting donors with a cause that truly changes lives. Excellent interpersonal skills; you build trust naturally and enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and communities. Comfort and enthusiasm working within a faith-based organization while engaging effectively with secular partners and donors. A collaborative spirit combined with self-motivation and the ability to work independently with excellence. Organizational Strength Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple overlapping projects without dropping a ball. Thrives in a fast-paced environment; brings strong problem-solving acumen and a positive, can-do attitude. Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset — always asking how we can do this better. This role is based at our Aurora, IL campus. It requires a professional, business-casual appearance and a welcoming demeanor when representing Hesed House externally. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays are part of the role. Additional requirements: Must pass DCFS and criminal background checks Must be able to comfortably and consistently navigate stairs Must be able to move donations and materials as needed Why Hesed House? When you join Hesed House, you join a community of people who believe that everyone deserves dignity and the chance to hope again. You will come to work every day knowing that the relationships you build and the dollars you raise directly feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter families, and help people rebuild their lives. This is a place where excellence is celebrated, creativity is welcomed, and your work truly matters. #J-18808-Ljbffr