Director, Development & Foundation Programs

There has never been a more exciting time to join Chicago Fire FC. As one of Major League Soccer's original clubs, Chicago Fire FC is in the midst of an exciting era fueled by tremendous investment, ambition, and growth. With a new $100M state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center now open, new offices in Chicago's iconic Wrigley Building, and plans underway for a privately-funded $750M+ soccer-specific stadium set to open in 2028 in the heart of Chicago, the Club is building the future of soccer in one of the world's great sports cities. Chicago Fire FC is becoming a cultural force in Chicago by connecting communities, shaping experiences, and creating new ways for fans to engage with the game and the city. The Club's future home, McDonald’s Park, will anchor Chicago's newest neighborhood and serve as a catalyst of growth for the next chapter of professional sports and entertainment in the city. Joining Chicago Fire FC today means joining an organization on the rise. Our growth creates once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for ambitious professionals to generate meaningful impact and help shape the future of our Club. Whether on the pitch working match day or in the front office, every team member plays a role in building something incredibly special. At Chicago Fire FC, our mission is to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago through world-class experiences and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are guided by our core values: Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Accountability, and a commitment to Never Settle. If you're looking for a place where your work will matter, your ideas will be heard, and your career can grow alongside one of the most ambitious projects in professional sports, we'd love to hear from you. Position Overview The Director of Development and Foundation Programs provides direction for all fundraising, development, and programmatic initiatives of the Chicago Fire Foundation (CFF). This role will drive sustainable growth through diverse fundraising streams, innovative programming, and meaningful community partnerships that advance the Foundation’s mission to build a stronger, more inclusive Chicago. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader, skilled fundraiser, and collaborative partner who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Director, Development and Foundation Programs will report directly to the VP, Community Relations/Executive Director, Chicago Fire Foundation. Job Responsibilities Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing individual, corporate, and foundation giving; grants; sponsorships; and special events. Cultivate and steward donor, partner, and sponsor relationships to expand the Foundation’s network and revenue base. Lead planning and execution of key fundraising events (e.g., Foundation Luncheon, White Party, etc.) with excellence. Oversee fundraising communications to strengthen visibility, storytelling, and impact. Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all Foundation programs, including P.L.A.Y.S. and other signature initiatives. Oversee data collection, tracking, and reporting to measure program outcomes and fundraising performance. Serve as primary liaison to the Foundation Board Chair and Board of Directors, including oversight of meeting agendas, communications, and reporting. Assist with oversight of department finances and fundraising including CFF budget management, forecasting, and revenue/expense tracking. Supervise and mentor Foundation staff, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture providing professional development and accountability for team members. Work cross-functionally to integrate Foundation initiatives with broader club and community engagement strategies. Complete other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications 6-8 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, and/or program leadership. Minimum 3 years of people management experience. Proven track record in securing significant gifts, sponsorships, and grants. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to work independently. Strong project management, leadership, and budgeting skills. Passion for community impact and alignment with the values and mission of Chicago Fire. Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Preferred Qualifications Spanish language fluency Bachelor’s degree in related field Advanced degree or nonprofit management certification Deep understanding of the Chicago philanthropic and community landscape Experience working in a fast paced or start up environment Compensation This role offers a salary range of $90,000-$100,000. Final salary is determined by carefully considering the applicant's background, experience, and qualifications. Base pay may vary significantly based on geographic location, job-specific knowledge, skills, and overall experience. This role is classified as Full-time, exempt. This role is bonus eligible based on club-wide goals Additional benefits & perks: Official Chicago Fire FC Website. Please Note Chicago Fire FC is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Our diversity initiatives start with the recruitment and selection process; therefore, we’d like to welcome all diverse candidates to apply to opportunities within our Club. CFFC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the People and Culture Department at [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. MLS Privacy Policy By clicking apply, you agree to the terms of the MLS Privacy Policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Chicago Fire FC