Development Manager

Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 writing samples to: Elesha Jackson, Director of Administration, View email address on click.appcast.io. Please, no telephone inquiries. CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY BY JULY 15. Job Summary Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights (CLCCR) seeks to hire a Development Manager to help grow our resources and donor base. This job is an ideal opportunity for someone with a passion for fundraising to advance civil rights and racial equity. Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Development, the Development Manager supports all aspects of fundraising for the organization. The Development Manager supports CLCCR’s long‑term fundraising plans that include expanding grant funding, increasing individual & law‑firm/corporate giving, and organizing fundraising and social events. Our Organization Founded in 1969, we are Chicago’s leading nonprofit civil rights legal organization. Our mission is to secure racial equity and economic opportunities for all. We provide legal support through partnerships with the private bar and collaborate with grassroots organizations and other advocacy groups to implement community‑based solutions that advance civil rights. Our core practice areas are Education Equity, Equitable Community Development and Housing, and the Midwest Voting Rights Program. We also have a transactional legal program that builds the capacity of nonprofits and small businesses, along with a Settlement Assistance Program. Our robust pro bono program – Pro Bono Works – features one of the largest and most diverse offerings of volunteer opportunities in the city. We have a diverse staff of 20 and a 23‑member board of directors that includes leaders from law firms, corporations, government, and philanthropy. Through our law firm membership model, over 40 member firms make annual financial contributions and provide pro‑bono legal support. Duties/Responsibilities Database Management Maintain timely gift processing and data management within CLC’s donor database and oversee the transition to a new database. Generate periodic (standard and ad‑hoc) fundraising analytic reports, including performance against goals and projections. Based on donor and funder data, help identify major/mid‑level gift prospects and make recommendations for potential moves management. Streamline reporting on funder and donor prospects and move management in the CRM platform. Ensure database integrity, maintaining a high level of detail‑oriented accuracy within the CRM platform. Compose timely gift recognition and acknowledgements. Grants Assist in writing, organizing, editing, and submitting grant applications in accordance with grantor requirements and deadlines and monitor and track status of proposals. Provide necessary grants management and project management for engagement, development, and cross‑departmental projects including but not limited to the annual gala, Power of Connection event, learning opportunities, and key funder, donor, and board meetings. Develop and maintain CLC’s calendar of grant‑related deadlines, track necessary actions, including cultivation activities in coordination with others on the team, and coordinate timelines with staff as needed. Help with completing annual competitive and non‑competitive renewal applications for funding. Research foundation and public opportunities that align with CLC’s mission and programmatic needs and match with funders’ respective priorities. This includes monitoring local, state, federal, and private announcements to keep well informed of funding opportunities, using research tools. Assemble all pertinent grant material necessary for final submissions Assist in developing proposal budgets in partnership with the program team and the finance team. Write and submit all required grant reports and other funding reports to demonstrate impact to our donors, funders and stakeholders, and delineate any core pieces to other team members across the organization Work collaboratively with the program team to obtain information needed for proposals and reports. Develop and maintain case for giving and impact of giving to the philanthropic priorities of CLC including written materials and current relevant statistics for proposals and stewardship. Prepare grant memos and enter awards, and all relevant information in the donor database. Prepare the team and plan/staff site visits for funders and donors Contribute to the strategy and tracking of quarterly and annual development goals Help develop campaign messaging to reach individuals, law firms and corporate donors Support and develop year‑round fundraising campaigns and appeals Assist with all fundraising/social event planning and execution (e.g., annual gala, board events, stewardship events, etc.) with securing donations & sponsorships for annual gala and other events Staff and help grow the NextGen Leadership Council, a cross‑sector network of young professionals. Administration Manage solicitation and stewardship processes for donors as assigned, including tracking relevant information, processing gifts, and sending thank you letters. Maintain and update the donor tracking system and manage local matching gifts. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Engagement & Advancement Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent computer skills with all Microsoft office programs and any CRM platform Strong grant writing skills Knowledge of federal, state and city funded grant writing and reporting is highly desired Advanced attention to detail, accuracy, and dependability in a fast paced, dynamic, deadline‑driven environment in a professional manner Ability to work with Mail Chimp, Little Green Lights, or a similar platform is a plus Adobe Acrobat and Canva is beneficial Record keeping skills for taking meeting notes is a plus Excellent people skills, ability to work effectively with a team and diverse groups and individuals Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, and knowledge of social media tools (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) Willingness to learn, innovate, and develop supporting systems and processes to support growth and create the greatest results. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree is required At least 3+ years of experience in a professional role executing fundraising/development, including database management, grant writing and management, and event coordination Experience with racial justice issues preferred Experience working in a legal aid organization desired Salary and Benefits The salary range for this position is $65,000–$70,000 depending on experience. Generous benefits package includes PTO and paid leave; health, dental, and vision plans; employer‑provided life and disability insurance; participation in a retirement savings plan; and 1‑month sabbatical after 6 years of full‑time employment. Chicago Lawyers’ Committee is a hybrid workplace, and the Development Manager can expect opportunity for both remote and in‑office work but must be based in the Chicagoland area and available for regular in‑person work at CLC’s downtown office as established by organizational policy. CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY BY JULY 15. Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prioritize equity and inclusion in our organizational culture and hiring, and value candidates with lived experience in the communities we serve. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, service in the military or other identify factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr