Associate Director, Major Gifts

National Jewish Health - Chicago Regional Development Office · Development - Chicago Regional Office Northbrook , IL Professional Full Time , Day Shift , 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Posted 09/10/2026 Work Setting: Hybrid (1 day/week remote) National Jewish Health is seeking a relationship-driven Associate Director, Major Gifts to join the Chicago Regional Office in Northbrook. This role offers the opportunity to build meaningful philanthropic partnerships throughout the Midwest, connecting donors with the nation’s leading respiratory hospital. The ideal candidate is a strategic fundraiser who enjoys cultivating relationships, uncovering philanthropic interests and securing gifts that advance a mission with national impact. Key Responsibilities Manages and grows a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects across the Midwest region Identifies, cultivates and solicits individual donors, foundations and other philanthropic partners Develops and executes fundraising strategies to meet or exceed revenue goals Partners with leadership, trustees and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement and stewardship Builds lasting donor relationships through personalized outreach, proposals and ongoing communication The position requires approximately 20-30% travel and follows a hybrid schedule of four in-office days and one remote day per week. National Jewish Health is the nation’s leading respiratory hospital, recognized for excellence in patient care, research and education. As part of the Development team, the Associate Director, Major Gifts plays a key role in securing the philanthropic support that fuels groundbreaking research, innovative treatments and life-changing care for patients across the country. This is an outstanding opportunity for a fundraiser seeking meaningful work, strong organizational support and the ability to make a lasting impact. Position Summary Partners with Associate Vice President, Campaign and Western Region to identify, cultivate and solicit donors and prospects capable of giving major, planned, capital, endowment, annual or event support. Works with Trustees or other volunteers and creates and implements strategies for donor cultivation and engagement. Develops a fundraising plan to meet defined revenue and activity goals. Partners with Associate Vice President, Campaign and Western Region to develop activity plans and implements overall strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of new and existing donors. Assists with developing strategies to meet or exceed all budgeted revenue goals. Partners with Associate Vice President, Campaign and Western Region to research present and prospective donors to determine philanthropic capacity. Confirms and secures donations from donors. Cultivates donor relationships with high level of personal communication through telephone, electronic, written (letters, invitations, applications, proposals, etc.). Partners with Associate Vice President, Campaign and Western Region to identify leadership to serve on the Council of National Trustees as volunteers. Documents all donor contacts in compliance with National Jewish Health Development procedures. Maintains active portfolio according to best practices. Accountability: Accepts full responsibility for self and contribution as a team member; displays honesty and truthfulness; confronts problems quickly; displays a strong commitment to organizational success and inspires others to commit to goals; demonstrates a commitment to National Jewish Health. Building Strategic Relationships: Identifies opportunities and takes action to build strategic relationships between teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals. Collaboration/Teamwork: Cooperates with others to accomplish common goals across various departments; treats others with dignity and respect and maintains a friendly demeanor; values the contributions of others. Creativity and Innovation: Applies creative problem-solving skills to develop solutions to problems; recognizes and demonstrates the value in taking “smart” risks and learning from mistakes; develops multiple alternatives and understands the feasibility of each; effectively shares and implements his/her ideas. Generates innovative solutions in work situations. Drive for Results: Sets high goals for self and group; uses industry approved metrics to monitor progress; tenaciously works to meet or exceed goals while deriving satisfaction from achievement and continuous improvement. Energy: Consistently maintains high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time. Initiative: Takes prompt action to accomplish objectives; takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive. Impact and Influence: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved. Taking advantage of opportunities to make a difference and have an impact. When used well, the intended outcome of this competency is the creation of goodwill, trust, and respect while motivating people to want to follow you even when they don’t have to. Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility None Travel 20 to 30% travel Core Values Be available to work as scheduled and report to work on time. Be willing to accept supervision and work well with others. Be well groomed, appropriately for your role and wear ID Badge visibly. Be in compliance with all departmental and institutional policies, the Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct and completes NetLearning by due date annually. Promotes a workplace culture based on mutual respect and merit, where all individuals are treated fairly and provided with equal opportunity to contribute to the mission and goals of the institution. Adheres to safe working practices and at all times follows all institutional and departmental safety policies and procedures. Wears appropriate PPE as outlined by the infection control policies and procedures. Demonstrates compliance with all state, federal and all other regulatory agency requirements. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Work Experience: A minimum of 3 years of recent and related fundraising experience is required. Special Training, Certification or Licensure: None Salary Range: $77,000 - $95,000 At National Jewish Health, we recognize that our outstanding faculty and staff are the essence of our organization. For every aspect of health care, our employees are our greatest asset. With that in mind, we have designed a valuable, comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and their families. Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans. Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations. Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire. Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years. Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees. Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution. Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer. Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices. Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan Anticipated Application Deadline: 9/25/2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr