Director of Development (Full-time, hybrid)

Position Highlights:

• Full-time hybrid position
• Location: Chicago IL
• Compensation: $80K-$90K annually
• Reports to the VP of Development & Operations

Company Overview:

First Tee Greater Chicago a 501(c)3 organization is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in the Chicagoland area by providing educational programs that build character instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Founded in 2000 First Tee Greater Chicago reaches young people through its core program the Life Skills Experience as well as outreach to the broader community through its school and community-based programs.

First Tee Greater Chicago currently has a full-time annual staff of ten (10). During the peak golf season over 85 part-time coaches become an extension of the team. For more information: .

Position Overview:

The Director of Development (DoD) is a key member of the leadership team responsible for fundraising strategy donor relations sponsorship development and campaign execution. The ideal candidate is proactive creative and relationship-driven with a strong record of fundraising success exceptional attention to detail and a deep understanding of Chicagos philanthropic and golf communities. Reporting to the VP of Development & Operations the DoD works closely with leadership the Board of Governors the Leadership Council and the Ambassadors Council to expand the organizations reach and impact. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping shape the next phase of First Tee Greater Chicagos growth including potential new facility development on Chicagos West Side.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy including major gifts sponsorships giving societies and targeted campaigns.
• Co-manage a donor portfolio of 1300 focusing on top donors and sponsors while cultivating new relationships.
• Develop and oversee foundation and/or corporate proposals subsequent reporting and donor communications.
• Plan and execute end-of-year giving mailer including the storytelling design and overall execution.

Campaigns & Events

• Co-plan and execute signature fundraising events including the Corporate Challenge Golf Outing Fore the Kids Masters Watch Party and other opportunistic events.
• Lead digital and peer-to-peer campaigns via GiveSmart and Harness.

Communications & Strategy

• Partner with the Marketing & Communications Manager to align messaging and fundraising materials.
• Partner with the Program team and coaches to gather participant stories and data to demonstrate program impact.

Financials/Fundraising Administration

• Partner with the leadership team to ensure accurate reporting and use of financial statements revenue tracking and expense management.
• Navigate stock gifts ACH transfers wire payments and other money movement processes.
• Actively participate in overall budget planning.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Engage and inspire the Board of Governors the Development Committee and other fundraising task forces.
• Represent First Tee Greater Chicago at community corporate and donor events.
• At a leadership level partner with key stakeholders to enhance and elevate First Tee Greater Chicagos impact. i.e. First Tee HQ Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation Chicago Parks Foundation etc.

Database & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records in Eleo ensuring timely reporting and segmentation.
• Analyze donor trends and campaign results to guide strategy.

What You Bring to the Role:

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• 5 years of nonprofit development experience with success in major gifts sponsorships and donor engagement.
• Knowledge of Chicago philanthropic networks and the corporate community.
• Proficiency with Eleo Harness GiveSmart and Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint).
• Strong communication storytelling and organizational skills.
• Passion for youth development and First Tee Greater Chicagos mission.
• Understanding of golf culture and the opportunities it presents is beneficial.

Compensation Benefits and Job Structure:

This is a full-time hybrid position with a small collaborative mission-driven team. Benefits include medical dental and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan; mileage reimbursement; and a monthly cell phone allowance.

Primary Work Location:
The role is primarily office-based with 23 in-office days per week (typically Monday and Wednesday with occasional Fridays) at Schafer Condon Carter located at 176 N. Racine Ave. Suite 300 Chicago IL 60607. Remaining workdays are flexible and may be completed from a suitable remote workspace with reliable internet and necessary tools.

Secondary Work Locations:
The position also includes program site visits approximately 35 days per month. These visits will take place at one of the following locations:

• Waveland Youth Facility 3701 N. Recreation Drive Suite 2 Chicago IL 60613
  
• Harborside Youth Learning Center 11001 S. Doty Ave. East Chicago IL 60628
  

During site visits you will collaborate with the Program and Coach teams and observe programming in action.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume through the NextGroup website. The NextGroup search team will contact you regarding the next steps.

About NextGroup:

NextGroup is Chicagolands leading executive search firm and nonprofit talent network connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders who drive impact. We customize talent solutions with our nonprofit partners recruiting permanent fractional and interim professionals across executive leadership finance development and operations.

We have a network of 10000 professionals in Chicagoland and beyond. We reject cookie-cutter approaches and instead partner with you to build human capital strategies that match your unique growth and capacity-building needs. NextGroup also provides career coaching and transition services to professionals advancing in the social impact sector.