Director of Development

Director of Development

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Chicago IL

Employment Type: Full Time Exempt Salary: $90000 - $100000

ABOUT JASC

Founded in 1946 JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) empowers individuals families and communities through culturally responsive social services arts and cultural programming and educational opportunities. JASC serves thousands of people annually while preserving Japanese American history and building bridges across generations and cultures. The Director of Development will play a critical leadership role in ensuring JASCs continued growth and long-term sustainability through philanthropic partnerships and community engagement.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Development is a key member of JASCs Leadership Team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership direction and oversight of all fundraising donor engagement and development communications activities. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors the Director of Development develops and executes comprehensive annual fundraising strategies that generate sustainable philanthropic support for JASCs mission. The Director of Development leads all aspects of individual giving major gifts institutional giving corporate partnerships planned giving special events donor stewardship fundraising communications and development operations. This position also oversees the development department staff manages fundraising systems and processes and helps foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. The Development Department at JASC consists of the Director of Development and a part-time Admin who manages gift processing and data entry. The Director of Development reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

Serve as a member of JASCs Leadership Team contributing to organizational strategy planning and decision-making.

Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to advance JASCs mission strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.

Develop annual fundraising goals strategies budgets and performance metrics aligned with the agencys strategic plan.

Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization by engaging staff volunteers and Board Members in fundraising activities.

Prepare regular fundraising reports and analyses for the CEO and Board of Directors.

Staff and support the Board Committees related to fundraising and assist Board Members in fulfilling their fundraising responsibilities.

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation

Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan that includes:

Major Gifts

Annual Giving

Corporate Partnerships

Foundation Grants

Government Grants (as appropriate)

Planned Giving

Special Events

Donor Stewardship

Prospect Research

Capital and Endowment Campaigns when applicable

Specific responsibilities include:

Identify cultivate solicit and steward major donors and prospective supporters.

Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects through all stages of the donor lifecycle.

Develop personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies for high-capacity donors.

Partner with the CEO and Board Members on major gift solicitations.

Oversee annual fundraising campaigns including direct mail online giving and year-end appeals.

Develop strategies to increase donor retention acquisition and annual giving.

Lead corporate sponsorship and partnership efforts.

Oversee foundation and corporate grant strategy proposal development reporting and stewardship.

Support the Legacy Center Director with grant research and writing.

Collaborate with external consultants campaign counsel and grant writers as needed.

Identify emerging philanthropic opportunities and funding sources.

Communications & Donor Engagement

Oversee development-related communications in collaboration with marketing staff and CEO.

Work with marketing staff to ensure consistent messaging that reflects JASCs mission impact and strategic priorities.

Direct donor recognition and stewardship efforts including acknowledgments impact reports recognition events and naming opportunities.

Assist in the development of annual reports newsletters campaign materials (as needed) and fundraising collateral.

Support public awareness efforts that strengthen community engagement and philanthropic investment.

Special Events

Provide strategic leadership for JASCs fundraising events including Cranes & Cocktails and other donor cultivation activities.

Develop event fundraising strategies that maximize sponsorships donor engagement and net revenue.

Collaborate with staff volunteers committees and vendors to ensure successful event execution.

Development Operations

Oversee donor database integrity gift processing reporting and prospect management.

Utilize fundraising data and analytics to monitor performance and inform strategy.

Ensure compliance with all donor reporting requirements gift acceptance policies and fundraising best practices.

Develop and monitor the annual development budget.

Evaluate fundraising effectiveness through measurable outcomes and key performance indicators.

Staff Leadership

Supervise mentor and evaluate development staff.

Establish clear goals expectations and professional development plans.

Foster a collaborative high-performing and donor-centered team culture.

Encourage innovation accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Education

1. Bachelors degree required.

2. Masters degree Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or equivalent professional fundraising credentials preferred.

Experience

1. Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience.

2. At least 3 years of leadership or management experience.

3. Demonstrated success securing major gifts and managing relationships with individual corporate and foundation donors.

4. Experience developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies.

5. Experience partnering with executive leadership and volunteer boards.

6. Experience managing fundraising events and donor stewardship programs.

7. Knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor-centered philanthropy.

8. Familiarity with Chicago-area philanthropy and the nonprofit community preferred.

9. Local travel throughout the Chicago metropolitan area is expected.

To apply please send a resume and cover letter to

JASC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.