Position: Director of Development & Communications
Reports to: Executive Director
Organizational Overview
The mission of LIVE FREE Illinois is to address violence against the black community and to create racial and economic justice in Illinois, by engaging people in public life to translate faith into action and to overcome barriers to opportunities in low-income communities, including mass incarceration, police violence, and gun violence.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced, and detail-oriented Communications & Development Director to join our team. The Fund Coordinator will play a critical role in managing and coordinating fundraising efforts, maintaining donor relationships, and ensuring the successful implementation of fundraising strategies to support our organization's mission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement comprehensive communications and development plans aligned with the organization's strategic goals and priorities
- Lead all aspects of fundraising and donor relations, including donor prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Manage a portfolio of major donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources to meet annual revenue goals
- Collaborate with program staff and contracted grant writer to prepare and submit compelling grant proposals and applications
- Support Executive Director and other key staff in cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding partners through regular communication and stewardship activities
- Collaborate with internal teams to integrate fundraising efforts with overall organizational strategies and programs
- Plan and execute fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives to engage existing donors and attract new supporters
- Manage annual membership renewal and application process for member congregations, in partnership with the Organizing and Policy Department
- Oversee the creation and distribution of compelling fundraising materials, including appeals, grant proposals, impact reports, and donor communications
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of philanthropy and engagement
- Develop and maintain a robust donor database, track fundraising progress, and generate reports to assess performance and inform decision-making
- Lead the organization's communications strategy, including media relations, social media, website management, and content development
- Manage Communications Associate and other contracted professionals contributing to the organization’s fundraising and communications efforts
- Craft and disseminate engaging content across various channels to raise awareness of our mission, programs, and impact
- Ensure brand consistency and messaging alignment across all communications materials and platforms
- Monitor and analyze communication and fundraising metrics to measure effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement
- Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and technologies in fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications, or a related field, with a proven track record of success
- Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, including major gifts, grant writing, and donor cultivation strategies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, board members, volunteers, and staff
- Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective fundraising and communications plans
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a hybrid team environment
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for fundraising events or activities
- Creative problem-solver with a results-oriented mindset and attention to detail
- Proficiency in fundraising software, CRM systems, and communication tools
- Passion for the mission and values of Live Free Illinois
Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plan and match, and paid time off.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
- Meaningful work contributing to a mission-driven organization making a positive impact in the community.
Live Free Illinois is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and organizational needs. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of those we serve.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
Ability to Relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60653: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60653