Director of Donor Relations

Job Title: Director of Donor RelationsReports to: Chief Development OfficerProgram Area: DevelopmentFLSA Code: Full time, ExemptHours: 40-hour workweek; including some night and weekend workLocation: Men’s Center, 402 N. St. Louis Ave., Chicago, IL 60624Position SummaryDirector of Donor Relations will secure funds for the organization by bringing in new donors and managing a group of assigned donors, assuring that as many as possible are retained as continuing donors to the organization and are upgraded in their giving and involvement. The role is also responsible for growing Breakthrough’s planned giving program, including identifying donors and engaging in cultivation.The role is responsible for participating in each step of the donor pipeline, including: identification; qualification through research; cultivation; briefing; request for support; and prompt follow up, stewardship, and recognition.The role will sit on a cross-departmental team that cultivates and strengthens relationships amongst individuals and institutions supporting Breakthrough, allowing individuals to fully see themselves as partners in the work. This team regularly collaborates on strategy, messaging, and event planning.Essential Responsibilities / FunctionsManage a portfolio of donors, including implementation of donor strategy for specific donors within the portfolio. This portfolio is inclusive of major individual donors (as defined by Breakthrough) and planned giving donors. This may also include individuals who represent family foundations. Design, grow, and manage the organization’s planned giving program, including bequests, beneficiary designations, and other deferred giftsPrepare a prospect pipeline and secure gifts of new donorsSupport and lead research and development efforts of major/mega donors, helping the team to understand who they are, their interest and past level of engagement with other organizations and where Breakthrough falls within their giving prioritiesIn partnership with the entire team, develop customized solicitation strategies based on interests, motivations, and capacity, ensuring meaningful engagement and successful gift solicitationUtilize Breakthrough’s donor-focused technology for donor management, research, and communication Represent Breakthrough to external audiencesParticipate in and support the planning and execution of donor-focused events, including volunteer and fundraising eventsCollaborate on content and messaging for donor engagementPerforms other duties as assignedDemonstrated ValuesHas a demonstrated value of diversity, equity and inclusionIndependently follows agency policy and proceduresFollows through with commitments including meeting established timelinesIdentifies and resolves difficult issuesProject a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper groomingPromote wellness and customer care through all actions and behaviorsWorks effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.A passion for the mission of Breakthrough QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or universityMinimum of ten (10) years’ professional experience in donor management and individual donor relationsExpertise in the Chicago philanthropic landscapeExperience with Salesforce preferredMust be able to develop and sustain relationships with external stakeholdersMust be able to develop and articulate a strategic vision for program areasStrong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google SuiteFamiliarity with the concepts of Restorative Justice practicesMust maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving recordRequired Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesExceptional ability in donor relations and individual relationship managementProven experience in moves management and donor cultivationExperience in utilizing data and CRM platforms as part of the donor management strategyDemonstrated experience in crafting and executing fresh ideas for donor engagementStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and in a group; demonstrated leadership through managing others and projectsAttention to detail, organization, and time managementSelf-starter and critical thinker with the ability to own projects with minimal direction and supervisionMust possess and demonstrate an accurate and informed understanding of cultural competency, especially as related to housing, youth, families, equity, and community developmentKnowledge of program outcomes and deliverablesAbility to establish credibility and be decisive - but also able to recognize and support the organization’s preferences and prioritiesExcellent verbal and written communication skills, especially the ability to communicate well and respectfully with diverse audiences and to produce accurate and compelling written accounts of the organization’s programs and operationsAbility and commitment to maintain high level of confidentialityAbility to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving abilitySUPERVISIONDirection received from the Chief Development OfficerDoes not supervise employeesPhysical Requirements And Working ConditionsWork EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an office located in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.Physical DemandsWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Equipment UsedThe employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.Safety RequirementsPrior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance.BenefitsMedical - We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan chosen, there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).Dental – We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.Life - Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.Short and long-term disability - If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.401 (k) Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis.Vacation Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.Personal Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one.Sick Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one.CompensationThe actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity.$85,000 - 90,000/annuallyBreakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us at HR@breakthrough.org. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.