Donor Relations Director

Join to apply for the Donor Relations Director role at DuPagePads2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Donor Relations Director role at DuPagePadsGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Summary: Success in this position is driven by ongoing and proactive donor relationship management, strategic communications plans, and gifts cultivation/solicitation activities with an assigned caseload of qualified major donors (90%) and a smaller group (10%) of major gift prospects. A motivated individual who will be responsible for enhancing mid-level donor giving, major gifts, and planned giving initiatives this role will be focused on gifts of $5,000 and much higher while retaining and strengthening existing giving. The ideal candidate is a seasoned and passionate fundraising professional who excels in taking initiative, donor innovation, and is committed to achieving strategic objectives that lead to the success of our organization.Reports To: Vice President of DevelopmentResponsibilities: (to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation):Operates within the DuPagePads Core Values, which supports providing care in accordance with the Trauma Informed Policy and Practices of the Agency.Collaborate with the Development team and execute comprehensive strategies for mid-level giving, major gifts, and planned giving that integrate fully with annual development efforts.Work diligently with the VP of Development & Director of Corporate & Community Engagement to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue production goals.Manage a portfolio of 120-150 mid-level, major, and planned giving prospects and donors, focusing on personalized cultivation and solicitation that is purposeful and brings the desired outcome for each “touch”.Leverage technology and collaborate with Development Associate on prospect identification, growing pipeline of mid-level, major, and planned giving donors.Cultivate, validate, and document strong relationships with donors through personalized engagement plans and continuing communications that ensures excellent donor service is provided including accessibility to staff and leadership (as granted), timely responsiveness, and quality in all interactions and personalized communications.Work in collaboration across departments with Program and Finance staff to understand and convey funding needs and program impact.Supervises 1-3 direct reports on the development team associated with donor stewardship and development.Lead in the creation and promotion of specific planned giving opportunities to engage donors in supporting the organization through bequests, trusts, and other legacy giving vehicles offering guidance to donors about the benefits of planned giving.Track and report on planned giving activities, ensuring proper documentation, pledge completion, donor recognition, and record of all interactions and contributions accurately reflected in the donor database.Stays driven toward goals and focused on caseload, while also making effective use of volunteerism opportunities, events and other initiatives to engage with assigned donors bringing them closer to DuPagePads and to deepen their awareness of the impact of our work, especially in areas of interest to them. Participate in such opportunities alongside constituents and work with other staff and leadership (including leadership volunteers) to develop new major donor / prospect cultivation events, such as private receptions and gatherings targeted toward those with high philanthropic capacity.Other duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Good understanding of successful fund campaign planning and development.Knowledge and functional use of fundraising software with attention to detailed records.Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.Exceptional communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.Ability to handle confidential donor information discretely.Effective written and oral communication skills.Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, complete tasks accurately and meet deadlinesMinimum Qualifications:Must embrace, support and reflect well on DuPagePads mission and values through professional responsibilities and behavior at all times.Mission-driven; with a focus and excitement working with an exceptional organization that compassionately serves diverse, vulnerable members of the DuPage community.Three years of fundraising and development experience.One to three years of direct work experience as a fundraising professional with major gift work.Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent qualification through job related experience.Preferred Qualifications:Proven expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals, including executives, leadership volunteers and wealthy donors, as well as internal stakeholders and leadership.Demonstrated goal-oriented behavior, with a drive to achieve agreed upon goals within agreed upon timeframes.Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent qualification.Five or more years experience in fundraising, with proven record of mid-level and planned gift solicitation.CFRE certification.Experience in donor database management. (eTapestry a plus)Incredibly strong written and verbal communication.Strong donor relationship building skills and effective prospect engagement.Ability to work independently and travel as necessary.Other:Provide own transportation.Ability to lift 40 pounds.Possess a valid Illinois Driver’s LicenseOccasional evening and weekend hours.Classification Status: Full time, ExemptStarting salary range: $65,000 - 70,000 annually, commensurate with experienceWe offer a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, short term and long term disability, life insurance, generous Paid Time Off, and SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.To apply, please visit /about/employment-opportunities-dupagepads/ and click the job title to apply onlineWe are an Equal Opportunity EmployerSeniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionBusiness Development and SalesIndustriesNon-profit OrganizationsReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at DuPagePads by 2xSign in to set job alerts for “Director Relations” roles.Des Plaines, IL $190,000.00-$200,000.00 1 month agoChicago, IL $117,250.00-$140,000.00 14 hours agoChicago, IL $120,000.00-$150,000.00 6 days agoChicago, IL $120,000.00-$130,000.00 2 days agoGreater Chicago Area $100,000.00-$135,000.00 2 days agoChicago, IL $180,000.00-$220,000.00 2 weeks agoDirector of Community Engagement - IllinoisGreater Chicago Area $80,000.00-$120,000.00 3 weeks agoOak Brook, IL $98,000.00-$105,000.00 1 week agoChicago, IL $206,000.00-$356,000.00 19 hours agoDirector of Marketing and CommunicationsChicago, IL $110,000.00-$130,000.00 3 weeks agoDirector of Business Development-Cafeteria ReplacementChicago, IL $100,000.00-$120,000.00 6 months agoDirector of Community Engagement - IllinoisGreater Chicago Area $80,000.00-$120,000.00 1 month agoChicago, IL $119,000.00-$176,000.00 2 weeks agoChicago, IL $230,000.00-$250,000.00 1 week agoChicago, IL $140,000.00-$180,000.00 1 month agoChicago, IL $139,000.00-$206,000.00 4 weeks agoChicago, IL $100,000.00-$120,000.00 5 days agoLisle, IL $100,000.00-$130,000.00 3 weeks agoDirector, Employee Relations & ComplianceChicago, IL $171,200.00-$214,000.00 1 week agoSenior Director of Marketing and CommunicationsChicago, IL $110,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week agoDirector of Foundation and Corporate RelationsChicago, IL $150,000.00-$175,000.00 3 weeks agoDirector – Business Development (Healthcare SaaS)Chicago, IL $90,000.00-$120,000.00 1 week agoSt Charles, IL $116,500.00-$186,500.00 5 days agoDirector of Corporate Communications & Alumni RelationsChicago, IL $160,000.00-$190,000.00 4 hours agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-10-08