Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well-being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data-informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Director of Development oversees the implementation of the organization’s statewide fundraising strategy, including individual and corporate donors, family foundations, and major gifts. The Director of Development leads a statewide team of portfolio managers toward development goals, manages a portfolio of Chicago metro area board and Auxiliary members, and oversees fundraising and in-kind donation activities in regions outside of the Chicago metro area.

Portfolio Management (30% of role)

Achieves revenue goals identified within the annual budget. Recruits, manages, and cultivates a portfolio of 80 donors associated with Metro Chicago area Auxiliary fundraising groups. Develops tailored cultivation strategies and leads individual stewardship to build and strengthen donor engagement. Builds and maintains long-term relationships with donors through regular, personalized communication, meetings, and engagement activities. Solicits gifts and confirms terms that align with the donor’s philanthropic interests and Brightpoint's needs.

Team Leadership (30% of role)

Supervises, manages workload, and monitors performance of: Manager of Corporate Giving Major Gift Manager Manager of Development (Central) Development Specialist (Southern)

Strategic Leadership (20% of role)

In partnership with VP of Advancement, develops and oversees the annual comprehensive statewide fundraising strategy to engage, retain, upgrade, and acquire donors. Provides recommendations during the budget planning process based on a deep understanding of donor interests and priorities, ensuring alignment between funding needs and donor motivations.

Auxiliary Management (20% of role)

Builds Metro Chicago area Auxiliary membership and engagement by recruiting new members and providing onboarding and training. Staffs regular in-person meetings for Metro Chicago area Auxiliary groups. Provides guidance to regional Development staff to develop and engage regional Board(s) and Auxiliaries. Collaborates closely with the Manager of Events to develop strategy for auxiliary board events.

Exclusions

While this role collaborates with other Directors to inform strategy and contribute new ideas, it does not have direct oversight of the following areas: Development Operations: database management, detailed report generation, gift entry, and standard gift acknowledgments Grants: private and public grant writing and prospecting Marketing & Events: direct mail, online campaigns, event logistics, and in-kind donation management

Candidate qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 4 years of experience in development, fundraising, or related roles. Minimum of 3 years of leadership/supervisory experience required, including supervising staff and leading teams. Demonstrates a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts. Demonstrates expertise with Chicago and statewide funding community highly desirable. Must have access to transit or other reliable transportation to execute the position’s responsibilities.

Screenings:

The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and a child abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.

Additional Requirements:

Regular travel locally (approximately 40% of time) and to other locations in the state, including occasional overnight travel for donor stewardship, staff supervision, program site visits and other various meetings. Availability to work evenings and weekends for donor events and meetings.

Job details:  

Compensation: Salary Range $90k-$94k; offers are commensurate with candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range provided represents our current estimate for this role at the time of posting and is subject to change. The final salary will be determined based on a range of factors, including but not limited to, a candidate's relevant experience, education, qualifications, skills, certifications, and alignment with organizational needs. We are dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to fostering a diverse workforce while providing equal opportunities for all candidates. Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, 3+ weeks paid time off in the first year including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day (PTO increases with tenure); 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match (more benefits details here). Location: 200 West Monroe Street (downtown Chicago loop) Schedule: Full-time, salaried. Regular business hours with remote flexibility 1-2 days/week. Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).