Description
About Us:
The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative is a community-driven nonprofit committed to our mission of improving the health, wellness and quality of life of residents of Garfield Park. We bring together community members and stakeholder organizations to address the socioeconomic, systemic, individual and environmental factors impacting wellness.
Summary:
The Director of Development is a strategic leader responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program to support the mission and growth of the Collaborative. This role will lead efforts in grant writing, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, and special events, while building sustainable funding streams.
The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, storyteller, and result-driven professional with a passion for community-centered work and health equity.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership:
- Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
- Identify and pursue diverse funding opportunities including foundations, corporations, government grants, and individual donors
- Establish annual fundraising goals and track progress toward revenue targets
- Manage board annual giving program and give/get targets
- Attend monthly board meetings
Grant Writing & Management:
- Lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals and reports
- Maintain a grants calendar and ensure compliance with reporting requirements
- Research and cultivate relationships with new funding sources
Donor Engagement & Stewardship:
- Build and manage relationships with individual donors, sponsors, and partners
- Develop donor recognition and stewardship strategies
- Support leadership in major gift cultivation and solicitation
Partnership Development:
- Cultivate corporate and institutional partnerships aligned with the Collaborative’s mission
- Representing the organization at community events and networking opportunities
- Collaborate with program staff to align funding opportunities with program needs
Events & Campaigns:
- Plan and execute fundraising events and community engagement campaigns
- Support special initiatives, including capital campaigns and signature events
Data & Systems Management:
- Oversee donor database and fundraising tracking systems
- Analyze fundraising data to inform strategy and improve outcomes
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 5–8+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related field
- Proven success in grant writing and securing major gifts
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Experience working with community-based organizations, preferably in underserved communities
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, health equity, and community empowerment
- Proficiency with donor databases/CRM systems
Preferred Experience
- Experience in healthcare, public health, or community development
- Familiarity with Chicago’s philanthropic and funding landscape
- Experience supporting capital campaigns or large-scale initiatives
