Director of Development

This is a hybrid role with offices located in Skokie, IL

Yachad is dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities through social and recreational activities, ensuring their full participation in Jewish life. Guided by Torah values, Yachad believes in inclusion, safety, and community belonging for every individual. The organization’s mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish individuals with disabilities and their families through comprehensive social and educational programs and support services.  With a clear mission, strong values, and a commitment to excellence, Yachad is poised to enhance its impact on the Chicago community.

Yachad Chicago is seeking a Director of Development who will plan, direct, and implement all aspects of annual campaign development and advance the mission of the organization by identifying and stewarding donor relationships to deeper levels of engagement and increased levels of philanthropic giving. Successful candidates will demonstrate achievement in nonprofit development, will work well independently and collaboratively, possess strong organizational and communication skills, and have demonstrated ability to maintain strong relationships. Ideally, candidates will have a knowledge of Chicago’s Jewish philanthropic landscape and a strong interest in the mission of Yachad.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual campaign with quantifiable goals, strategies and measurable outcomes with an eye towards growing the current campaign to $450,00 and up to $750,000 over time
• Partner with the Chicago Director to create an environment which boosts Yachad’s visibility and creates a culture of giving within the Chicago community
• Craft and implement cultivation and stewardship strategies for new and existing donors with a focus on increasing fundraising success, reaching new audiences and follow up solicitation strategy
• Create and launch donor engagement and fundraising events
• Partner with  Yachad’s Foundation team to research new foundations and grant opportunities
• Foster and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the community
• Utilize the donor database to maintain accurate records of all donor interactions, programmatic interests, trends in giving, and type of support to solicit
• Attend Jewish community events and professional leadership opportunities 

Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years’ fundraising experience with demonstrated success developing and implementing an annual campaign strategy
• Experience soliciting gifts of $10,000 or more highly preferred
• Knowledge of and familiarity with Chicago’s Jewish community strongly preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presence with outstanding relationship building skills
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to work independently
• Excellent donor relations and customer service skills
• Skilled in creating powerful & compelling written and oral communications
• Professional, resourceful, and entrepreneurial
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor management software
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of Yachad