Development Manager

General Description

The Development Manager is responsible for building a community of donors in McHenry County who are passionate about supporting CASA’s mission to support and protect children who have been abused and neglected. This position will build a community of donors by leading and implementing programs designed to solicit and steward donations from individuals, businesses, grantors, and foundations. The ideal candidate will develop a comprehensive donor development framework and will be responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects while driving increased revenue. Working closely with the Executive Director, this individual will manage CASA’s annual Hero Awards Luncheon awareness and fundraising event, annual campaigns, grants, family foundations, business contributions and partnerships, major gifts, and individual donors. The Development Manager will also maintain the donor database and become fluent in the event platform. This position will focus largely on outreach to new donors and the positive and timely stewardship of current donors.

Responsibilities

Resource Development

• Lead the organization in developing an annual plan for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, reaching development objectives in the annual budget and strategic plan
• Work closely with the Events and Communications Manager and Executive Director to develop, implement, and track annual giving campaigns, as well as strategic marketing for a variety of organization stakeholder audiences including donors, volunteers, and larger community.
• Manage the annual Hero Awards Luncheon, working closely with other staff members
• Manage donor database, including generating reports, strategically analyzing data, and preparing recommendations
• Develop and maintain the level of relationships necessary to provide effective stewardship and ongoing communications to donors and prospects
• Work with the Executive Director, participate in the implementation of major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities
• Work with the Executive Director, participate in grant/foundation research, prepare grant proposals, and cultivate foundation relationships
• Prepare progress reports and represent CASA of McHenry County during meetings with funders
• Represent CASA of McHenry County at multiple networking events each month
• Assist Executive Director with the development of annual and program budgets.
• Participate in CASA’s awareness-raising events in the community, annual Little Black Dress gala, and annual Big City Bash gala
• Provide leadership to the Development Committee
• Identify opportunities to network in and present CASA’s mission to potential donors
• Prepare reports for the Executive Director, Board and Committees
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications

• 3 years of fundraising experience
• Knowledge of and experience in direct marketing, annual giving, special events, corporate/foundation relations, donor stewardship, grants, and major donor cultivation / stewardship.
• Success in designing and implementing strategies to reach new donor audiences, increase constituency commitment, involvement, and support
• Demonstrates analytical ability to continually improve processes and increase fundraising and development opportunities
• Demonstrates ability to work closely and productively in many different settings with donors, board members, funders and volunteers
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with a diverse set of audiences; public speaking / presenting skills, outstanding and compelling writing skills
• Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of CASA
• Personal & professional integrity, including maintaining confidentiality of donors and cases
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment with a desire to learn from others
• Strong problem-solving abilities and willingness to take initiative
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, projects and deadlines with a detailed eye

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged period of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. At time required to lift, push, pull, carry and transport boxes weighing up to 25 lbs.

Travel Requirements:

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from work, meetings, and events.

Accountability and Location:

The Development Manager reports directly to the Executive Director. This is a hybrid position with WFH available, but primarily from the CASA of McHenry County office in Crystal Lake, IL.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance
• Life, Short Term Disability, AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Schedule
• Hybrid opportunity

Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter to Becky Morris, Executive Director, by Friday, November 14, 2025.

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Health Insurance

Life, Short Term Disability, and AD&D Insurance

Flexibility

Hybrid