Managing Director, Development and Strategic Partnerships

SomerCor is seeking a mission-driven leader to build and lead its philanthropic and strategic partnership efforts during an exciting period of growth. This role works closely with the CEO, Board, and internal teams to align fundraising with SomerCor’s mission and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• • Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy to secure public sector, foundation, and corporate support for SomerCor’s programs and initiatives.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with key donors, foundations, and partners.
  • Prepare grants, proposal development, and reporting processes.
  • Build internal systems and processes for donor management, tracking, and impact measurement.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership and program teams to align fundraising priorities with strategic objectives.
  • Develop and lead stewardship and recognition activities that deepen relationships and demonstrate transparency and trust.
  • Work cross-functionally to create materials, presentations, and impact reports that connect funders to the people and communities they help.
  • Represent SomerCor at external events, conferences, and meetings to promote partnerships and funding opportunities.
  • Engage SomerCor’s Board and Advisory Committees to strengthen their understanding of philanthropy and identify opportunities for participation in fundraising efforts.
  • Stay current with trends in philanthropy, community development, and small business financing to identify emerging funding opportunities.
  • Develop and foster strategic partnerships (in coordination with CEO) with economic development organizations, trade associations, business support groups, and units of government for co-programming opportunities.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy across SomerCor by helping staff understand the role of storytelling and donor engagement in advancing the mission.

Recommended Skills & Experience

• • 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, philanthropy, fundraising, or institutional partnerships, with increasing leadership responsibility.
  • Experience in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), economic development organizations, impact investment firms, corporate foundations, or financial services nonprofits is preferred.
  • Proven success securing funding from public sector sources (local, state, and federal government), foundations, and corporate partners, including managing the full lifecycle of grants (prospecting, proposal development, reporting, and stewardship).
  • Strong grant writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex programs and impact into compelling narratives for funders and partners.
  • Experience building development infrastructure, including donor management systems, tracking, reporting, and impact measurement.
  • Strategic relationship builder with demonstrated ability to cultivate and steward long-term partnerships with funders, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
  • Cross-functional leadership experience, working effectively with program, finance, communications, and operations teams.
  • Comfort representing an organization externally at meetings, conferences, and public events.
  • Ability to foster a culture of philanthropy, helping staff understand the role of storytelling, outcomes, and donor engagement in advancing mission.
  • Highly organized and systems-oriented, with strong project management and prioritization skills.
  • Valid driver's license with ability to travel from time to time throughout Illinois and neighboring states.
  • Values-driven leadership style, aligned with SomerCor’s commitment to Community, Accountability, Integrity, and Respect (CAIR).

Salary & Benefits

$120-145K + bonus; medical and 401k benefits

401k + medical/dental/vision insurance

English

Spanish proficient