Director of Development

Join Us in Transforming Lives and Communities

Good News Partners (GNP) is seeking a visionary and experienced relationship-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising and public relations strategy. This role is pivotal in advancing our mission to end homelessness and promote affordable housing through community, dignity, and faith.

About The Good News Partners

Our mission: "to end homelessness and hopelessness with everyone God brings to us – to foster justice, and build bridges of reconciliation." We provide safe, affordable housing across our properties in Chicago’s Rogers Park community and, for 50 years, have fostered resident independence, youth development, and incubated local nonprofits and small businesses that strengthen our community.

The Opportunity

As our Development Director, you'll lead GNP in expanding its impact in the community and help shape its future. In this strategic role you will leverage existing relationships and build new partnerships with major donors, churches, foundations, businesses, and community partners while developing innovative funding strategies.You will also partner with the Executive Director to address the rapidly changing world of federal, state, and City of Chicago government grants, and to strategize future funding levels.

In this role, we'll establish both immediate (6-12 month) and long-term (2-3 year) fundraising goals, with a performance-based bonus structure that rewards your success in meeting and exceeding targets.

For candidates gifted in preaching and teaching or who are eager to develop these skills, this role opens a door to present and inspire churches and faith communities across Chicago and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership & Relationships

• Design and implement comprehensive development strategies encompassing individual major gifts, planned giving, church partnerships, private and government grants, and special events
• Lead the cultivation and solicitation of major donors capable of annual gifts of $1,000 or more
• Develop multi-year strategic plans to expand our donor base while deepening existing relationships
• Create detailed cultivation strategies for major prospects, engaging Board members as appropriate
• Manage the Development team (currently two positions) and budget
• Additional responsibilities and special projects as directed by the Board

Program Development & Events

• Plan and execute our annual dinner and other signature fundraising events
• Develop innovative funding opportunities aligned with church and congregation missions
• Create marketing programs and materials that effectively communicate our impact

Public Relations & Communications

• Collaborate on annual reports, promotional materials, and digital content
• Support website development and online giving platforms
• Partner with leadership on public relations and marketing initiatives
• Represent GNP at community events and networking opportunities

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of nonprofit development experience with demonstrated success
• Proven track record in major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Heart rooted in genuine Christ-like love for people of all backgrounds and circumstances
• Cultural competency and strong relationship-building abilities across diverse communities
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
• Flexibility for evening and weekend work

Ideal Candidate Qualities:

• Proficiency in MS Office and fundraising databases (NeonCRM experience preferred)
• Experience working in faith-based or community development environments
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on implementation skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with creative problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to professional development and best practices in fundraising
• Bachelor's degree or higher education level
• Spanish proficiency highly valued

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join Us in Transforming Lives and Communities

Good News Partners (GNP) is seeking a visionary and experienced relationship-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising and public relations strategy. This role is pivotal in advancing our mission to end homelessness and promote affordable housing through community, dignity, and faith.

About The Good News Partners

Our mission: "to end homelessness and hopelessness with everyone God brings to us – to foster justice, and build bridges of reconciliation." We provide safe, affordable housing across our properties in Chicago’s Rogers Park community and, for 50 years, have fostered resident independence, youth development, and incubated local nonprofits and small businesses that strengthen our community.

The Opportunity

As our Development Director, you'll lead GNP in expanding its impact in the community and help shape its future. In this strategic role you will leverage existing relationships and build new partnerships with major donors, churches, foundations, businesses, and community partners while developing innovative funding strategies.You will also partner with the Executive Director to address the rapidly changing world of federal, state, and City of Chicago government grants, and to strategize future funding levels.

In this role, we'll establish both immediate (6-12 month) and long-term (2-3 year) fundraising goals, with a performance-based bonus structure that rewards your success in meeting and exceeding targets.

For candidates gifted in preaching and teaching or who are eager to develop these skills, this role opens a door to present and inspire churches and faith communities across Chicago and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership & Relationships

• Design and implement comprehensive development strategies encompassing individual major gifts, planned giving, church partnerships, private and government grants, and special events
• Lead the cultivation and solicitation of major donors capable of annual gifts of $1,000 or more
• Develop multi-year strategic plans to expand our donor base while deepening existing relationships
• Create detailed cultivation strategies for major prospects, engaging Board members as appropriate
• Manage the Development team (currently two positions) and budget
• Additional responsibilities and special projects as directed by the Board

Program Development & Events

• Plan and execute our annual dinner and other signature fundraising events
• Develop innovative funding opportunities aligned with church and congregation missions
• Create marketing programs and materials that effectively communicate our impact

Public Relations & Communications

• Collaborate on annual reports, promotional materials, and digital content
• Support website development and online giving platforms
• Partner with leadership on public relations and marketing initiatives
• Represent GNP at community events and networking opportunities

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of nonprofit development experience with demonstrated success
• Proven track record in major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Heart rooted in genuine Christ-like love for people of all backgrounds and circumstances
• Cultural competency and strong relationship-building abilities across diverse communities
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal)
• Flexibility for evening and weekend work

Ideal Candidate Qualities:

• Proficiency in MS Office and fundraising databases (NeonCRM experience preferred)
• Experience working in faith-based or community development environments
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on implementation skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with creative problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to professional development and best practices in fundraising
• Bachelor's degree or higher education level
• Spanish proficiency highly valued

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're an experienced development professional looking for your next meaningful challenge, we want to hear from you. Apply here via Idealist, or send your resume and cover letter to Steve Greenhow via email to hiring@goodnewspartners.org. Please include "Development Director application" in the subject line.

Good News Partners is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Good News Partners is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.