Development Manager

Job objective: The Development Manager mobilizes stakeholder support through individual gifts, organizational partnerships, and events to ensure the financial sustainability of Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois, enabling it to grow as the leading provider of nourishment and support for homebound older adults.

Essential Functions:

• Create, in collaboration with the Executive Director, an annual fundraising plan and a communication strategy to meet stated revenue goals, prioritizing new and diversified revenue sources.
• Manage the annual budget for fundraising-related expenses.
• Supervise volunteers and/or execute the activities associated with
  • Donor Solicitation
    • Identifying and cultivating new and existing fundraising opportunities including online campaigns, email solicitations, direct mail appeals, and other partnerships.
    • Producing solicitation materials for donors and prospects
  • Special Event Fundraising
    • With volunteers, plan and execute annual fundraising gala.
    • Strategize with Executive Director and team to create other engagement and fundraising events.
  • Donor Stewardship and Recognition
    • Designing and executing an effective stewardship program for donors, including:
      • Managing the major gifts pipeline, creating portfolio for Executive Director.
      • A LYBUNT reengagement strategy.
      • Regular updates to legacy community funding partners.
      • Celebrating corporate gifts through appropriate channels.
    • Maintaining scrubbed, standardized, and current constituent and gift records in our CRM.
    • Track grant expenditures, maintain grant reporting, and celebrate corporate and foundation gifts as appropriate.
  • Community Engagement
    • Creating and/or coordinating email campaigns, newsletters, and blog posts.
    • Producing engaging social media content and ensuring that relevant updates are shared via all organization social media pages.
    • Managing organization website content.

Secondary Functions:

• Stay current on populations served including needs, trends, and other resources in the area
• Participate in fundraising webinars, trainings, meetings, and conferences, as appropriate
• Attend all necessary team meetings and training courses to according to MOWNEI policies
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• 3 or more years of fundraising experience with demonstrated growth in responsibilities, including direct solicitation & front-line fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated track record and passion for inspiring people to give.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective event management skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Experience using CRM systems; experience in Bonterra Network for Good is a plus.
• Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and MailChimp (or similar email tools.)
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and lead multiple projects, completing them in a timely manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting and manage accordingly.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and demonstrated ability to take initiative.

Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their full potential.

Generous PTO policy

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement account

Professional development opportunities

Proficient in writing and speaking English is required. Other language proficiencies are appreciated.