Director of Development

Arise Chicago, a nationally recognized workers’ rights organization, seeks a full-time Director of Development to lead and expand its fundraising strategies.

Arise educates, organizes, and develops the leadership of low-paid, immigrant workers to improve working conditions and advance pro-worker policies. Arise Chicago is a progressive nonprofit organization that brings together low-wage immigrant workers, faith leaders and congregations, union leadership and rank-and-file members, elected officials and government agencies, academics, legal advisors, and community leaders to create economic justice and social change. 

Arise seeks a candidate who aligns with our mission, produces excellent work, and values and contributes to a collaborative workplace culture. Two-thirds of Arise staff have been with the organization for 11 years or more. The longevity of our staff contributes greatly to our success. We value our staff by offering competitive salaries, excellent benefits, flexibility, comp time, a fully-paid sabbatical, and a hybrid model of in-person and remote working. The position reports directly to the Executive Director. 

Responsibilities 

Grant writing and tracking

• Write and submit all grant applications, letters of inquiry, and grant reports
• Prepare and submit supplemental materials for grant applications
• Participate in foundation site visits, including preparing worker-members to participate 
• Prepare thank you letters and annual mailing to foundations
• Facilitate internal meetings to discuss upcoming grant submissions and new funders
• Review and maintain organizational grant calendar 
• Track all foundation and donor information in database

Cultivate Donor Relationships

• Research and cultivate new relationships with local and national foundations
• Strengthen the individual donor campaign, including high-level giving 
• Launch an estate giving program
• Launch an endowment fund for the organization

Support the Organization

• Co-lead annual fundraising event which draws 500 people
• Lead annual year-end giving program
• Provide logistical support to coworkers at rallies, events, press conferences, etc.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years of professional fundraising, with extensive grant writing experience
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with and support a committed team
• Ability to keep up-to-date with fast-paced developments within the organization
• Experience in researching, cultivating, and gaining new foundation funding sources
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve multiple goals under deadlines
• Commitment to grassroots organizing and social justice values 
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, social media, databases
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, spoken and written, a plus
• Experience with government grants, a plus
• Experience interacting with immigrant community and religious community, a plus
• Experience with Nation Builder, a plus