Director of Development

Chicago Food Rescue is a nonprofit that bridges the gap between food waste and food insecurity. We make healthy food accessible—free of charge—to anyone in need. Using our app, volunteers pick up surplus food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it directly to community partners. Our mission is simple: no one should go hungry in a city with an abundance of food.

About the Role

We’re looking for a relationship-driven Director of Development to lead Chicago Food Rescue’s fundraising efforts and help scale our impact across the city. This leadership role will shape and execute fundraising strategies, build lasting partnerships, and drive the revenue growth that fuels our mission.

The Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and future staff to engage individual donors, corporations, and foundations, while also creating fresh approaches to events and community partnerships. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing nonprofit and leave your mark on both the organization and the city we serve.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow CFR’s fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, foundation, and event-based revenue streams
• Cultivate strong relationships with funders and oversee stewardship efforts
• Oversee fundraising systems, including donor database, gift processing, and reporting
• Lead grant strategy - writing compelling proposals and ensuring timely, accurate reporting
• Design and execute campaigns and events that engage supporters and grow revenue
• Partner with the Executive Director on budgeting and financial strategy
• Help develop communications strategies that inspire giving.
• Manage future development staff, building a high-performing, mission-driven team
• Use data to track progress, refine strategies, and ensure financial sustainability
• Support operations when necessary, including doing food rescues

What We’re Looking For

• Proven track record of raising funds across multiple revenue streams
• Strong relationship-building skills with funders and other stakeholders
• Charismatic and engaging leader with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Established connections within Chicago’s nonprofit and philanthropic network
• A self-starter with experience designing and executing growth plans
• Strong understanding of the current fundraising landscape, trends, and projections
• Experience managing budgets and fundraising metrics
• Collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment
• Passion for food justice, equity, and community-based solutions

Why Join Us

This is more than a fundraising role — it’s a chance to shape the future of food access in Chicago. As our development leader, you’ll build the systems, strategies, and relationships that define our long-term success. You’ll play an essential role in the growth of the organization, and your work will directly translate into thousands of pounds of food reaching neighbors who need it most. If you’re looking for a role where you can make your mark on a growing nonprofit and create lasting impact, this is it.

Details

• Salary: $75,000–$80,000
• Hybrid: mix of in-office, community-based, and remote work
• Full-time, with occasional evenings/weekends for events
• Reports to Executive Director

Chicago Food Rescue is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship or protected characteristic. All duties are to be accomplished based on the ADA guidelines. ADA (American with Disabilities Act) states that the duties are to be successfully completed with or without reasonable accommodations.