Manager of Donor Engagement & Events

The Chicago Parks Foundation (CPF) seeks a Manager of Donor Engagement & Events to grow restricted and unrestricted philanthropic revenue to support CPF’s projects and programs. This is a hybrid, full time position with full benefits package.

CPF was established in 2013 as the 501c3 nonprofit and community-building partner of the Chicago parks. Since our inception, CPF has facilitated over $34 million in funds, connecting donors to giving opportunities and securing a place for Chicago’s parks within our city’s charitable landscape.

In collaboration with the Executive Director and the CPF Leadership Team, the Manager of Donor Engagement & Events will raise the philanthropic profile of the CPF by implementing a strategy of fundraising events, appeals, and grant writing.

To Apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Michaele Strauch at info@chicagoparksfoundation.org. Interviewing will begin after the holidays for a January 2026 start date.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a development strategy for the foundation including individual, major, planned, corporate and foundation unrestricted giving, as well as fundraising events, appeals, sponsorship, grant writing, and donor prospecting and relations
• Master CPF’s donor database, DonorPerfect, and its integration with additional foundation platforms
• Lead, plan and execute signature CPF annual fundraising events including Play for the Parks Golf Invitational, Run for the Parks 5K, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Race Day, CPF Member events and more in coordination with respective CPF staff
• In partnership with Director of Communications, plan and execute a comprehensive development-communications calendar plan including fundraising appeals, promotional campaigns, and other engagement pieces
• Proactively identify CPF needs and opportunities for restricted funding via grant writing and sponsorship, including researching new prospects and utilizing appropriate resources for proposal development, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Develop financial budgets, generate DonorPerfect reports and mailing lists, and maintain accuracy across systems
• Cultivate strong collegial relationships with CPF staff, volunteers, prospects, partners, CPF Board of Directors, and Chicago Park District staff (as appropriate)
• Assist at CPF events and programs and with other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• You’re a high energy extrovert with exceptional interpersonal skills for fostering donor relationships
• Bachelors degree or higher required
• At least five years of fundraising and/or foundation relations experience required
• Must be based in the Chicago area; knowledge of local Chicago philanthropy and the Chicago marketplace preferred
• Familiarity with customer/donor relationship management software required; proficiency with DonorPerfect and Quickbooks preferred
• Strong written/verbal communication skills and detail-oriented analytical mindset
• High level of integrity and trustworthiness, mature judgment for handling confidential information, and sensitivity to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Ability to operate with a sense of drive, multitask, work both independently and collaboratively, and manage time effectively in a hybrid model
• Ability to work some nights and weekends as well as lift 25+ lbs
• Must be able to drive with valid drivers license and be comfortable driving anywhere in the city of Chicago; access to a personal vehicle preferred but not required
• You’re self-motivated, proactive, creative, open to feedback and mission-driven!

About the Chicago Parks Foundation

A little green goes a long way with the Chicago Parks Foundation! In 2013, CPF was established to be the nonprofit fundraising and community-building partner of the Chicago parks. The Foundation exists to support and expand the important work of the Chicago Park District, bringing together civic pride and private generosity to keep our public parks thriving. In addition to creating the first citywide volunteer park cleanup initiative, CPF also serves as fiscal agent to 75+ Park Advisory Councils, leads legacy park improvement projects, organizes community events and programming, and has managed over $34 million in funds to date for our incredible parks.

This is a hybrid, full time position with full benefits package.