| Job Description: |
Summary: Friends of the Chicago River is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic fundraising
professional to serve as director of development for our award-winning environmental organization.
Position Overview: The director of development leads Friends of the Chicago Rivers' fundraising efforts,
including revenue development from foundation, corporate, government, and individual sources. S/he
provides strategic direction as well as day-to-day-oversight of all fundraising and earned income activities.
S/he also handles numerous implementation aspects of Friends' development priorities. The director of
development works in close partnership with and is in under the supervision of the executive director.
As the only organization exclusively dedicated to improving the Chicago River, Friends seeks an
individual who is committed to the environment and views the river as an important part of the history,
culture, and future of the Chicago region.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and manage a comprehensive development program to secure, renew and increase
support including grants, sponsorships, major gifts, planned giving, direct mail, e-solicitation,
events, and committee solicitations from individuals, corporations, foundations and
government sources;
• Identify, research, and target new private corporate and foundation funding sources as well as
individuals with the potential for and capacity to give larger-level support ($1,000+);
• Direct all aspects of planning and implementation for the Big Fish Ball, Friends' annual gala;
• Inspire a climate for meaningful board and committee participation in development activities
by clearly communicating expectations; involving them beyond information-based
communication; and creating opportunities to enhance their impact on Friends' fundraising
efforts;
• Serve as a member of the Friends' senior management team, playing a key role in strategic
plan development, monitoring, and implementation; development, review, and revisions to
organizational policies and procedures; and new program and management initiatives;
• Recruit, select, train, supervise, and contribute to the professional advancement of
development department staff;
• Develop and monitor annual organizational income goals;
• Manage annual fund, gala, and endowment cost centers;
• Track results and report monthly progress toward goals to a variety of stakeholders.
Qualifications: The position requires a seasoned development professional who has the experience and
vision to maximize both current funding relationships and new opportunities for support. This includes
eight or more years of fundraising experience, with at least three years in a senior management position
and a background in managing events, collaborating with volunteers, board members, and donors, and
familiarity with the philanthropic community. S/he must also have the development and broader
management skills (e.g., finance, human resources, communications) to balance Friends' ongoing
fundraising needs and resources while positioning the organization for optimum fiscal stability and
income growth.
Other Requirements Include:
• Proven track record of achieving fundraising goals;
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• Demonstrated ability to work on several projects concurrently while achieving deadlines and results
in a fast paced environment;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Outstanding analytical skills;
• Strong computer skills, including database fluency; and,
• Organized, flexible, and self-directed individual who is willing and able to pitch in with both highlevel
strategies and less glamorous details of event- and operations-specific implementation.
Compensation and benefits: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Competitive
insurance, time off, and other benefits. Significant opportunities for growth. Terrific team of colleagues.
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to the attention of Margaret Frisbie, Executive
Director, at friends@chicagoriver.org or Friends of the Chicago River 28 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60604. No telephone calls, please.
Background: For three decades, Friends of the Chicago River has worked to create a greener, more
accessible, and better cared for river. Our acclaimed programs include education and outreach programs
that foster awareness, involvement, and a stewardship ethic; public policy and planning efforts that have a
systemic, long-term impact on the river's health; and on-the-ground projects that physically improve the
Chicago River.
Friends is supported by over 2,000 members, including individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations,
government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Our work is lead by a staff of 11 as well as
approximately 300 volunteers who assist Friends throughout the year and 4,000 annual Chicago River
Day volunteers.
Available: October 15, 2010
Friends of the Chicago River is an equal opportunity employer.
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