The Development Operations function is critical to our efforts to develop a sophisticated development and philanthropic services department with a growth mindset. Based on a donor-centered philosophy, The Trust is building an exceptional department focused on becoming the philanthropic resource for all types of donors (small, large, individual, institutional, etc.). This role works in strong partnership with the Sr. Director of Philanthropy and is expected to ensure that all strategies for growth serve the needs of Philanthropic Services team.

This position is responsible for developing the donor pipeline through affinity fund engagement, professional advisor cultivation and stewardship, and the annual fund. The Senior Director is responsible for stewardship, including institutional giving stewardship and individual donor stewardship, database operations, cross-department relationship management with Finance and Grant Administration, and donor documentation, including DAF applications, fund creation, memorial gift program, standardized letters, etc.

Position Responsibilities:

Developing the donor pipeline via:

• Affinity fund engagement
  • Manage the Affinity Fund team of two (2) with a focus on stewardship, overall health of the groups, and when necessary, identifying major gift potential within the funds for possible portfolio assignment.
  • Potential growth of Affinity Funds
  • Professional advisor cultivation and stewardship
    • Hone and execute current prof advisor strategy to bring more such experts into our "tent" and steward them effectively.
    • Work in close partnership with the Director of Gift Planning on strategies for specific Prof. Advisor audiences and current tactics
    • Build the current "Unity Fund" into a true Annual fund program. Plan for growth.

Stewardship:

• Maintain current Institutional giving stewardship activity by managing the Institutional Giving Specialist.
• Rethink donor stewardship plan and manage the Donor Stewardship Manager.
  • Create and monitor annual donor communications, events, standardized stewardship reports from the CRM, collateral, etc.
  • Coordinates and creatively considers all aspects of how we "touch" donors
  • Create systems to ensure excellent donor experiences at every level.

Database operations:

• Lead relationship with the I&T staff to ensure excellent ongoing collaboration in all aspects of our donor work related to technology and systems.
• Manage current Director of Donor Operations to maximize Salesforce as a fundraising and reporting tool.
• In partnership with the Sr. Director of Philanthropy, continually work to balance portfolios to maximize staff success and optimize donor potential.
• Continually improve systems

Department collaborative relationships with Finance and Grant Administration:

• Lead Dev./PS relationship with Finance and Grants Administration ensuring that we are excellent partners and serving donor interests.

Responsible for all types of donor documentation, including DAF applications, fund creation, memorial gift program, standardized letters, etc.

This description should not be construed to contain every function of responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.

• Master's degree and/or seven to ten years of development experience in the nonprofit operations space.
• Strong understanding of non-profit management.
• Ability and willingness to work in team environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to interact effectively with The Trust leadership, staff, donors, prospects, and volunteers.
• Ability to manage others on a team for a common purpose.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present effectively to small and large audiences.
• Advanced listening skills.
• Knowledge and expertise in prospect and donor management.
• Expertise with Salesforce or other CRM system.
• Ability to assess and interpret the needs and wishes of prospective donors and translate them into effective action plans.
• Ability to make appropriate evaluative judgments.
• Program planning and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic climate in Chicago preferred.