Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or related field.
7-10 years of experience in fundraising or nonprofit roles, focusing on corporate relations.
Established corporate development relationships in the Chicagoland area.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to convey impact effectively.
Energetic, adaptable, and a quick learner with a positive demeanor.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge is a plus.
Strong alignment with the mission of supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a corporate development strategy for fundraising support.
Build and maintain corporate partnerships and engage stakeholders in the mission.
Steward corporate relationships through recognition and reporting on impact.
Manage execution of sponsor benefits, invoicing, and payments.
Represent The Lighthouse at events to build networks and identify funding opportunities.
Collaborate with internal teams to align corporate fundraising with organizational goals.
Conduct prospect research to tailor engagement strategies to corporate partners.
Benefits
10 days paid vacation annually.
12 paid holidays throughout the year.
6 sick days accrued each year.
Comprehensive insurance eligibility starting after 30 days of employment, including medical, dental, and vision.
Short and long-term disability insurance coverage.
Life insurance equal to twice the salary.
Employee recognition events to celebrate contributions.
Company matched 401(k) plan to support retirement savings.
Access to affordable, delicious food options on-site.
Full Job Description
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Director, Corporate Development will play an important fundraising and engagement role at The Chicago Lighthouse as a member of the Advancement Team. This position will be responsible for identifying, engaging, soliciting and stewarding corporate relationships that lead to programmatic and fundraising opportunities for The Lighthouse. This role will be responsible for achieving annual revenue goals tied to event sponsorship, corporate foundation support and corporate and cause marketing campaigns. The position requires an experienced corporate development professional with a proven track record. This role will be responsible for developing new partnerships and enhancing existing corporate partner relationships. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, this role is also responsible for developing and managing corporate volunteer opportunities.
ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Develop and implement the annual corporate development strategy to identify, engage and solicit support for The Chicago Lighthouse's programs through sponsorships, grants, and employee engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with corporate executives and key stakeholders, engaging individuals in the mission of The Lighthouse, leading to deepening commitments and support of the organization.
Ensure appropriate stewardship of corporate relationships, including acknowledgement, recognition and reporting on the impact of corporate support.
Manage sponsor benefit fulfillment, invoicing and payment collection to execute benefits properly and fully.
Represent The Lighthouse at networking events, conferences and meetings to identify new funding opportunities, cultivate relationships, and promote our work.
Work closely with internal teams, including advancement, communications, and events to align corporate fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
Conduct prospect research to identify potential corporate partners, assess their philanthropic priorities and tailor engagement strategies accordingly.
Contribute to the Advancement Department in other ways, participating in events and organizational initiatives as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications or a related area.
Minimum of seven - ten years of progressive experience in fundraising development, or related roles within the nonprofit sector, preferably with a focus on corporate relations.
Proven track record of corporate development, with established relationships in the Chicagoland community.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills. Clearly articulates goals and progress, and how funding strategies impact larger organizational goals.
Adaptive and flexible; high energy; passionate; capable of learning quickly; excellent listener; positive and outgoing personality with a professional touch.
Familiarity and experience with Raiser's Edge preferred.
Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired is essential.
Employee Benefits
BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:
10 days paid vacation
12 paid holidays
6 sick days accrued over the year
Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
Short/long term disability
Life insurance 2x salary
Employee recognition events
Company matched 401(k) plan
Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)
