JOB SUMMARY

The Vice President, will provide strategic leadership to the Development function by designing, developing, and implementing programs that drive effective fund raising activities.  He/she will provide direction to the President & CEO and Board of Trustees in the effective operation of all development activities required to fund Club operations and deliver programs within the community.  The Vice President will be charged with championing the design and implementation of the organization’s major gift program.  Additionally, this position is responsible for soliciting, cultivating, and securing major gifts.  Key to success in this position is maintaining visibility and communication with trustees, donors, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

In collaboration with the President & CEO and Board, the Vice President will develop and implement a strategic plan for single and multi-year resource development efforts:

• Researches and analyzes agency, corporate, individual, and foundation donor base, and recommends solicitation strategies.
• Prepares and presents for approval, proposals for corporate and foundation support of the Club, using current cultivation and solicitation materials.
• Cultivates, solicits and stewards gifts from individual, corporate and foundation partners.
• Oversees planning of logistics for special events, including obtaining sponsorships and solicitation of gifts, and preparing related printed materials and publications.
• Designs and implements donor outreach and direct mail programs.
• Provides support for various fundraising projects/initiatives assigned by President and CEO, such as endowments, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Ensures the evaluation of development activities and identifies opportunities to improve results.

Board Development

• Identifies, recruits, trains, and assists board members in solicitation and other income development activities.
• Encourages and supports board committees responsible for planning and implementing development activities.
• Cultivates and secures annual commitments from Trustees.

Resource Management

• Participates in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Club’s annual budget; controlling expenditures within budget, and maintaining donor and financial records in accordance with standards.
• Ensures productive and effective performance by all development staff.

Partnership Development

• Develops strategic alliances with community leaders and local officials.  Develops collaborative partnerships with other youth-serving organizations, members, parents, families, funders, and community organizations.

Marketing and Public Relations

• Increases visibility of Club development activities and maintains good public relations.  Writes articles for the Union League Boys & Girls Club blog, Union League Club of Chicago Magazine, State of the Union and other publications.
• Ensures design and development of public relations documents for use in the promotion of fundraising, and education of the public, including press releases.  Ensures the development and distribution of marketing documents.

Organizational Values

• Passionate about Mission
• Safety and Kids First
• Community Engagement and Partnerships
• Pursue Excellence and Measure Results
• Create a Learning Environment
• Embrace and Drive Change
• Foster a Positive Team Spirit
• Build Trusting Relationships through Transparent Communications

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS REQUIRED

• Must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.  A Master’s degree in the area of Non-Profit fundraising is preferred.
• A minimum of four years’ work experience in non-profit agency operations, specifically in the fundraising field, sales/marketing, or equivalent experience.
• Considerable knowledge of fundraising best practices and sources of funding for non-profit agencies and organizations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential.
• Knowledge of accessing and managing Raisers Edge donor database is preferred.