Job Posting
Director of Development

Location

Ascend Justice
177 N State Street Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60601
United States

Job Description

Supervised by: Executive Director  

Status: Fulltime  

This position will take primary responsibility for planning, organizing and directing much of Ascend Justice’s development and communication activities including individual and corporate giving, two annual fundraising events, dedicated fundraising campaigns, an annual appeal, government and private grant prospecting, application coordination, and submission, internal communications calendar, and graphic design.  

This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Associate Director, Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board. 

 

Essential Responsibilities 

Fundraising (90% of time): 

  • Create and manage execution of annual fundraising plan and calendar that reflects agency’s goals, priorities and capacity. 
  • With support from the Data and Grants Manager and collaboration with the Executive and Associate Directors, responsible for researching and pursuing new private grants, as well as stewardship (tracking, drafting, and submitting applications and reporting) of existing grants. 
  • Manage cultivation, solicitation and stewardship with new and existing individual and corporate donors, including development and implementation of major donor plan. 
  • Successfully execute signature events, including Celebration of Courage and Trivia Night along with other smaller events throughout the year.  
  • With support, manage gift entry and acknowledgement process for donors using Little Green Light.  
  • Recruit and manage the Ascend Justice Young Professionals Board, including managing their fundraising activities, ongoing engagement with the organization and building community.  

  • Assist Executive Director in management of the Board of Directors, providing administrative support for on-boarding of new members and preparation for meetings as well as serving as a point of contact for member needs. 
  • Work with Client Support Coordinators and other staff members to maintain Amazon Wishlist for needed items, both for the agency and for clients. 
  • Represent the organization to external stakeholders and communicate Ascend Justice’s mission, vision and programming effectively. 

Communications (10% of time): 

  • Supervise Communications Manager in the implementation of her job responsibilities.  

Other Responsibilities: 

  • Keep abreast of the field by maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations. 
  • Protect the organization by keeping information confidential. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. 
  • Perform administrative duties as needed including filing, copying, sorting, mailing, etc.  

Work Environment  

  • Courthouse and offices are fully accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible. 
  • Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required. 
  • This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to talk, hear, see, and communicate effectively via computer. 
  • The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds. 
  • Smoke- and drug-free environment. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree, minimum of seven years of development experience
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
  • Strong self-motivation and ability to manage multiple tasks
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Basic computer and office skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Experience using a CRM and email marketing platform preferred
  • Facility with social media
  • Passion for Ascend Justice’s mission
  • Sense of humor 

 

Ascend Justice is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. Ascend Justice does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Ascend Justice is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team. Applicants/clients wishing to lodge a complaint about discrimination in the provision of services can do so by contacting the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. The ICJIA nondiscrimination policy can be found on the ICJIA website at http://www.icjia.org/grants/grant-resources. Applicants can also send complaints via e-mail to [email protected] 

Pay scale and benefits

Pay scale and benefits

 $83,655-$92,655/year, based on experience. 

In addition to the annual salary listed, Ascend Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance (lowest level 100% employer paid, 50% premium for dependents employer paid), dental insurance (employer paid), short- and long-term disability (employer paid), and life insurance (employer paid), 12 weeks paid parental leave, FSA health, dependent care, and commute (parking & transit). We also offer options for 401k and Roth 401k retirement accounts and have the option to make employer contributions at year-end.

Ascend Justice's offices are currently operating on a hybrid working schedule (in-office/work from home). The schedule for this position will be determined as the position is filled and based on current agency needs.

Position type

Full-time

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to Chavon Martin, Director of Human Resources & Training at [email protected] 

Deadline:
Until filled