Director of Development

Center for Disability & Elder Law

Director of Development leading CDEL’s fundraising efforts to broaden access to justice for low-income older adults and persons with disabilities in Chicago. Responsible for strategic development planning and major donor relations.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $90,000 - $110,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in fundraising program leadership, including major gifts solicitation, grant administration, and strategic development planning. Proven ability to create compelling marketing communications and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising Program LeadershipMajor Gifts SolicitationGrant AdministrationMarketing Communications DevelopmentStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising Strategy DevelopmentDonor Relationship ManagementGrant WritingEvent PlanningSolicitation Material Creation

Soft Skills

Presentation SkillsWritten CommunicationOral CommunicationProject PrioritizationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Social MediaNewslettersWebsite Management

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit DevelopmentMajor GiftsGovernment GrantsFoundation GrantsVolunteer Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides leadership and development of planning, creating and executing annual fundraising programs and activities
The programs and activities will include foundation, corporate, government, individual donor solicitation and cultivation, major gifts, planned giving and special events
Creates and implements long-range strategic development plan, including comprehensive detailed fundraising plan with calendar
Oversees and participates in comprehensive Major Gifts program, including managing donor and prospective donor relationships through a comprehensive stewardship program of introduction, cultivation and solicitation
Works with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and staff to ensure that Development Plan supports CDEL’s strategic plan and common objectives
Generates, with appropriate staff, donor/prospect solicitation material and correspondence
Supervises CDEL’s Development Associate, including overseeing and participating in in the creation of marketing/communications messages and deliverables such as newsletters, social media and website that inform the public, donors and supporters of CDEL’s activities, progress and needs
Meets fundraising goals set by the Fundraising Committee, the Board of Directors and the Executive Director
Manages CDEL’s grant calendar and works with CDEL’s grant writing consultant and appropriate staff to ensure that grant applications and reports are submitted on a timely basis
Plans and coordinates funder/donor site visits to compellingly communicate CDEL’s programs and services
Participates in key decisions as a member of the senior management team
Attends all CDEL fundraising and cultivation events

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least six years of prior development experience
A minimum of three years of experience in a frontline development position with a proven track record in soliciting and closing major gifts
Experience working with external stakeholders required
Demonstrated experience working with volunteer leaders a plus
Experience in developing compelling marketing/communications messaging and the type of materials that support the overall fundraising goals of CDEL
Prior experience administering government and foundation grants
Demonstrated commitment to CDEL’s client base, including working with older adults and people with disabilities
Confident and authentic presentation skills and ability to represent CDEL in a variety of settings including large group presentations and individual meetings
Ability to engage clearly with CDEL staff and stakeholders through excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and complete assignments in a timely manner, including responding to unexpected events
Work collaboratively and communicate transparently with other staff members
Prior supervisor experience required

Benefits

Comp & perks

health/dental/vision insurance
flexible spending accounts
401(k)
life insurance
short and long-term disability insurance
generous personal time off policy