Development Director

About the Position

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is looking for a self-motivated and experienced individual for the role of Development Director. The director will craft and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to ensure we have the resources to achieve our mission and vision.

The development director should be well equipped to lead and manage IEC’s development associate, grants manager, and other staff to contribute to development activities. A key function will be working with the executive director and board of directors to prioritize and succeed in our fundraising activities.

This position may be located in Chicago or Springfield, Illinois. The position is full-time and may include evening and weekend work, as well as occasional travel within Illinois.

About You

We’re looking for a self-motivated individual who is excited about addressing the biggest challenges facing Illinois. You should be a stellar communicator with excellent attention to detail who enjoys building, executing, and evaluating strong fundraising programs and activities.

We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our organization. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Responsibilities

Institutional Support

• Establish and direct a clear plan for managing all existing and future funder relationships and grant opportunities
• Identify, research, and develop action plans for funder prospects
• Ensure funders are kept up to date on progress, challenges, and setbacks that are relevant to their support of IEC
• Ensure funders are recognized and engaged with IEC’s work
• Collaborate with Finance Director & Executive Director to firmly establish a line of sight to key organizational revenue streams

Individual Support

• Develop and execute an Individual Giving program, including all fundraising campaigns
• Cultivate prospects through a robust communications plan and donor research
• Steward donors via thank you letters, newsletters, and other recognition opportunities
• Build IEC’s Major Donors program through research, cultivation, events, and a communications plan

Fundraising Events

• Lead IEC efforts for the annual Environmental Leadership Dinner, including but not limited to leading the Board of Directors Annual Dinner Committee, managing vendors, recruiting sponsors, budgeting, and developing the program
• Collaborate with other IEC staff on events including Springfield fundraiser, Young Professionals Board events, major donor and capital campaign events

Operations

• Ensure donations, donors, etc. are accurately recorded in CRM system
• Report results periodically/as requested to staff, Executive Director, board members, etc.
• Participate in staff meetings and organizational activities as directed or when opportunities arise

Qualifications

• Prior experience and success fundraising
• Prior experience managing projects and staff
• Excellent oral and written, inclusive, story-driven communication skills
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and management skills, including an understanding of nonprofit financial statements
• Experience with campaign analytics and developing metrics and reporting materials
• Experience with fundraising principles
• Experience with customer relationship management software (EveryAction, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge)
• Knowledge of the latest nonprofit fundraising trends
• Strong judgment of appropriateness and adherence to organizational policy positions and brand reputation
• Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft and Google software suites
• Ability to work with diverse groups and people
• Highly organized
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently
• Interest in environmental issues and policies

Equal Opportunity Employer

IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Equity, Allyship, and Powerbuilding Values

IEC/IECEF is always working to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.

We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.

About Our Pay and Benefits

The development director is a full-time permanent position located in Chicago or Springfield Illinois. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and vacation. Salary range is $90,000 – $115,000, commensurate with experience. Cover letter MUST include salary requirements. Candidates with salary requirements above the listed salary range will not be considered.

How to Apply

Introduce yourself to us as a colleague. Show us your future here and let us know what you’d bring to our organization! We value great writers, so be yourself, be creative, and take your time with the application.

Applications must be received by December 1, 2024, but will be considered in the order they are received.

To apply please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to

Aly Mejia, Office Administrator: aly@ilenviro.org