Youth Services is at an exceptional moment in the organization’s history as the premier place to turn for mental health services for children and adolescents in Chicago’s northern suburbs. With a rise in mental health needs, the demand for mental health support for children and adolescents continues to increase exponentially. Youth Services has experienced significant growth over the past five years and is supported by strong fundraising, donor engagement and stewardship, and community outreach. The agency is a financially stable and viable organization and searching for a Development Director to capitalize on its trusted and respected work in local communities.

If you are interested in applying for the following role, please contact Ross Wolfson at [email protected].

Development Director (full-time, hybrid)

The Director of Development leads the Youth Services development team, responsible for supporting the agency’s $3 million annual budget. Fundraising efforts include individual, corporate, foundation, and local government donors, as well as funds raised through signature special events and community fundraising events. Working closely with volunteer and staff leadership, this role will establish an updated development strategy for the agency in line with a recently created strategic plan. The Development Director will focus on robust pipeline development of current donors and expansion of the donor base. Acting as a strategic partner to the Executive Director, the Development Director will drive the fundraising and communication vision for the agency while fostering a spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and success.

Overall Responsibilities

  • Support the mission of Youth Services
  • Lead development team to achieve fundraising goals
  • Partner with other staff directors to serve on the agency’s senior leadership team
  • Represent the agency within the community

Qualifications

  • Proven track record of cultivating, securing, and stewarding five- and six-figure major gifts
  • Demonstrated capabilities in creating and directing development programs and strategies
  • Strong knowledge of individual fundraising techniques, events, development administration, and board development
  • Strong management skills with high attention to detail on multiple initiatives and ability to balance competing demands effectively
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to present ideas clearly with an overall vision for organization’s messaging
  • Self-starter with a proactive approach to fundraising and a supportive, thoughtful leadership style
  • Creative and resourceful problem-solver with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across other functions within the organization
  • Team-centered focus with the ability to lead various efforts efficiently with limited resources
  • High level of critical thinking skills
  • Deep understanding of stewardship with an ability to listen and read people

General

  • Willingness to perform other duties as assigned
  • Must be able to lift 20 pounds and extended periods of time standing

Education

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or CFRE preferred

Experience

  • Minimum 10 years of experience in fundraising with a focus on individual giving, donor cultivation and stewardship, and major gifts
  • Fundraising experience and knowledge of the local market strongly preferred
  • Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge preferred

Requirements

  • Expected working hours for this full-time hybrid position is generally Monday through Friday (9:00-5:00), however requires occasional extended hours, including evenings and weekends to accommodate important meetings, events, and fundraising efforts.

Salary Range

  • $80,000-$120,000 (dependent on qualifications and experience)

Youth Services Value Statement

Youth Services is guided by four core values: trust, safety, connection, and compassion. These values reflect who we are and what we expect from each other. Our values are both the boundaries of our space as well as a compass that helps guide us forward as we move toward our mission.

Youth Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.