Community Development Director

Job Description

The American Parkinson Disease Association is currently seeking a Development Director to join their growing organization. This is a full time, exempt, hybrid role (a blend of work from home and in-person) and must live in the greater Chicagoland Area , to serve the community and attend meetings and events. The Chapter seeks a Director of Development to lead a diverse portfolio of fundraising efforts, achieve sustainable growth and champion cultivation efforts in the region. The position is a full-time, exempt position which requires some evenings and weekends and includes travel locally, statewide, and regionally to cultivate relationships, engage constituents and attend local events and meetings. The Chapter provides an array of dynamic, community-based programs and services and is well-poised for explosive revenue growth to support mission activities. has relationship-building skills and communications strengths; and possesses ability to multi-task, deliver exceptional customer service, and utilize keen problem solving and judgment skills.
Every day, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) provides the support, education, research and community that helps everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest. APDA is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease, a chronic, neurological disorder, and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million people with Parkinson’s disease in the United States live life to the fullest. The Director of Development (DD) is responsible for leading revenue growth through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate and individual prospects, as well as peer-to-peer events. This position will be responsible for cultivating and securing financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations in support of APDA’s events, activities, and programs, and by raising public awareness to maximize service delivery and revenue generation potential in the community. Willing to ultimately help meet the objectives of American Parkinson Disease Association’s mission.

Spearhead the development and achievement of annual event revenue and expense budgets for all major events and fundraising initiatives, in accordance with annual budget and work plan.
Lead fundraising events including Optimism Walks and other event-based fundraising by handling planning, sponsorship, and logistics, with direct accountability for goals set forth in the annual budget.
Grow third party fundraising events and personal donation campaigns by establishing guidelines, resources and outreach methods and assist donors in implementation.
Develop inspiring and compelling appeals and online fundraising campaigns.
Develop solicitation materials, write proposals, and develop presentations.
Oversee logistics before, day-of, and post-event, ensuring donor and sponsor benefits have been fulfilled with the highest level of customer service, and conducting post-event analysis, evaluations, and recommendations.
Oversee preparation and maintenance of accurate records/data reports to evaluate, manage, and grow revenue.
Maintain the integrity of donor and sponsor data in databases and publications.
Manage and grow the grant writing program, including the identification of potential grantors, developing relationships, completing grant applications, and conducting follow up.
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in business or communications/marketing discipline and/or five years’ experience in corporate development or event/fundraising or equivalent combination of education and experience.
~ 5+ years of prior experience in fundraising and development through events, forming new corporate alliances and partnerships, individual and grant support, preferably in a non-profit setting with a field-based organization.
~ Willingness to travel around the Greater Chicagoland area and work irregular hours including attending evening or weekend meetings or events as necessary to carry out responsibilities.
~ Experience in donor database software and user fluency in fundraising databases, research tools, and web-based platforms such as wealth/foundation search tools, CRM, and online fundraising platforms, such as Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, Safesforce, and Qgiv.

Knowledge of philanthropic community.
Ability to establish performance metrics and indicators to measure success.
comfortable with networking.
Strong computer skills and ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
Proficient in the latest versions of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Highly developed verbal, written, organization and presentation skills, including proofreading and public speaking.
Undertake self-development activities to learn new skills.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, Pension, HSA & FSA spending accounts available; Paid time off in addition to standard holidays

APDA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.
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