Director of Strategic Giving

Chicago, ILHybrid - 3 days onsite

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Position OverviewJoin a purpose-driven team working to end hunger and tackle its root causes through community partnerships, advocacy, and direct food distribution. Every role contributes to a powerful mission that helps provide millions of meals annually to individuals and families in need. Be part of a movement creating lasting change by increasing access to nutritious food and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.As the Director of Strategic Giving, you will lead the organization’s strategic giving program, overseeing donor engagement strategy, portfolio management, and team leadership to drive meaningful philanthropic growth and long-term impact. You will manage and support a team of Relationship Managers, guide data-informed fundraising strategies and donor journeys, and partner closely with the Senior Director of Individual Giving to translate insights into clear priorities, measurable outcomes, and strong donor relationships. In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening portfolio effectiveness, advancing institutional priorities, and ensuring the Individual Giving program delivers sustained and mission-aligned results.
ResponsibilitiesManage a portfolio of major donors and prospects contributing $25,000 and above, guiding complex donor relationships and engagement strategiesPartner with the Senior Director of Individual Giving and Relationship Managers to develop donor strategies aligned with organizational priorities and fundraising goalsProvide strategic direction on donor movement, portfolio prioritization, and relationship management to maximize philanthropic impactCollaborate with executive leadership, including the Chief Philanthropy Officer and Chief Executive Officer, to advance key donor relationshipsAnalyze fundraising data, pipelines, forecasting, and portfolio performance to identify trends and deliver actionable insights that support strategic decision-makingPrepare high-quality reports, presentations, and data-driven narratives for executive leadership and key stakeholdersLead and mentor a team of four Relationship Managers, providing coaching, accountability, and strategic guidance to support strong performance and donor-centered practicesPartner with the Senior Manager, Donor Engagement to create and execute meaningful cultivation and stewardship strategies that deepen donor engagement and drive long-term supportDevelop multi-year fundraising strategies that strengthen donor relationships, increase mission support, and deliver measurable outcomesFoster a collaborative, results-oriented culture with a strong focus on strategic thinking, continuous improvement, and meaningful impact
Qualifications10+ years of major gifts fundraising experience within a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or similarly complex environmentProven success managing major donor portfolios with gifts and prospects at the $25,000+ levelStrong expertise in fundraising analytics, forecasting, pipeline management, and data-driven strategy developmentDemonstrated leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop fundraising professionalsExperience preparing executive-level reports and translating complex data into clear strategic insights and recommendationsExcellent strategic thinking, analytical, written, and verbal communication skillsStrong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, and colleagues effectivelyCollaborative and enthusiastic team contributor with a commitment to supporting organizational mission and fundraising xzbcwsv successCommitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the ability to incorporate inclusive practices into donor engagement and fundraising strategiesHighly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentSelf-motivated with demonstrated initiative and a willingness to lead or support new projects and ideasProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, along with experience using donor databases and fundraising systems.Willingness to travel locally as needed for donor meetings and events, including occasional evening and weekend commitmentsCore competencies include donor-centered fundraising, strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, executive communication, and collaborative leadership
CompensationSalary: $130,000Health, dental, and vision insurance coverageEmployer-paid life and disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program403(b) retirement plan with employer contributionGenerous paid time offParental leaveOn-site gym$3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program$250 employee referral bonus