The Bloc Chicago
The Bloc is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow our fundraising efforts in alignment with our bold vision for impact. With a goal to raise $2.5 million in the coming year, the Director of Development will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy that builds on our proven success with private foundations and recurring donors, while expanding individual giving, event-based revenue, and earned income streams.
This is a key leadership role that blends strategy, storytelling, relationship-building, and strong fundraising fundamentals to increase The Bloc's visibility, credibility, and financial sustainability. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with The Bloc's mission, programs, and growth objectives. Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, board members, and consultants to achieve ambitious revenue goals. Lead cross-functional efforts to integrate development goals and communications strategies with programmatic initiatives. Work closely with executive, program, and operations teams to align development goals with organizational priorities and impact metrics. Build and refine development systems, processes, and infrastructure to support scalable fundraising operations. Fundraising Execution Steward and expand our base of private foundation and government funders in collaboration with grant writing and government affairs contractors. Oversee tracking and reporting for grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and timely submissions in collaboration with consultants. Build and manage a pipeline for major gifts, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. Plan and execute fundraising events that increase visibility and generate revenue, in collaboration with staff, board, and volunteers. Oversee, create, and execute earned income strategies that align with The Bloc's mission and engage new stakeholders. Oversee and optimize donor stewardship, CRM systems, and reporting processes. Design and implement a moves management strategy to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospects. Communications & Brand Building Craft compelling messaging that communicates The Bloc's impact, vision, and values across platforms. Partner with communications staff or consultants to align fundraising efforts with storytelling and outreach campaigns. Represent The Bloc at external events, donor meetings, and fundraising opportunities. Board and Stakeholder Engagement Support the development of the Associate Board and leverage their network and influence. Engage the Board of Directors and key stakeholders in fundraising activities and strategic planning. Qualifications
Successful and progressive experience in nonprofit development, with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from diverse sources. Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills. Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal abilities. Experience with donor CRM systems and data-informed fundraising practices. Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort building systems and structures from the ground up. Commitment to youth development, racial equity, and community empowerment.
Compensation:
Salary: Starting at $100,000, depending on experience
Benefits: 70-80% Health Insurance Coverage, Flexible time off, up to 4% 401(k) match after the eligibility period
Location: In person work at: The Bloc, 1345 N Karlov Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651. After established, hybrid work could be allowable.
This is a key leadership role that blends strategy, storytelling, relationship-building, and strong fundraising fundamentals to increase The Bloc's visibility, credibility, and financial sustainability. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with The Bloc's mission, programs, and growth objectives. Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, board members, and consultants to achieve ambitious revenue goals. Lead cross-functional efforts to integrate development goals and communications strategies with programmatic initiatives. Work closely with executive, program, and operations teams to align development goals with organizational priorities and impact metrics. Build and refine development systems, processes, and infrastructure to support scalable fundraising operations. Fundraising Execution Steward and expand our base of private foundation and government funders in collaboration with grant writing and government affairs contractors. Oversee tracking and reporting for grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and timely submissions in collaboration with consultants. Build and manage a pipeline for major gifts, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. Plan and execute fundraising events that increase visibility and generate revenue, in collaboration with staff, board, and volunteers. Oversee, create, and execute earned income strategies that align with The Bloc's mission and engage new stakeholders. Oversee and optimize donor stewardship, CRM systems, and reporting processes. Design and implement a moves management strategy to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospects. Communications & Brand Building Craft compelling messaging that communicates The Bloc's impact, vision, and values across platforms. Partner with communications staff or consultants to align fundraising efforts with storytelling and outreach campaigns. Represent The Bloc at external events, donor meetings, and fundraising opportunities. Board and Stakeholder Engagement Support the development of the Associate Board and leverage their network and influence. Engage the Board of Directors and key stakeholders in fundraising activities and strategic planning. Qualifications
Successful and progressive experience in nonprofit development, with a track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from diverse sources. Strong strategic thinking, project management, and leadership skills. Excellent communication, storytelling, and interpersonal abilities. Experience with donor CRM systems and data-informed fundraising practices. Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort building systems and structures from the ground up. Commitment to youth development, racial equity, and community empowerment.
Compensation:
Salary: Starting at $100,000, depending on experience
Benefits: 70-80% Health Insurance Coverage, Flexible time off, up to 4% 401(k) match after the eligibility period
Location: In person work at: The Bloc, 1345 N Karlov Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651. After established, hybrid work could be allowable.