Ladies of Virtue (LOVChicago)
Senior Development Manager
Ladies of Virtue (LOVChicago), Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Pay Range
Base pay range: $90,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr
Pay will be based on skills and experience.
About LOV Ladies of Virtue is a nationally recognized, award‑winning mentoring and leadership program. Our mission is to instill purpose, passion, and perseverance in girls, ages 9 to 18, while preparing them for college, careers, and to become change agents in their communities.
We match our participants with mentors and prepare them for leadership through our culturally relevant character building, career readiness and civic engagement curriculum. We provide project management, collaboration, and communication training via our two to four‑month project experiences to empower girls to lead in the modern workforce. After graduating from high school, with successful completion of our leadership program, participants are mentored and supported for six additional years as LOV 4 Life alumni.
Position Summary The Senior Development Manager is the CEO’s primary fundraising partner and “second face” of Ladies of Virtue. This role leads a holistic development strategy across individual, corporate, foundation, and event revenue while also being deeply relationship‑focused and visible at meetings, breakfasts, brunches, evening events, and community gatherings.
The Senior Development Manager is a
hands‑on, expert fundraiser
who owns a significant contributed revenue goal, manages a diversified donor and partner portfolio, and builds the systems that keep revenue growing year over year.
The Senior Development Manager will:
Build and own the annual fundraising plan and contributed revenue budget in partnership with the CEO.
Manage and grow a diversified pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation donors/partners, with clear moves management and forecasting.
Hire and supervise a fractional Development Associate/Coordinator to support data, stewardship, and campaign execution.
Ensure that Network for Good (or similar CRM) and related systems are accurate, effective, and donor‑centered.
Partner with our marketing consultants and social media team to move people from brand awareness (e.g., “This Black Girl” campaign, LOV Day, Decision Day) into deeper engagement and giving.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced fundraiser (5–8+ years) who is ready to step into a senior role, shape a growing department, and help take Ladies of Virtue to its next level of impact.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and continuously refine an annual fundraising plan and contributed revenue budget that aligns with Ladies of Virtue’s strategic plan and growth goals.
Map a three‑year vision for contributed revenue, including goals for individuals, foundations, corporations, and events/special campaigns.
Create and monitor development metrics (e.g., donor retention and upgrade rates, LYBNT/SYBNT re‑engagement, monthly giving growth, event ROI, email conversion, number of meaningful donor contacts) and provide regular updates to the CEO and Board.
Maintain a clear moves management system so that prospects move through defined stages (identify → cultivate → solicit → steward).
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO on fundraising priorities, pacing, and sustainability, helping to prevent burnout and overextension of staff.
Individual Giving & Major Donors
Manage and grow a portfolio of mid‑level and major donors, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Co‑create customized strategies with the CEO for top prospects and donors; accompany or represent the CEO at donor meetings, small gatherings, community events, breakfasts, brunches, and evening galas (typically 1–2 evenings/early mornings per week).
Design and execute individual giving campaigns, including:
Year‑end giving and seasonal appeals
Special campaigns (e.g., funding a van or specific program needs)
Growth of a monthly/recurring giving program
Work with the Development Associate/Coordinator to ensure timely thank‑you calls, notes, emails, and impact updates for donors at all levels.
Develop clear upgrade and retention strategies for existing donors.
Institutional Giving (Foundations & Corporations)
Provide strategic oversight and leadership of foundation and corporate giving.
Maintain and monitor a corporate calendar capturing proposal deadlines, impact reports, site visits, stewardship touchpoints, and renewal dates.
Collaborate with grant writers to ensure proposals and reports:
Reflect accurate data and impact
Are aligned with LOV’s voice, values, and strategic priorities
Support multi‑year and/or increased funding when appropriate
Identify and prioritize new institutional funding opportunities (corporate and foundation) that align with Ladies of Virtue’s mission, growth plans, and geographic focus.
Participate in (and sometimes lead) external meetings, site visits, and presentations with institutional funders.
Campaigns, Events & Stewardship
Lead fundraising strategy and revenue goals for key annual campaigns and events, such as:
LOV Day
Signature events and galas
Special project campaigns
Collaborate with event teams, staff, and vendors on guest lists, sponsorships, program design, and donor recognition with a focus on conversion of attendees into ongoing donors.
Ensure post‑event follow‑up, segmentation, and cultivation plans are executed so that events deepen long‑term relationships, not just one‑time gifts.
Data, Systems & CRM (Network for Good)
Serve as the owner of development data and systems, ensuring that Network for Good (or successor CRM) is accurate, up‑to‑date, and effectively used as a strategic tool.
Establish clear data standards, workflows, and dashboards that track important KPIs and pipeline health.
Supervise the Development Associate/Coordinator (once hired) to ensure:
All gifts are entered and acknowledged promptly
Dashboards and donor records are maintained and regularly cleaned
Impact data, photos, and stories are gathered for reports, newsletters, and campaigns
Monthly e‑newsletters and other recurring donor communications are sent consistently.
Marketing & Communications Partnership
Partner with LOV’s marketing consultant and social media manager to translate strong brand awareness into fundraising results.
Help shape a communications and campaign calendar that aligns awareness activities (e.g., “This Black Girl” storytelling, Decision Day highlights, alumnae spotlights) with clear fundraising pathways and calls to action.
Collaborate on content for fundraising‑focused emails, web pages, impact stories, and social posts, ensuring messages are compelling, consistent, and rooted in the voices and experiences of our girls and alumnae.
Team Management & Internal Collaboration
Directly supervise and support:
Two Grant writers (contracted)
Fractional Development Associate/Coordinator focused on data, acknowledgments, impact reports, and campaign support
Foster a culture of communication and partnership with the CEO, program team, and operations staff so that fundraising strategies reflect real‑time program needs and impact.
Partner with the CEO to engage the Board of Directors in fundraising, supporting them as ambassadors, donors, and connectors within their networks.
Qualifications Required
5–8+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success in individual giving and major gifts, including cultivating and soliciting gifts at the four‑ and five‑figure levels (and above).
Experience developing and managing an annual fundraising plan and revenue goals, including setting and tracking metrics.
Strong understanding of fundraising fundamentals and terminology (e.g., donor pipelines, LYBNT/SYBNT, moves management, stewardship, institutional funding, events as pipeline).
Comfort being a public‑facing representative of the organization, including attending and sometimes leading early‑morning, evening, and weekend donor‑facing events (with appropriate schedule flexibility).
Proficiency with fundraising CRMs (Network for Good or similar) and the ability to use data and reporting to inform strategy and decision‑making.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing donor communications, grant‑related content, and making in‑person solicitation asks.
Strong project management and organizational skills; able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑moving environment.
Deep alignment with Ladies of Virtue’s mission and a demonstrated commitment to the leadership of Black girls and young women.
Preferred
Experience supervising staff and/or contractors (e.g., grant writers, associates, consultants).
Familiarity with email marketing tools (Constant Contact, Mailchimp) and working with marketing partners on campaigns.
Knowledge of youth development, education, or gender equity sectors.
Experience with the Chicago fundraising landscape and donor community.
Location:
Chicago, IL, with a hybrid structure that includes regular in‑person meetings, events, and community engagements.
Schedule:
Standard business hours, with flexibility for evening and weekend events and donor meetings, especially during peak fundraising seasons.
Time Off & Benefits:
Competitive benefits package, including a year‑end office closure.
Team:
The Development team currently consists of: CEO, Fractional Grant writers (2), Fractional Executive Affairs Manager, Marketing consultant, Social Media & Brand Content Manager.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology, Education Management
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Pay will be based on skills and experience.
About LOV Ladies of Virtue is a nationally recognized, award‑winning mentoring and leadership program. Our mission is to instill purpose, passion, and perseverance in girls, ages 9 to 18, while preparing them for college, careers, and to become change agents in their communities.
We match our participants with mentors and prepare them for leadership through our culturally relevant character building, career readiness and civic engagement curriculum. We provide project management, collaboration, and communication training via our two to four‑month project experiences to empower girls to lead in the modern workforce. After graduating from high school, with successful completion of our leadership program, participants are mentored and supported for six additional years as LOV 4 Life alumni.
Position Summary The Senior Development Manager is the CEO’s primary fundraising partner and “second face” of Ladies of Virtue. This role leads a holistic development strategy across individual, corporate, foundation, and event revenue while also being deeply relationship‑focused and visible at meetings, breakfasts, brunches, evening events, and community gatherings.
The Senior Development Manager is a
hands‑on, expert fundraiser
who owns a significant contributed revenue goal, manages a diversified donor and partner portfolio, and builds the systems that keep revenue growing year over year.
The Senior Development Manager will:
Build and own the annual fundraising plan and contributed revenue budget in partnership with the CEO.
Manage and grow a diversified pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation donors/partners, with clear moves management and forecasting.
Hire and supervise a fractional Development Associate/Coordinator to support data, stewardship, and campaign execution.
Ensure that Network for Good (or similar CRM) and related systems are accurate, effective, and donor‑centered.
Partner with our marketing consultants and social media team to move people from brand awareness (e.g., “This Black Girl” campaign, LOV Day, Decision Day) into deeper engagement and giving.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced fundraiser (5–8+ years) who is ready to step into a senior role, shape a growing department, and help take Ladies of Virtue to its next level of impact.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and continuously refine an annual fundraising plan and contributed revenue budget that aligns with Ladies of Virtue’s strategic plan and growth goals.
Map a three‑year vision for contributed revenue, including goals for individuals, foundations, corporations, and events/special campaigns.
Create and monitor development metrics (e.g., donor retention and upgrade rates, LYBNT/SYBNT re‑engagement, monthly giving growth, event ROI, email conversion, number of meaningful donor contacts) and provide regular updates to the CEO and Board.
Maintain a clear moves management system so that prospects move through defined stages (identify → cultivate → solicit → steward).
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO on fundraising priorities, pacing, and sustainability, helping to prevent burnout and overextension of staff.
Individual Giving & Major Donors
Manage and grow a portfolio of mid‑level and major donors, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Co‑create customized strategies with the CEO for top prospects and donors; accompany or represent the CEO at donor meetings, small gatherings, community events, breakfasts, brunches, and evening galas (typically 1–2 evenings/early mornings per week).
Design and execute individual giving campaigns, including:
Year‑end giving and seasonal appeals
Special campaigns (e.g., funding a van or specific program needs)
Growth of a monthly/recurring giving program
Work with the Development Associate/Coordinator to ensure timely thank‑you calls, notes, emails, and impact updates for donors at all levels.
Develop clear upgrade and retention strategies for existing donors.
Institutional Giving (Foundations & Corporations)
Provide strategic oversight and leadership of foundation and corporate giving.
Maintain and monitor a corporate calendar capturing proposal deadlines, impact reports, site visits, stewardship touchpoints, and renewal dates.
Collaborate with grant writers to ensure proposals and reports:
Reflect accurate data and impact
Are aligned with LOV’s voice, values, and strategic priorities
Support multi‑year and/or increased funding when appropriate
Identify and prioritize new institutional funding opportunities (corporate and foundation) that align with Ladies of Virtue’s mission, growth plans, and geographic focus.
Participate in (and sometimes lead) external meetings, site visits, and presentations with institutional funders.
Campaigns, Events & Stewardship
Lead fundraising strategy and revenue goals for key annual campaigns and events, such as:
LOV Day
Signature events and galas
Special project campaigns
Collaborate with event teams, staff, and vendors on guest lists, sponsorships, program design, and donor recognition with a focus on conversion of attendees into ongoing donors.
Ensure post‑event follow‑up, segmentation, and cultivation plans are executed so that events deepen long‑term relationships, not just one‑time gifts.
Data, Systems & CRM (Network for Good)
Serve as the owner of development data and systems, ensuring that Network for Good (or successor CRM) is accurate, up‑to‑date, and effectively used as a strategic tool.
Establish clear data standards, workflows, and dashboards that track important KPIs and pipeline health.
Supervise the Development Associate/Coordinator (once hired) to ensure:
All gifts are entered and acknowledged promptly
Dashboards and donor records are maintained and regularly cleaned
Impact data, photos, and stories are gathered for reports, newsletters, and campaigns
Monthly e‑newsletters and other recurring donor communications are sent consistently.
Marketing & Communications Partnership
Partner with LOV’s marketing consultant and social media manager to translate strong brand awareness into fundraising results.
Help shape a communications and campaign calendar that aligns awareness activities (e.g., “This Black Girl” storytelling, Decision Day highlights, alumnae spotlights) with clear fundraising pathways and calls to action.
Collaborate on content for fundraising‑focused emails, web pages, impact stories, and social posts, ensuring messages are compelling, consistent, and rooted in the voices and experiences of our girls and alumnae.
Team Management & Internal Collaboration
Directly supervise and support:
Two Grant writers (contracted)
Fractional Development Associate/Coordinator focused on data, acknowledgments, impact reports, and campaign support
Foster a culture of communication and partnership with the CEO, program team, and operations staff so that fundraising strategies reflect real‑time program needs and impact.
Partner with the CEO to engage the Board of Directors in fundraising, supporting them as ambassadors, donors, and connectors within their networks.
Qualifications Required
5–8+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success in individual giving and major gifts, including cultivating and soliciting gifts at the four‑ and five‑figure levels (and above).
Experience developing and managing an annual fundraising plan and revenue goals, including setting and tracking metrics.
Strong understanding of fundraising fundamentals and terminology (e.g., donor pipelines, LYBNT/SYBNT, moves management, stewardship, institutional funding, events as pipeline).
Comfort being a public‑facing representative of the organization, including attending and sometimes leading early‑morning, evening, and weekend donor‑facing events (with appropriate schedule flexibility).
Proficiency with fundraising CRMs (Network for Good or similar) and the ability to use data and reporting to inform strategy and decision‑making.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing donor communications, grant‑related content, and making in‑person solicitation asks.
Strong project management and organizational skills; able to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑moving environment.
Deep alignment with Ladies of Virtue’s mission and a demonstrated commitment to the leadership of Black girls and young women.
Preferred
Experience supervising staff and/or contractors (e.g., grant writers, associates, consultants).
Familiarity with email marketing tools (Constant Contact, Mailchimp) and working with marketing partners on campaigns.
Knowledge of youth development, education, or gender equity sectors.
Experience with the Chicago fundraising landscape and donor community.
Location:
Chicago, IL, with a hybrid structure that includes regular in‑person meetings, events, and community engagements.
Schedule:
Standard business hours, with flexibility for evening and weekend events and donor meetings, especially during peak fundraising seasons.
Time Off & Benefits:
Competitive benefits package, including a year‑end office closure.
Team:
The Development team currently consists of: CEO, Fractional Grant writers (2), Fractional Executive Affairs Manager, Marketing consultant, Social Media & Brand Content Manager.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology, Education Management
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