Overview
Director of Grant Development Jobs in Greater Chicago Area at GRO Community
Title: Director of Grant Development
Company: GRO Community
Location: Greater Chicago Area
Job Title: Director of Grant Development
Location: Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer | Direct Reports: none, subject to change in future
About Us:
God Restoring Order (GRO) Community is a mental healthcare provider that specializes in trauma recovery services for males of color ages 5 and up. GRO services are grounded in an understanding of the neurological, biological and psychological effects of trauma. GRO services include mental health and wellness, stress management, and community outreach.
Position Summary:
The Director of Development is responsible for creating, leading, and executing a
comprehensive development strategy that advances the organization’s financial sustainability
and mission. This role will focus on donor cultivation, grant acquisition, strategic fundraising
campaigns, and stewardship of supporters. Reporting to the CEO, the Director will
collaborate closely with leadership and key program staff to build a robust philanthropic culture
across all entities.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans to meet organizational
- revenue goals
- Lead all aspects of individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation
- support, and planned giving
- Manage donor segmentation, outreach, and cultivation efforts
- Donor Engagement & Stewardship
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with current and prospective donors, including
- high-net-worth individuals
- Oversee donor acknowledgment processes and ensure meaningful stewardship
- activities
- Coordinate donor events, briefings, and recognition efforts
- Build an individual donor relations base
Grant Management
- Identify new funding opportunities from foundations, government, and corporate entities
- Lead or support the writing and submission of grant proposals and reports
- Research and identify federal, state, local, and foundation grant opportunities aligned
- with organizational programs and initiatives.
- Prepare, draft, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and
- supporting narratives.
- Collaborate with leadership and program teams to gather data, budgets, outcomes, and
- program information needed for submissions.
- Maintain a grants calendar to track application deadlines, reporting requirements, and
- renewal opportunities.
- Assist with post-award reporting and ensure compliance with grant deliverables and
- timelines.
- Monitor funding trends, legislative updates, and community investment opportunities
- relevant to behavioral health, youth services, housing, outreach, and community
- programming.
Campaign & Event Leadership
- Plan and execute capital campaigns, annual appeals, and fundraising events
- Collaborate with marketing for campaign messaging and materials
- Data, Reporting, and Systems Oversight
- Maintain accurate records
- Generate regular development performance reports for internal and external
- stakeholders
Team Collaboration
- Partner with the CEO and leadership team to align fundraising goals with
- organizational priorities
- Work closely with marketing team to enhance donor engagement
- Supervise development team members and contractors, if applicable
Competencies:
- Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across
- individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
- Skilled in cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, and
- stakeholders.
- Strong grant writing, reporting, and compliance management experience.
- Exceptional written and verbal skills with the ability to present compelling cases for support.
- Proficient in CRM/database management and using metrics to inform decisions and forecast revenue.
- Effective team leader and collaborator, with experience supervising staff and cross-functional coordination.
- Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple campaigns and events.
- Financial Awareness, understanding of development budgets, donor ROI, and alignment with financial goals.
- Passionate about advancing the organization’s mission through ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.
Work Setting:
- Hybrid Schedule/40 hours per week
- 10% travel
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive development experience in the nonprofit sector
- Proven success in securing major grants and building donor pipelines
- Strong grant writing and campaign management skills
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of grant data analysis
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute hands-on initiatives
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A supportive and dynamic work environment committed to social impact.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth.
How to Apply:
At GRO Community, we believe in healing through empowerment and innovation. Our work centers on serving individuals and families with compassion and integrity. Join our team to make a meaningful impact while building your professional skills in a supportive and mission-driven environment.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience to [email protected].
