Description

Director of Development

The role is national and ideally located in Chicago or St. Louis (national office location) but will be considered anywhere in the US for the right candidate.

About AAIR

Everyday 10+ Americans unnecessarily die from an asthma exacerbation. Countless more die from anaphylaxis each year. As a national 501(c)(3), we are changing that. We are also saving healthcare expenses for governments, payors and individuals alike, as we do so.

Our Mission is to make sure every child is Rescued at school, Healthy at home, and Connected to care.

Our intention is to change systems. Forever.

About The Position:

We’re seeking a positive thinking, solution and team-oriented Development Director who shares our passion for children’s health and equitable access to care as well as systems change through sound economic program value. This person will work across the country to drive impact and revenue. Six years ago, our annual revenue was $565,000. In 2026, we have a goal of over $5MM. By 2031, we strive for annual revenue of over $20MM and more importantly the related impact.

The Development Director supports all aspects of this vision through fundraising and donor engagement. Reporting to the CEO, this role is responsible for implementing development strategies, cultivating relationships with donors and partners (both individual and corporate), managing the grants pipeline, coordinating events, and ensuring exceptional stewardship of supporters. The Development Director works closely with leadership and the board to strengthen AAIR’s financial sustainability andcom munity presence.

If you are seeking the typical nonprofit role, this is not it.  If you are seeking to be part of a fast-growing, dynamic team, looking to grow impact ten-fold in the next three years, you have found your opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

      Fundraising & Donor Development across all revenue streams

      Implement the organization’s annual fundraising plan with measurable goals and timelines.

      Cultivate and steward individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.

      Manage the donor database (currently Bloomerang) to ensure timely acknowledgment, tracking, and reporting.

      Support strategies for major gifts, planned giving, and recurring donations.

      Cultivate and build corporate support both locally and nationally. This includes current corporate supporters as well as new prospects.

      Build a national, third party funding platform to include in store activation and high-profile public presence

      Build national development systems and a team at the appropriate pace

Grants & Foundations

      Oversee and maximize both regional and national grant proposals that align with AAIR’s mission.

      Track and evaluate outcomes to demonstrate program impact and strengthen

      relationships with foundations.

      Meet or exceed grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and funder communications expectations.

Events & Campaigns

      Plan and coordinate key fundraising events such as 50/50 campaigns, Trivia Night, Night at the Ballpark, the NYC 5 Boros Bike Ride and other activities.

      Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and committees to meet event goals and enhance donor engagement.

      Contribute to campaign messaging, appeals, and storytelling in partnership with the team and Board

      Work with the CEO and Admin staff to prepare development reports and materials for board meetings.

      Assist in engaging board members in fundraising activities and donor outreach.

      Provide administrative and strategic support for leadership-led fundraising initiatives.

Communications & Stewardship

      Manage donor recognition and stewardship processes.

      Draft donor communications, impact stories, and annual appeal letters.

      Share AAIR’s mission and success stories in ways that inspire giving and

      strengthen community trust.

Requirements

Key Personal Attributes – Please apply if exhibiting these traits excites you

- Fearless in tackling challenges and pursuing bold goals.

- Collaborative—values teamwork, consensus-building, and shared success.

- Creative & Curious—seeks continuous improvement and innovative solutions.

- Driven—results-oriented, self-motivated, and passionate about our mission.

- Methodical—organized, detail-focused, and able to move ideas into action.

- Reliable—able to deliver high-quality work consistently and on time.

- Trusted—respected by diverse stakeholders and community partners.

- Positive—brings optimism and energy to the team.

- Lifelong learner—open to new ideas and professional growth.

Basic Qualifications

      Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related field.

      Ideally five (5) or more years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with proven skills in individual, corporate, government and foundation fund development

      Strong written and verbal communication skills.

      Experience managing events, campaigns, and donor databases 

      Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

      Collaborative team player with initiative, creativity, and a passion for AAIR’s mission.

      The deepest desire to win as a team

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 90K- 110K, plus a potential performance bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Flexible, supportive work environment (hybrid/remote options available)

And Purpose.

Please email resume and well thought out cover letter of no more than one page to jcaward@weareaair.org.