Description

The Strategic Philanthropy Officer is a visionary fundraising leader responsible for cultivating and securing philanthropic investments that advance the mission of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.  This role is designed for a strategic thinker and relationship architect who thrives in building deep, values driven partnerships with high net-worth individuals and families capable of contributing $150,000 or more annually.

Reporting to and collaborating with the Senior Director of Individual Giving, the Strategic Philanthropy Officer will design and execute bespoke engagement strategies, steward complex donor relationships, and collaborate across departments to align donor interests with high-impact initiatives.  The Strategic Philanthropy Officer will work collaboratively across Development to build on the Food Depository’s unique donor culture and ambitious goals to elevate and enhance major giving. This role requires a sophisticated understanding of philanthropic trends, preferably within the Chicago area, campaign strategy, and donor psychology, as well as a proven history of building a portfolio and closing six-and seven-figure gifts.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Manage a tiered portfolio of 50-75 prospects and donors with a focus on qualification and discovery towards gifts of $150,000.
 
Drive the creation of a 12- to 24-month strategic plan for each Strategic Gift donor/prospect that will serve as a foundational communication plan for each donor and be accountable for execution of these plans for effective moves management in alignment with the team’s strategy, goals and vision.
Lead cross-functional work groups to track donor management and movement, provide structure and regular communication to leadership, and collaborate to develop transformational giving opportunities
Plan and implement outreach and cultivation activities, to enhance prospect identification and move solicitation and stewardship processes forward; conduct in-person or virtual visits with prospects and donors.
Have a comprehensive understanding of development and GCFD priorities to support donor work, match the interest of prospects/donor

Recognition and Stewardship

Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Donor Engagement to oversee appropriate recognition opportunities for major donors, which may include special events, targeted print and online publications, or program engagement.
Collaborate with other Individual Giving Team and Development team members on cultivation and stewardship activities as needed.
 

Administrative

Prepare comprehensive and sophisticated documents including but not limited to; briefings for the Senior Director of Individual Giving & Chief Philanthropy Officer and colleagues; gift opportunity presentations, gift proposals, budget forecasts, etc.
Updates donor records in a timely matter with relevant data including contact reports, demographic updates, and other similar types of pertinent information.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Demonstrated Strategic Gifts experience within a large non-profit organization, educational institution or other environment of similar complexity. – 7-10 years of experience in Strategic Gift Fundraising preferred.
Must be comfortable with cold outreach, boldly following leads, and employing creative strategies to develop relationships among high-net worth individuals and foundations
Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit and close six and seven figure gifts
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills to relate to donors, volunteers, and colleagues
Enthusiastic contributor to the Individual Giving team and the broader Food Depository community.
Understanding and commitment to embrace equity, diversity and inclusion in fundraising practices.
Highly organized & detail oriented.
Adaptable and flexible in fast-paced environment, able to multi-task and handle several priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on new projects.
Proficiency in MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
Development database experience.
 

Exposure:

General office environment; limited exposure to warehouse environment.
Hybrid work schedule of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in office required.
Interacts with GCFD staff, Board Members, financial donors, volunteers and general public.
Occasional local travel depending on donor meetings and events; evening and weekend hours are required. (Travel reimbursement provided.)

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Employer-paid life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program
403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
Generous paid time off
Parental leave
On-site gym
$3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
$250 employee referral bonus