Director of development

Institute for Therapy through the Arts
Evanston, IL

The Director of Development works in close collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Board of Directors, and Development Committee to lead and strengthen the organization’s fundraising strategy and external partnerships. This leadership role is responsible for cultivating and managing relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations, while also overseeing all grant-related activities in coordination with our grant writer.

In this role, the Director will design and implement comprehensive annual fundraising campaigns through both mail and digital platforms, with a focus on expanding individual giving and corporate sponsorships. A key priority will be to foster a culture of philanthropy that is embraced across the organization, ensuring strong and consistent donor stewardship. The Director will serve as the primary point of contact for all fundraising and outreach efforts, managing donor engagement and recognition activities such as events, meetings, and special programs. Additionally, this individual will act as a brand ambassador, strengthening the organization’s visibility and reputation within the community and among funding partners.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a deep passion for the organization’s mission, with the ability to inspire generosity and secure lasting support.

Role & Responsibilities

The Director of Development will oversee al fundraising activities of the organization and will be expected to perform the following duties:

  • Collaborate on the strategic direction of all campaigns, individual, and corporate initiatives related to the annual fundraising strategy to maintain the fiscal health of contributed revenue for the organization.
  • Work closely with the CEO to establish long-term fundraising goals with strategic plan and objectives for each contribution category.
  • Serve as the primary contact for charitable foundations and corporate sponsors as well as a portfolio of individual donors.
  • Maintain clear lines of communication with staff, volunteers, and board members.
  • Structure and oversee a timely and relevant gift acknowledgement program.
  • Oversee ITA's grant writing and provide necessary information to grant writer.
  • Secure contributions, meeting or exceeding annual goals set by the Board of Directors in the annual fundraising strategy.
  • Support expanding the Board of Directors by actively recruiting.
  • Collect, organize, and maintain a complete and accurate database record of donors and funding sources.
  • Work with Marketing Manager to create marketing materials and plan events to generate contributions.
  • Assume other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business or equivalent
  • Minimum of 5 years nonprofit experience in a direct fundraising and/or development role with proven success.

Competencies & Preferred Skills

  • Ability and confidence to interact with varied constituencies including Board Members and volunteers.
  • Exceptional personal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong leadership skills.
  • Energetic, team-oriented, and results-oriented personality.
  • Solid organizational, time management and project management skills required
  • Creative and flexible thinker.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and high level of comfort with CRM (Salesforce) database.
  • Marketing capabilities, especially in social media.
  • Interest and or experience in Creative Arts and/or Creative Arts Therapy a major bonus.

Expected Salary Range: $90,000-$95,000

Working Conditions (Travel, weekend or evening hours, off-site work)

  • Frequent travel to off-site meetings. There will be an expectation of working weekends and evenings on occasion for events or special programs.
  • Prolonged sitting and regular and consistent use of computer keyboard and mouse will be necessary in order to complete administrative work.

Please submit a resume & cover letter to [email protected].

Posted 2025-10-06

Recommended Jobs

Accountant

One Family Illinois
Chicago, IL

Full-time Description   Why One Family Illinois? At One Family Illinois (Formerly SOS Children's Villages Illinois) we are committed to keeping brothers and sisters in foster care tog…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-14

Second Shift Logistics Coordinator

LaSalle Network
Chicago, IL

LaSalle Network is partnering with a global logistics powerhouse in search of a Second Shift Logistics Coordinator to join their downtown Chicago office. With over 150 locations worldwide and billion…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-21

Project manager

Actalent
Chicago, IL

Lensa is a career site that helps job seekers find great jobs in the US. We are not a staffing firm or agency. Lensa does not hire directly for these jobs, but promotes jobs on LinkedIn on behalf of …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-06

Manager hr people

Kraft Heinz Company
Chicago, IL

All Posting Locations: Chicago, IL, US Job Functions: HR Date Published: July 9, 2025 Ref#: R-94466 ABOUT THE ROLE Job Description Here at Kraft Heinz, we grow our people …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-06

Manager project manager - community and investment market engagement

Capital One
Chicago, IL

Capital One, a Fortune 500 company and one of the nation’s top 10 banks, offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients. Our goal is …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-06

Au Pair

GreatAuPair LLC
Grayslake, IL

Get hired for Samantha's aupair Job in Grayslake, IL. IL family looking for next au pair. Find aupair care work in Grayslake.

View Details
Posted 2025-09-30

Insurance Sales Agent-Work from Home

GIA Legacy Planning
La Grange, IL

Insurance Sales Agent Location: [Remote Position/Work from Home]  Job Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time] Compensation: [Uncapped Commission-Based] We are actively seeking dynamic and results-…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-29

Senior human resources partner - engineering

CN
Homewood, IL

Hiring Salary Range : $ 143,000.00 - 150,000.00 This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an a…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-06

Customer Service Representative - UniFirst

UniFirst
Melrose Park, IL

UniFirst is seeking a dedicated Customer Service Representative to join our team. You will be a key player in delivering outstanding customer service as a liaison between customers and …

View Details
Posted 2025-09-30

Outside Sales CSR

Green Acres Lawn Care
Belvidere, IL

Green Acres Lawn Care is a fast growing lawn care, enhancement, and pest control company serving Belvidere, Rockford, and the surrounding area. We have been in business for 20 years, serving over 3000…

View Details
Posted 2025-08-28