Director of Development (Full-time, hybrid)

Position Highlights:

• Full-time, hybrid position
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Compensation: $80K-$90K annually
• Reports to the VP of Development & Operations

Company Overview:

First Tee — Greater Chicago, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in the Chicagoland area by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Founded in 2000, First Tee — Greater Chicago reaches young people through its core program, the Life Skills Experience, as well as outreach to the broader community through its school and community-based programs.

First Tee — Greater Chicago currently has a full-time annual staff of ten (10). During the peak golf season, over 85 part-time coaches become an extension of the team. For more information:

Position Overview:

The Director of Development (DoD) is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for fundraising strategy, donor relations, sponsorship development, and campaign execution. The ideal candidate is proactive, creative, and relationship-driven, with a strong record of fundraising success, exceptional attention to detail, and a deep understanding of Chicago’s philanthropic and golf communities. Reporting to the VP of Development & Operations, the DoD works closely with leadership, the Board of Governors, the Leadership Council, and the Ambassadors Council to expand the organization’s reach and impact. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact while helping shape the next phase of First Tee – Greater Chicago’s growth, including potential new facility development on Chicago’s West Side.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, sponsorships, giving societies, and targeted campaigns.
• Co-manage a donor portfolio of ~1,300, focusing on top donors and sponsors, while cultivating new relationships.
• Develop and oversee foundation and/or corporate proposals, subsequent reporting and donor communications.
• Plan and execute end-of-year giving mailer, including the storytelling, design, and overall execution.

Campaigns & Events

• Co-plan and execute signature fundraising events, including the Corporate Challenge Golf Outing, Fore the Kids, Masters Watch Party, and other opportunistic events.
• Lead digital and peer-to-peer campaigns via GiveSmart and Harness.

Communications & Strategy

• Partner with the Marketing & Communications Manager to align messaging and fundraising materials.
• Partner with the Program team and coaches to gather participant stories and data to demonstrate program impact.

Financials/Fundraising Administration

• Partner with the leadership team to ensure accurate reporting and use of financial statements, revenue tracking, and expense management.
• Navigate stock gifts, ACH transfers, wire payments, and other money movement processes.
• Actively participate in overall budget planning.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Engage and inspire the Board of Governors, the Development Committee, and other fundraising task forces.
• Represent First Tee – Greater Chicago at community, corporate, and donor events.
• At a leadership level, partner with key stakeholders to enhance and elevate First Tee — Greater Chicago’s impact. i.e., First Tee HQ, Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, Chicago Parks Foundation, etc.

Database & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records in Eleo, ensuring timely reporting and segmentation.
• Analyze donor trends and campaign results to guide strategy.

What You Bring to the Role:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• 5+ years of nonprofit development experience, with success in major gifts, sponsorships, and donor engagement.
• Knowledge of Chicago philanthropic networks and the corporate community.
• Proficiency with Eleo, Harness, GiveSmart, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication, storytelling, and organizational skills.
• Passion for youth development and First Tee — Greater Chicago’s mission.
• Understanding of golf culture and the opportunities it presents is beneficial.

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Structure:

This is a full-time, hybrid position with a small, collaborative, mission-driven team. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan; mileage reimbursement; and a monthly cell phone allowance.

Primary Work Location:
The role is primarily office-based, with 2–3 in-office days per week (typically Monday and Wednesday, with occasional Fridays) at Schafer Condon Carter, located at 176 N. Racine Ave., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60607. Remaining workdays are flexible and may be completed from a suitable remote workspace with reliable internet and necessary tools.

Secondary Work Locations:
The position also includes program site visits, approximately 3–5 days per month. These visits will take place at one of the following locations:

• Waveland Youth Facility, 3701 N. Recreation Drive, Suite 2, Chicago, IL 60613
  
  
• Harborside Youth Learning Center, 11001 S. Doty Ave. East, Chicago, IL 60628
  
  

During site visits, you will collaborate with the Program and Coach teams and observe programming in action.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter through the NextGroup website. The NextGroup search team will contact you regarding the next steps.

About NextGroup:

NextGroup is Chicagoland's leading executive search firm and nonprofit talent network connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders who drive impact. We customize talent solutions with our nonprofit partners, recruiting permanent, fractional, and interim professionals across executive leadership, finance, development, and operations.

We have a network of 10,000+ professionals in Chicagoland and beyond. We reject cookie-cutter approaches and instead partner with you to build human capital strategies that match your unique growth and capacity-building needs. NextGroup also provides career coaching and transition services to professionals advancing in the social impact sector.