Development Manager, Signature Events Fundraising

  • Full-time

Company Description

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy.

JDRF’s Illinois Chapter, based in Chicago, is the largest of JDRF’s chapters around the country. The Illinois Chapter has a strong Board of Directors as well as volunteers who are actively engaged and passionate supporters of JDRF.

Job Description

The Development Manager, Signature Events Fundraising is responsible for managing the annual Fund A Cure campaign as part of the Chapter’s One Dream Gala. Fund A Cure is a JDRF-branded fundraising program that raises $3 million each year through direct mail, in-person donor visits/solicitations, volunteer management, and gifts made onsite at the Gala. The One Dream Gala is one of the largest gala events in Chicago – regularly recognized as one of the top three events in Chicago (Bizbash)… raising $5.7 million in 2018 with nearly 2,000 guests, over 1,000 auction items making up 450+ auction packages, 300 night-of-event volunteers, and an exceptional committee of Gala volunteer fundraisers/partners.

The Development Manager, Signature Events Fundraising supports the Sr. Director of Development, Signature Events with the overall strategic direction, management, and expansion of the Fund A Cure program. This individual will manage a personal portfolio of approximately 200-250 donors making gifts ranging from $2,000 to $200,000 and will be part of a six-person team responsible for a collective revenue goal of $5 million. The Development Manager, Signature Events Fundraising will also work closely with other members of the development and leadership team to support the Chapter’s collective revenue goal of $13 million. The candidate will be an individual with a rich development background, who has had progressive and successful development experience in major gifts and capital campaign experience.  

He/she will work with the chapter team to ensure that the fundraising and non-fundraising priorities of JDRF grow through increased corporate, family, volunteer, and other consistent involvement.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Formulate and implement strategies and tactics for Signature Events fundraising and development activities to sustain continued growth through our events, maximum penetration of core market areas, and opportunities for expansion where appropriate.
  • In partnership with the Director, Donor Relations develop an events-focused comprehensive donor relations strategy including identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
  • In partnership with the Development Manager, Communications create campaign materials, solicitation letters, scripts, and stewardship letters for the Gala and other Signature Events.
  • Manage logistics for two donor cultivation events throughout the year.
  • Utilize computer database systems to track and analyze data related to events and donors. Oversee the tracking of Fund A Cure solicitations and challenge matches.
  • Manage and maintain accurate and complete financial records for each event. Work closely with office operations team to manage gala financial records. Ensure that the logistics and budget/timelines are met for each applicable event.
  • Identify, build, and steward relationships with community, civic and corporate leaders as an integral part of volunteer and donor prospect development and engagement in JDRF activities. Establish a network and represent the organization in professional societies/organizations as needed.
  • Collaborate with the National/Regional staff resource team and other JDRF chapters to discuss best practices and share new ideas.
  • Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of JDRF. Understand and serve as a key staff member in implementing the strategic direction and purpose of the Chapter.
  • Ensure the confidentiality and security of proprietary information.
  • Collaborate with chapter staff to ensure the critical growth and success of the chapter.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant fundraising experience/major gift solicitation.
  • Significant experience developing strong, effective partnerships with high-level volunteers and major donors.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; writing various campaign communications, such as print, electronic, verbal/speeches and video appeals.
  • Effective presentation and negotiation skills.
  • Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to actively listen.
  • Team oriented focus with the ability to work independently.
  • Proficiency in MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
  • 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.
  • Development database experience (Salesforce experience desirable).
  • Occasional evening/weekend work required as needed. Ability to travel locally; occasional overnight travel.

 

Additional Information

JDRF International is an Equal Opportunity Employer.