Director of Development

About MPC

Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone. Our vision is focused on creating a Chicago region where every community is valued, every person has a voice, and every neighborhood thrives. Since 1934, MPC has operated as an independent, nonpartisan organization serving metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving.

MPC is a values-driven workplace, and we are seeking to expand our team. Successful team members are curious and collaborative with strong communication and project management skills who recognize the connections between our core areas of work and seek to affect meaningful change. Central to living our values is embracing MPC’s organizational commitment to an anti-racist, anti-oppressive workplace and centering equity in strengthening our internal policies and practices.

Position Summary:

The Development Director will primarily focus on meeting MPC’s financial goals, forecasting future revenue, and building relationships with donors/funders. The candidate will come to MPC with established relationships with foundations, corporations, and experience with government grants. The candidate will lead prospect research and identify new revenue streams. To strengthen and attract new donors/funders, the Director of Development will implement and manage the organization’s moves management program to connect with new major donors and reconnect lapsed donors. The person in this position will also develop and produce special events to build and strengthen relationships with donors and prospects and to position MPC as a leader. The Director of Development will work closely with the program teams to identify and manage funding opportunities. The person in this role will also work together with the Marketing and Communications team to raise awareness and support through various communications channels and events.

Responsibilities:

Partner with the VP of Philanthropy and Communications to design and execute a strategic fundraising program to meet annual revenue goals and set the organization up for long-term sustainability.

Through prospect research, expand the pipeline of viable foundation, corporate and individual donors.

Develop and lead major gift fundraising strategies that will grow annual revenue from foundations, corporations, and individuals.

Manage the development and maintenance of a moves management program to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, prospects, and lapsed donors utilizing Board development strategies.

Develop individual portfolios and implement new engagement strategies aimed at improving portfolio relationships, especially with individual Board members.

Lead the Development team and partner with the program teams to develop and produce special events to attract, build and strengthen relationships with corporations, executive leaders, funders, and prospective major donors to generate revenue, increase support and to position MPC as a leader.

Work with Development team to create new Executive Advisor program engagement strategies.

Target corporate professional networks with funding proposals to satisfy corporate responsibility and ESG goals as a unique point of entry for new prospects.

Partner with the Marketing and Communications team to plan and execute annual fundraising events, including Annual Event, to generate revenue, raise awareness, build relationships, and convert attendees into donors.

Plan and manage direct mail and multiple email appeal campaigns per year including EOY Campaigns.

Supervise, evaluate, direct, and guide the performance of the Donor Relations Manager, Grants Manager, and the Development Assistant.

Qualifications:

·         Must embrace the mission and vision of MPC.

·         5+ years of development experience

·         Bachelor’s degree in a related field

·         Demonstrated experience developing fundraising strategies and building relationships with foundation, corporate and individual donors.

·         Experience managing a team of Development professionals.

·         Experience with Raisers Edge and/or other donor database management system

·         Demonstrated experience leading special events.

·         Ability to effectively interact with a variety of audiences, including civic, community, media, philanthropic, corporate, and government officials.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products

·         Excellent verbal and written communication

·         Effective presentation skills

·         Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, able to manage and deliver on multiple assignments under tight deadlines.