Description
About FamilyForward
At FamilyForward, we believe every family deserves the opportunity to build a stable, thriving future—and that lasting change happens when people are supported, empowered, and connected.
For over two decades, we have walked alongside low-income, working parents in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, helping them overcome barriers and create better lives for their families. Through a powerful combination of rentalassistance, personalized financial coaching, career support, and one-on-one mentoring, wedon’tjust address immediate needs - we help families transform their futures.
When you join FamilyForward, you become part of a mission-driven community dedicated to breaking cycles of instability and creating pathways to opportunity. Together, we are not just supporting families - we are helping them move forward with strength, dignity, and the power to thrive.
Job Summary:
FamilyForward isseekinga strategic, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven Development Director (contract, part-time) to lead and execute our fundraising efforts. This roleis responsible fordesigning and implementing a comprehensive development strategy that grows and sustains revenue across multiple streams.
In this new, individual contributor role, the ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and hands-on executor who is comfortable working independently in a flexible, primarily remote environment while collaborating closely with leadership and partners.
Essential Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with FamilyForward’s mission and priorities
- Build and manage a diversified funding portfolio including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, individual giving campaigns, andspecial events
- Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships to increase giving and retention
Donor Engagement & Communications
- Partner with communications resources to craft compelling donor messaging and campaigns
- Develop donor recognition and stewardship strategies
- Create targeted appeals and materials that inspire giving and deepen engagement
Leadership Collaboration
- Work closely with the Executive Director to align fundraising with organizational priorities
- Collaborate with Executive Director to ensure proper representation at local chamber of commerce meetings and events
- Partner with the Board of Directors to support fundraising efforts, including donor outreach
- Present fundraising strategies, progress, and results to leadership
Data & Performance Management
- Track, monitor, and analyze fundraising performance and donor data
- Evaluate effectiveness of campaigns and initiatives and adjust strategies accordingly
- Maintainaccuratedonor records and reporting systems
Requirements
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- 4-year college degree
- 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience (or comparable)
- Preferred - experience in human services, workforce development, or family-focused nonprofits
- Preferred - demonstratedsuccess in a small or growing organization
- Preferred - proven success securing funding across multiple revenue streams (Individuals, major gifts, corporate, etc.)
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience working with or supporting board of directors in fundraising activities
- Self-directed, highly organized, and able to thrive in a flexible, part-time environment
- Familiarity with donor databases/CRM systems and fundraising analytics, Salesforce preferred
- Well versed in leveraging social media
Work Environment & Expectations:
- This is a hybrid role with the majority or work done remotely on a flexible schedule. In person, work schedules are determined by meetings with the Board and key work partners.
- FamilyForward has offices in Arlington Heights and Palatine.
- Ability to travel locally (throughout Northwest suburbs) for meetings and donor relationship building
- Possess and maintains a valid driver’s license.
- Willing to complete a background check.
FamilyForward is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, age, national origin, sex, religion, pregnancy, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy pertains to all personnel actions including, but not limited to recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, and termination.
