When PAWS Chicago (PAWS) embarked on its journey in 1997, a promise was made to Chicago's homeless pets: PAWS would tirelessly strive to bring an end to the unnecessary killing of tens of thousands of helpless cats and dogs each year.

Since the first event outside the storefronts of Michigan Avenue, PAWS has relied on innovation and business practices to develop and scale their programs—like opening the city's first high-volume spay/neuter clinic in 2000 and the Lincoln Park Adoption Center and the first cageless No Kill shelter in the Midwest in 2007—to raise awareness of their No Kill mission, address the underlying cause of overpopulation, and find loving families for homeless pets. The recently expanded, state-of-the-art Medical Center is the essential next step in the PAWS No Kill mission to save all treatable pets. Tripled in size after a multi-year construction project, PAWS can now treat thousands of sick and injured homeless animals who would not otherwise get a second chance.PAWS' goal is a No Kill Equilibrium, where the number of homeless and unwanted animals in Chicago is in balance with the community's capacity to save, heal, and care for them. Everything PAWS does is with that mission in mind. The foundation of their No Kill Model is Community Engagement. PAWS knows that it is people who both create and solve the problems that pets face. PAWS' role is working hand-in-hand with the community, keeping their finger on the pulse of what's happening with homeless pets, staying nimble and responsive to address the evolving need, and inspiring and mobilizing animal lovers to take lifesaving action. PAWS Chicago's No Kill pillars sit atop this foundation as the programs needed to directly impact animals: robust Prevention, Animal Health + Behavior, Adoption, and Volunteer programs are the necessary ingredients to reach and then sustain a No Kill Equilibrium, where every healthy and treatable pet not only survives but thrives!

PAWS' approach, centered on practical solutions, has spearheaded a remarkable 92.5% decrease in euthanasia citywide since its establishment in 1997 when more than 42,000 homeless pets were killed in Chicago. In the time since, PAWS has performed more than 300,000 spay/neuter surgeries, offered either for free or at a low cost for families who could not otherwise afford it. Over 79,000 pets have found loving homes, and an industry-leading 98% of the vulnerable animals entering PAWS' facilities are saved each year. These achievements, while outstanding, mark only the beginning of PAWS Chicago's ongoing and ambitious mission.

As PAWS looks ahead to the future, the organization's focus is continuing to raise the standards in animal welfare by addressing the ever-evolving challenges faced by homeless pets. Recognizing that animals depend on each of us to be their advocates and protectors, PAWS Chicago vows to continue its unwavering commitment in 2025 and beyond.

MISSION STATEMENT

PAWS Chicago is on a mission to build "No Kill" communities - starting with Chicago - that respect and value the life of every cat and dog. This involves addressing and ending the issue of overpopulation of homeless animals through various solutions, practices, and educational initiatives. PAWS aims to not only save lives but to transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.

PAWS' VALUES IN ACTION

Respect for each and every life.

Community of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.

Innovation to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.

Pro-activity to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.

Transparency that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.

Education that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nation, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change. Promotes and supports reasonable pet ownership.

Sustainability through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and ensure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.

Compassion towards all people and animals.

Position Summary

The Development Director will play a crucial role within the Development Team, working closely with internal and external partners managing the planning and facilitation of stewardship efforts for PAWS Chicago annual donors. This person will support the Head of Development in strategically managing major, individual, and family foundation funders, identifying and researching donors with the capacity to increase their support, and developing compelling proposals and reports for donors that align their interests with PAWS mission and organizational needs. This position will also manage PAWS Board giving strategies, reporting, and stewardship plans.

Essential Job Functions

Stewardship + Cultivation

In partnership with PAWS leadership, strategize to grow the number of donors and revenue in the $10,000+ giving levels.
Manage details related to cultivation and stewardship events + functions for PAWS Chicago's donors, including tours, lunches/dinners with PAWS leadership, and small group gatherings at private clubs or homes of donors and Board Members.
Support PAWS leadership with follow-up activities, reminders, copywriting, and record-keeping.
Proactively review lapsed donor lists and prepare outreach tactics that leadership may use to re-engage donors.
Monitor and personalize acknowledgment letters for donors, ensuring appropriate customizations, personalized notes, and accuracy for major donors.
Proactively manage the prospect list of donors, adding to and editing the list, suggesting cultivation activities, providing research, and suggesting cultivation tactics to leadership.
In collaboration with the VPs, create the annual communications calendar for (major) donors: stewardship touchpoints, major gift proposals/reporting, etc.
Manage stewardship calendar and deadlines, draft emails, phone scripts, texts, and letters.

Donor Data + Recognition

Ensure proper recognition is provided to PAWS donors as needed, monitoring gift agreements, facilitating signage orders and installations, and communicating completion so that donors may be invited to see their completed signage.
Review and give feedback on annual report listings, cumulative lists, and other lists where donors are recognized, ensuring proper placement and recognition for PAWS donors.

Donor Relations + Portfolio Management

Manage Board of Directors and Emergency Fund Leadership Council groups with planning gatherings, RSVPs, reporting, and communications.
Manage a donor portfolio through moves management, ensuring regular stewardship and communication touchpoints via phone, email, and in-person meetings/tours.
Collaborate with Senior Relationship Managers and the Head of Development to strategically manage and grow the major donor base
Research and identify prospects for multi-year and major gifts and campaign donations
Own and manage the renewal schedules for all annual (major) donors and proactively prepare leadership for renewal conversations.

Proposals + Reporting

Manage detailed annual calendar of major gift opportunities, submissions, and reports; ensure all deadlines are met.
Responsible for creating well-written, mission-centric major gift proposals and reports that align the donor's interests with PAWS needs.
Acquire and maintain sound knowledge and understanding of PAWS Chicago programs and organizational needs to ensure proposals are aligned with organizational needs.
Ability to capture the nuance of our programming and tell the PAWS story in compelling narratives.
Prepare Board giving reports for leadership.
Responsible for using Raiser's Edge database, Candid, iWave, and other resources to research donors and identify new funding opportunities.
Maintain donor records in Raiser's Edge database, add research/background/relationships, track actions, touchpoints, and follow-ups needed.

Giving Campaigns

Support the solicitation efforts of all matching gift donors for PAWS Chicago's giving campaigns (March, June Giving Day, Holiday Giving), keeping historical records of asks and confirmations.
Communicate with the Communications team about recognition preferences and approvals.
Track campaign results and create meaningful thank you messages for each major gift donor.

Capital Campaign

Support Leadership with Capital Campaign planning and donor cultivation activities.
Assist with scheduling and attending tours of the new facility.
Manage follow-up documentation, note-taking, and thank you notes.
Manage gift agreement creation, routing, sharing with relevant departments, and filing systems.

Management Responsibilities

Manage one full-time and one part-time staff member.
Attend board and donor engagement events, including Angels with Tails, Development + Professional Board Meetings, Committee Meetings, tours, all fundraising events, etc.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of seven years of experience in a formal relationship-building capacity, nonprofit development experience is ideal but not required; sales or similar experience will be considered.
Five or more years of management experience required.
Ability to work outside of normal business hours as needed.
Strong attention to detail, hyper-organized, proactive planner, ability to manage multiple projects and complete tasks in a timely manner.
Strong project and team management skills, able to prioritize appropriately, work collaboratively across departments, and manage up to VP and CEO to keep projects on track.
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, collaborative mindset, diplomatic, strong verbal and written communicator.
Deadline-driven, self-motivated, and an enthusiastic approach to one's work.
Knowledge of Chicago institutional funders, research tools, and tactics.
Experience using Raiser's Edge preferred.
Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.).
Able to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
Demonstrates growth mindset and ability to think creatively and problem solve; willing and eager to learn from others; takes an active role in one's own professional development and stays informed of changes in the funding landscape; interested in researching and learning more about key stakeholders and prospects.
Commitment to animal welfare, the mission of PAWS Chicago, and helping the organization grow and serve more animals and pet owners in need.

Reporting Relationships

The Development Director reports to the Head of Development and supervises one full-time and one part-time staff member:

Sr. Relationship Officer: oversees development Board strategy and a $5k+ donor portfolio.
Development Associate: oversees donor signage and a small portfolio of VIP donors.

Compensation + Benefits

The salary range for this position is approximately $110,000-$115,000. PAWS Chicago offers a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical Insurance (eligible following 60 days of employment).
Voluntary Dental and Vision Insurance.
Basic and Voluntary Term Life and AD+D.
Voluntary Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance options.
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Time Off: Ten days of accrued PTO, Five days of sick leave, and Event Flex Days for each signature and athletic event.
Six Observed Holidays.

As a reflection of our firm's commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cooper Coleman requires that salary ranges or salary starting points be published for every search we conduct. The practice of not posting salaries perpetuates the gender and racial wage gap and discriminates against women, people of color, and other historically excluded populations by causing individuals to negotiate from a disadvantaged starting point.

Location

This position is based in Chicago, IL, and given the place-based nature of the organization and its multiple facilities, full-time work onsite is expected.

Submission Instructions (read carefully)

Cooper Coleman is leading this search on behalf of the PAWS Chicago. To apply, please visit this link (www.coopercoleman.com/current-searches). ALL expressions of interest should be made through the online application. Nominations of qualified candidates can be sent to:

Kiratiana Freelon

kiratiana@coopercoleman.com

Kindly use the position title as the subject line of your email. All inquiries will be held in confidence.

A cover letter is not required with your initial application but is welcomed to help us understand your fitness for and interest in this role during our initial evaluation. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to provide a thoughtful letter of interest indicating their specific qualifications for the opportunity, desire to join the PAWS Chicago, and connection to its mission.

Cooper Coleman LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, ability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

Background Checks + Credentials Verification

Before sending your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies its candidates' employment and academic credentials at the time of offer, and our clients frequently conduct background checks before finalizing an offer. jeid-297cd0579020184f8b4f446da659dcd3

Development Director

Chicago, IL

About PAWS Chicago