Gift Officer

CIS of Chicago is currently seeking a mid-level fundraising professional to join the team as a Gift Officer. The Gift Officer is a frontline fundraising and donor services position working with individuals and select corporations and foundations. The position is multi-faceted and a pivotal part of the organization’s growth. Managing a starting portfolio of more than 50 donors, the Gift Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward contributions of $5,000 and above in support of general operations, program, and program expansion. The Gift Officer will function as part of a highly coordinated Development team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a strong working knowledge of CIS of Chicago’s mission, culture, programs, values, and priorities
• Promote gratitude in donor cultivation and stewardship
• Manage and maintain a portfolio of approximately 90 donors giving $5,000 and above, comprised of both individuals, corporations, and select foundations.
• Support the organization’s Brighter Futures Campaign by identifying and cultivating prospects with the capacity to make a multi-year commitment of $25,000+
• Work with select members of the Board of Directors and Leadership Council to leverage and manage donor relationships, stewarding current donors and engaging more major donors
• Write/prepare letters of request, donor proposals, and other donor communication, as needed
• Navigate a relationship-oriented, fast-paced workplace
• Model professionalism, accountability, and aspiration in accordance with CIS culture
• Other duties as assigned as part of a growing collaborative team

DESIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Passion for serving the most vulnerable children and commitment to the equity and social justice issues central to CIS of Chicago’s mission
• Capacity to interact comfortably with major donors and the Board Directors and Leadership Council
• Superior organizational function and adaptability; able to independently cultivate and manage donor relationships
• Ability to draft compelling donor proposals and donor correspondence
• Aptitude to create and implement new programs and opportunities for donors/clients/customers

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience preferred; role is well-suited for candidates with direct fundraising experience
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Bachelor’s degree

REPORTS TO:

Director of Major Gifts

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The position is full-time. Currently, the work environment is hybrid (20 hours at CIS of Chicago headquarters/20 hours remote), which may be adjusted at the discretion of CIS of Chicago leadership. Candidate must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends.