Development Director

About A Long Walk Home

Founded in 2003, A Long Walk Home (ALWH) is a nationally recognized arts organization dedicated to empowering young people—particularly Black girls and young women—to end violence against girls and women. Through art, activism, and healing, we foster leadership and create change, advocating for freedom from gender-based and racial violence. A Long Walk Home is based in Chicagoland.

For over two decades, we’ve built a powerful collective of artists, activists, healers, and scholars who amplify the voices of marginalized communities, inspiring transformative action. To sustain and expand our impact, we aim to secure $2 million annually through a diversified fundraising strategy.

To learn more about our mission and vision, please visit www.alongwalkhome.org

Position Overview

A Long Walk Home is seeking an experienced and visionary Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts. This full-time leadership role is critical in securing $2 million annually to fuel A Long Walk Home’s programs and advance our mission. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Director will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, strategic partnerships, and managing comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraiser with a proven ability to secure significant funding from diverse sources. They must bring creativity, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to this pivotal role.

This is a remote position open to candidates across the U.S., but quarterly in-person meetings and special events in the Chicagoland area are required. Candidates must commit to a minimum of two years in the role.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Fundraising Strategy (50%)

• Write and submit compelling grant proposals and reports to private foundations, government agencies, and corporations to secure at least $1.5 million annually.
• Research and cultivate relationships with institutional funders, ensuring alignment with A Long Walk Home’s mission and programs.
• Develop a robust strategy for unrestricted and restricted funding.

Major Donor Cultivation & Stewardship (25%)

• Build and nurture relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and board members to secure at least $500,000 in major gifts annually.
• Design and execute strategies to retain and upgrade existing donors while identifying and soliciting new high-net-worth supporters.
• Develop customized solicitation materials and stewardship plans for major donors.

Database & Records Management (15%)

• Oversee donor management systems (e.g., Network for Good) to ensure accurate and timely data tracking, acknowledgment of gifts, and reporting.
• Coordinate annual fundraising campaigns, including end-of-year giving initiatives.

Fundraising Campaign Management (10%)

• Lead capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives to achieve campaign-specific targets.
• Set measurable goals, track progress, and prepare detailed fundraising reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including grant writing, major gift solicitation, and campaign management.
• Demonstrated success in raising $2 million or more annually from diverse funding sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for crafting persuasive proposals and presentations.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, partners, and board members.
• Experience leading capital campaigns and managing donor pipelines.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize and execute fundraising initiatives effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Network for Good).
• Experience with grassroots fundraising and digital organizing.
• Commitment to A Long Walk Home’s mission and values, with a deep understanding of social justice and arts-based frameworks.
• Completion of 40-hour domestic violence/sexual assault training (or willingness to complete within 6 months).

Application Process

Phase 1: Submit Application

Email your application in PDF format with the subject line: “Development Director / Your Name” to jobs@alongwalkhome.org. Please include:

1. A thoughtful cover letter detailing your fundraising accomplishments and how you plan to help A Long Walk Home achieve our fundraising goal.
2. Your résumé or curriculum vitae
3. A sample of your grant writing.

Phase 2: Video Interview

Qualified candidates will be invited to a video interview with A Long Walk Home team members.

Phase 3: Final In-Person Interview

Top candidates will meet the A Long Walk Home team for an in-person interview.

We aim to make an offer by June 2025

Commitment to Diversity

A Long Walk Home is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We strongly encourage women of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

A Long Walk Home, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.