Director of Development and Communications

Founded in 2011, GirlForward is a community of support dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls displaced globally by conflict and persecution. We envision a world where all girls are able to access and lead multicultural and intergenerational communities for social change.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL GirlForward (GF) operates its programs at its center in Chicago, IL, and through school-based partnerships in Austin, TX. We are currently serving 200 girls ages 14-22 through mentorship, education and safe spaces programs. Girls in our community have come to the US through refugee resettlement, asylum process, or other immigration channels, and represent over 30 countries of origin.

Here’s a little more about what makes GF unique:

• Our impact is evident. Girls’ minds and lives are being transformed every day.
• So many girls have ground and launched into the world, many now returning as alumni to mentor the next generation.
• Our phenomenal staff, board, mentors, and tutors go above and beyond to demonstrate the deep commitment that they have to girls’ success
• There is tremendous opportunity and need for our girl-centered community to be supported, and our program model to be expanded

Visit www.girlforward.org and our organizational values here to learn more.

JOB DESCRIPTION

GirlForward is seeking a Director of Development and Communications to join our team. This full-time position leads the organization’s fundraising, external communications, and marketing strategies in both cities. This position is responsible for developing and executing strategies to meet the fundraising needs with a current budget approaching $750,000 and seeking to grow. This is a pivotal moment of growth for the organization. We hope to expand our base of individual giving, major gifts, and foundation partners. We are looking for someone ready for the exciting challenge of growing revenue to amplify our investment in the potential of girls. The Director of Development and Communications will be based in our Chicago office and can expect to travel to Austin. This position oversees the Communications Manager and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Organizational Leadership (25%)

• Plan and implement development and communications plan to reach a $750,000 fundraising goal through individual giving, major gifts, corporate contributions, foundation grants, and special events
• Create and manage the annual development and communications budget and support program budgets
• Promote and foster a culture of giving and appreciation with staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, and the broader community
• Report to the Board of Directors on progress towards annual fundraising goals; serve as staff liaison to the Board Fundraising Committee
• Serve as the primary supervisor for the Communications Manager. Conduct annual performance reviews and support their professional development goals
• Instruct interns and a contract grant writer as needed
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment
• Serve as the local representative of GirlForward for media and press, fundraising events, and other activities, including shifts in the drop in center, delegating to other appropriate GirlForward staff when necessary and appropriate

Fund Development (35%)

• Oversee the foundation and government fund development process, including managing high-level relationships, managing contracts, and fundraising process
• Build and strengthen relationships with corporations to develop corporate sponsorship and other development opportunities
• Develop a portfolio of major gift donors/prospects and manage the fundraising strategy for these donors with primary responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Organize and oversee all fundraising and cultivation events and campaigns for donors. Including but not limited to; annual fundraising, third-party fundraisers, and jOURneys annual event
• Maintain the Bloomerang donor database and tracking systems
• Secure partnerships in Chicago and Austin, with local individuals and organizations to support programming and specific projects
• Solicit and manage in-kind donations
• Lead new effort to increase giving in Austin, TX over the next 12 months
• Collaborate with the Board Fundraising Committee to plan and implement special events, new partnerships, and major gifts
• Work in partnership with the Executive Director on new funding opportunities

Grants & Institutional Support (20%)

• Develop and monitor master calendar of grants and prospects an all associated files and correspondence
• Draft proposals/LOIs, grant application narratives, and budgets
• Submit grant applications in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgment of all gifts and tax receipts
• Monitor and maintain funder reporting schedules and requirements
• This position occasionally manages a contract grant writer
• Perform other duties as assigned

Communications (20%)

• Supervise a Full-Time Communications Manager position
• Lead public relations efforts in partnership with the Executive Director to enhance the organization's presence
• Ensure and maintain a strong organization brand internally and externally
• Oversee and provide vision for all institutional communications including annual fundraising, impact reports, collateral videos, and appreciation campaigns to maintain a high standard of quality and brand alignment
• Seek opportunities to raise the overall profile of the organization
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5-7 years nonprofit professional experience or private sector revenue generation, including demonstrated success fundraising, leading campaigns, donor relations, and event planning experience. Ideally, in public-facing roles
• Education in business, communications, public administration, or nonprofit management is preferred but not required
• Approaches work from a critical multicultural and anti-oppression lens guided by cultural humility and a commitment to social justice
• Demonstrated experience in storytelling that inspires, educates, and brings people together around a mission, vision, and cause
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and public speaking
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles
• Demonstrated success in gift solicitation. The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraiser who understands how communications support development initiatives
• Strong leadership and project management skills; experience managing teams and/or cross-departmental projects
• Commitment to shared values of collaboration, seeking joy, centering girl leadership, and community power
• Demonstrated proficiency using electronic systems and technology, including donor database management experience (familiarity with Bloomerang is a plus), experience with communications and web design tools (Mailchimp, Canva, Adobe Design), and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Experience working with programs that support youth, refugees, or immigrants is desirable
• Fluency in English is required; communicating in Arabic, Burmese, Farsi, Dari, Spanish, or Swahili is a plus
• Be able to work some flexible hours (e.g., evenings and occasional weekends)
• Must believe in the transformative power of mentoring, education, and the power of girls to create positive change in the world!

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Salary Range $60,000 - $65,000
• Unlimited Paid Time-Off including 12 federal holidays, Sick Time, and 3 floating holidays.
• Flexible Work Day and flexible scheduling
• Hybrid Remote and In-person work. 60% of the work week is in person at our beautiful program center in Rogers Park
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance are offered with 75% coverage paid by GirlForward
• 401K administered by Guideline

LOCATION

Work must be performed in or near Chicago, IL. Work is primarily performed in an office setting but also requires community-based work in Chicago, IL, and Austin, TX. Travel to Austin, TX is required as needed with at least one trip per year.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit an application via this form no later than Friday, November 1st. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Start date is negotiable but we are hoping for a January start. You can also access the application via this link: https://forms.gle/9Hdx7upB6CQ5qANSA

Note to potential applicants: We know that not all strong candidates will have every skill we list, but we welcome you to apply anyways. Our commitment to the growth and development of our staff extends to our leaders as well. If you believe that this mission aligns to your personal mission, the role aligns to your goals, and the spirit of GirlForward resonates, we want to hear from you.

Please direct questions to the hiring committee via email hiring@girlforward.org

GirlForward is dedicated to building a multicultural work environment where all intersectional identities are valued. GirlForward encourages women, people of color, and those who identify as immigrants or refugees to apply. GirlForward is an equal opportunity employer and consideration for employment is made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.