JOB DETAILS

Chief Development Officer

CompanyCenter on Halsted
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 10, 2026
About The Company
Center on Halsted is the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview Neighborhood. We work hard to provide a safe and welcoming environment with programs and services for the entire community. Our programs range from volleyball, dance performances and cooking classes to rapid HIV testing, group therapy and vocational training. In addition, we partner regularly with other organizations and groups from across Chicago and the nation to provide additional programming for the community. Free wi-fi access is available throughout the building including our lobby, reading library and our rooftop terrace. We also offer meeting and reception space, with special discounts for non-profit community groups. MISSION Center on Halsted advances community and secures the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland. VISION A thriving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, living powerfully in supportive inclusive environments.
About the Role

Essential Functions (critical to job function):

Center on Halsted is looking for a Chief Development Officer with high Emotional Intelligence, is a systems-level thinker, and has a knack for building Development and Communications infrastructure. 

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) oversees the evaluation, execution, and expansion of Center on Halsted’s comprehensive development and fundraising program as well as lead marketing and communication efforts. The CDO will develop strategies to guide the effective cultivation of donors and lead the development function with a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the organization’s mission and shared values. 

The Chief Development Officer reports directly to the CEO, serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, supports the Development Committee of the Board of Directors, and manages a staff that currently consists of five team members. This Chief Development Officer will need to be strategic, adaptable, innovative, and adept at guiding the ongoing professional development of a team. 

The CDO will carry a portfolio of major donors and support the CEO and Board in their donor cultivation. Additionally, the CDO will need to collaborate with colleagues on the Senior Leadership Team, especially Finance and Programs, to ensure open dialogue and effective reporting. 

Currently the Development Department consists of the following roles: 

  • Philanthropy Officer, Major Gifts 
  • Philanthropy Officer, Corporate Giving & Fundraising Events 
  • Philanthropy Officer, Grants 
  • Development Services & Stewardship Associate 
  • Manager of Marketing & Communications 

 

Duties/Responsibilities:

Primary Job Responsibilities: 

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate the organization’s development and fundraising plan, strategy, and goals to maintain and expand contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources; 
  • In partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior staff, establish a comprehensive development strategy to meet or exceed funding goals. 
  • Implement systems and structures to maximize philanthropic revenue from all sources (annual fund, individual major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, government grants, special events). 
  • Stay informed about trends in philanthropy, fund development, and nonprofit management; provide counsel to the CEO, Development Committee, and Board on current trends, issues, problems, and activities in order to facilitate policymaking; recommend policy positions concerning fund development. 
  • Be familiar with all aspects of the Center’s programs and client base, to be able to help identify and pursue new funding and marketing opportunities. 

External-Facing (incl. Board of Directors) 

  • Work collaboratively to implement Individual Engagement Plans (IEP) with the Board of Directors; meet regularly to provide consultation and staff support to the Development Committee of the Board. 
  • Develop, implement and evaluate an annual, comprehensive communications plan both in support of the annual development plan and to expand awareness and visibility of the organization’s programs and services. 
  • Lead and support the Development Department staff in planning our annual major fundraising events including, but not limited to the following: Human First Gala, Santa Speedo Run, AIDS Run/Walk 

Management, Supervision, & Coaching 

  • Develop and manage the Development department’s annual Budget creation process including oversight of the annual revenue and expense line items. 
  • Prioritize creating and implementing effective and strategic fundraising and communications processes within the Development Department. 
  • Manage and lead development department staff, collaborating individually and collectively to meet annual revenue and other departmental objectives. Identify staff development and training needs and provide solutions. Conduct annual staff performance reviews. 
  • Provide oversight for development operations, coordination of effective prospect research, and key donor engagement functions including special events, cause marketing campaigns, and marketing and communications efforts. 
  • Support the stability and sustainability of the development function by creating a working environment that is supportive to staff and volunteers. 

Donor/Funder Stewardship 

  • Participate in developing high-level solicitation strategies with the CEO, Board, and key relationship managers; provide oversight and review for proposals and solicitation materials. 
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards for donors, and adhere to codes of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives. 
  • Formalize the relationship management process from identification through stewardship, to ensure a high donor retention and renewal rate; develop comprehensive donor recognition programs for individuals, corporations, and foundations.


 

Key Skills
FundraisingStrategic PlanningDonor CultivationMarketingCommunicationsTeam LeadershipBudget ManagementMajor GiftsGrant ManagementCorporate RelationsEvent ManagementNonprofit ManagementStaff DevelopmentProspect ResearchRelationship ManagementEmotional Intelligence
Categories
Management & LeadershipSocial ServicesMarketingFinance & Accounting
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Chief Development Officer oversees the organization's comprehensive fundraising, marketing, and communications strategies to ensure financial sustainability. They manage the development department staff, cultivate major donor relationships, and collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to meet revenue goals.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$175,000 - $220,000
📊Experience Level
10+
💼Company Size
122
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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