Director of Grant Development
gro communityChicago (IL)
About the role
Job Title: Director of Grant DevelopmentLocation: Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer | Direct Reports:none, subject to change in future
About Us:
God Restoring Order (GRO) Community is a mental healthcare provider that specializes in trauma recovery services for males of color ages 5 and up. GRO services are grounded in an understanding of the neurological, biological and psychological effects of trauma. GRO services include mental health and wellness, stress management, and community outreach.
Position Summary:
The Director of Development is responsible for creating, leading, and executing a
comprehensive development strategy that advances the organization’s financial sustainability
and mission. This role will focus on donor cultivation, grant acquisition, strategic fundraising
campaigns, and stewardship of supporters. Reporting to the CEO, the Director will
collaborate closely with leadership and key program staff to build a robust philanthropic culture
across all entities.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans to meet organizational
revenue goals
Lead all aspects of individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation
support, and planned giving
Manage donor segmentation, outreach, and cultivation efforts
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Build and maintain strong partnerships with current and prospective donors, including
high-net-worth individuals
Oversee donor acknowledgment processes and ensure meaningful stewardship
activities
Coordinate donor events, briefings, and recognition efforts
Build an individual donor relations base
Grant Management
Identify new funding opportunities from foundations, government, and corporate entities
Lead or support the writing and submission of grant proposals and reports
Research and identify federal, state, local, and foundation grant opportunities aligned
with organizational programs and initiatives.
Prepare, draft, edit, and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, and
supporting narratives.
Collaborate with leadership and program teams to gather data, budgets, outcomes, and
program information needed for submissions.
Maintain a grants calendar to track application deadlines, reporting requirements, and
renewal opportunities.
Assist with post-award reporting and ensure compliance with grant deliverables and
timelines.
Monitor funding trends, legislative updates, and community investment opportunities
relevant to behavioral health, youth services, housing, outreach, and community
programming.
Campaign & Event Leadership
Plan and execute capital campaigns, annual appeals, and fundraising events
Collaborate with marketing for campaign messaging and materials
Data, Reporting, and Systems Oversight
Maintain accurate records
Generate regular development performance reports for internal and external
stakeholders
Team Collaboration
Partner with the CEO and leadership team to align fundraising goals with
organizational priorities
Work closely with marketing team to enhance donor engagement
Supervise development team members and contractors, if applicable
Competencies:
Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across
individual, corporate, and foundation channels.
Skilled in cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, funders, and
stakeholders.
Strong grant writing, reporting, and compliance management experience.
Exceptional written and verbal skills with the ability to present compelling cases for support.
Proficient in CRM/database management and using metrics to inform decisions and forecast revenue.
Effective team leader and collaborator, with experience supervising staff and cross-functional coordination.
Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple campaigns and events.
Financial Awareness, understanding of development budgets, donor ROI, and alignment with financial goals.
Passionate about advancing the organization’s mission through ethical and inclusive fundraising practices.
Work Setting:
Hybrid Schedule/40 hours per week
10% travel
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred
Minimum 5–7 years of progressive development experience in the nonprofit sector
Proven success in securing major grants and building donor pipelines
Strong grant writing and campaign management skills
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of grant data analysis
Strategic thinker with the ability to execute hands‑on initiatives
What We Offer:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
A supportive and dynamic work environment committed to social impact.
Opportunities for professional development and growth.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
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Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
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