Development Officer

For more than five decades, The Ark has served as a lifeline for Chicagoland’s Jewish community, offering free, comprehensive human services that help individuals and families facing financial vulnerability build toward stability and self-reliance. What began in 1971 as a volunteer-driven medical clinic has grown into a multifaceted agency with two locations, a wide range of programs, and a modern facility capable of serving thousands of clients each year.  

To meet the ambitious goals of its $9+ million annual fundraising program and new strategic plan, The Ark is seeking to add a Development Officer to its Development team. This professional will play a key role in cultivating and stewarding major and leadership annual donors, supporting long-term endowment and planned giving efforts, and engaging the Board of Trustees and auxiliary groups in advancing philanthropy. 

This role offers the opportunity to grow within a supportive and mission-driven team. The Development Officer will work primarily on-site, with some flexibility for remote work, and will enjoy a collaborative culture and balanced schedule that promotes both productivity and quality of life.  Strong candidates will demonstrate success in donor relations and leadership annual giving with major gift experience preferred. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically engage and cultivate a portfolio of 100-150 donors/prospects with the capacity to make annual gifts of $10,000+ and multi-year gifts of five- to six-figures
• Oversee cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Leadership Circle donors of $1,800+ and develop high-impact events and programs to engage this important group of Ark leaders
• Partner with the Development Director and CEO to manage The Ark’s Board of Trustees and other auxiliary groups
• Work closely with Grants Manager, Development Director, and program staff to develop compelling proposals for major gifts supporting The Ark’s strategic plan and other priorities
• Engage and steward existing Legacy Society members and develop a comprehensive strategy to grow the number of planned giving donors
• Partner with development colleagues and staff in other departments, including finance, data and planning, marketing, and volunteers, to support robust donor engagement and high-quality reporting and analytics to drive leadership and major gift strategy 

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years professional fundraising experience; experience cultivating/soliciting leadership and major gifts preferred
• Experience working with board members and high-level volunteers
• Familiarity with the local Chicagoland Jewish and general philanthropic community is strongly preferred
• Active listener with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to be both strategic and nimble 
• Positive, collaborative style, with the ability to effectively engage colleagues and volunteers
• Knowledge of various gift methods, including restricted gifts, endowment, and planned giving
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines 
• Highly organized with strong project management skills
• Passion for The Ark’s mission and a commitment to growing our impact through philanthropy 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Hours: 9 AM-4 PM Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-2 PM Friday
• Paid vacation and sick time, Federal and Jewish holidays
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits package
• Retirement plan