Director of Development

Director of Development
Congregation Or Shalom
Location: 21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Reports to: Executive Director

OVERVIEW

Congregation Or Shalom, a warm and inclusive community in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is excited to welcome an experienced and dynamic Director of Development to lead our fundraising and development activities. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial and relationship-driven fundraiser to help shape Or Shalom’s development program during a time of growth, strengthening the long-term sustainability of our community. The Director of Development will be responsible for strategic planning, donor relations, stewardship, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to enhance annual giving, major gifts, and legacy donations.

This is a part-time position (20–30 hours per week) with a hybrid schedule. The role requires regular in-person availability at Congregation Or Shalom typically during mid-week hours (Tuesday through Thursday), along with evening and weekend time to cultivate relationships and become an active presence in the community — including attendance at occasional Friday night Shabbat services, holiday programming, and other key gatherings both on- and off-site. Please include any scheduling needs or limitations in your cover letter.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement creative and comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual campaigns, major gifts, grants, and special events. Proactively identify new opportunities to expand and diversify Or Shalom’s philanthropic support.
• Annual Fundraising Campaign: Lead the execution of the annual giving program, including the High Holiday, Year-End, and Summer Appeals. Partner with the Communications Coordinator to craft impactful donor messaging and materials.
• Major Gifts and Stewardship: Build and manage a portfolio of major donors, providing personalized stewardship and engagement. Develop recognition programs and naming opportunities to support donor retention and inspire ongoing generosity.
• Event Management: Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, including the Annual Gala and other donor engagement opportunities. Ensure effective donor engagement and stewardship through these events.
• Manage Development Committee: Engage with volunteer leadership to create a culture of giving within the congregation. Foster collaboration with the Development Committee, ensuring effective outreach, recognition, and stewardship. Leverage the committees’ and board’s skills and contacts to grow fundraising.
• Database and Donor Management: Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and gift tracking. Utilize data analytics to inform strategy, segment communications, and refine campaigns to maximize effectiveness and minimize donor fatigue. Provide regular reports to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Marketing and Communication: Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to develop content for fundraising communications, including campaign collateral, newsletters, and donor impact reports.
• Budget Management: Manage fundraising budgets and ensure efficient use of resources to maximize revenue and impact.
• Collaboration: Work with the Executive Director, Clergy, Board President, and Executive Board to develop strategies that align with Or Shalom's mission and goals. Collaborate with other staff members to integrate fundraising efforts into the broader organizational strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or fundraising certification (e.g., CFRE) is a plus.
• Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years in development, fundraising, and donor relations, including proven success in annual campaigns, major gifts, and event management.
• Skills:
• Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, staff, and volunteers.
• Experience with CRM and donor management systems (ShulCloud preferred) and strong data tracking and reporting skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Budget management experience with the ability to meet financial goals.
• Familiarity with the Chicago Jewish community and synagogue operations is highly desirable.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about Jewish values and community building.
• Proactive leader who takes initiative while collaborating effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships.
• Values warmth, approachability, and personal connection as essential to donor engagement.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to proactively identify opportunities and adapt strategies to support growth.
• Flexibility to attend events, some evenings, and weekends.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The hourly range is $32–$38/hour and is commensurate with experience
• A commitment to a positive and collaborative staff culture
• Paid time off including for federal holidays and most Jewish holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education 

WHERE YOU WORK

Congregation Or Shalom is nestled in the heart of the northwest suburbs of Chicago, at 21 W Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL. We are a welcoming and relationship-centered community where building personal connections is at the heart of everything we do. This hybrid position requires some in-office work and can include some remote work and off-site donor stewardship activities. Some evening and weekend work is required, including occasional Friday night Shabbat events and holiday programming as needed.

TO APPLY

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We encourage early applications, as we are eager to fill this role and will review candidates on a rolling basis.

Final offers will be contingent on reference and background checks.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Please apply anyway! We encourage applications from individuals whose experiences and skills align with the spirit of this role, even if they don't check every box.

Congregation Or Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.