Overview and History

For over 54 years, The Ark has been the only organization providing free, comprehensive human services to Chicagoland’s large and diverse Jewish community. Our talented team of professionals works closely with Jewish individuals and families facing financial vulnerability to provide a wide array of vital services to help them take steps forward on their unique journey toward self-reliance. The Ark is funded almost entirely through philanthropy, and the Development team plays a critical role in the organization’s success and sustainability.

Donor Officer

The Ark is excited to offer a new opportunity with potential for growth and impact within our Development team. We are seeking an experienced Donor Officer to support the Ark’s $9+ million annual fundraising program, major gift efforts tied to The Ark’s ambitious new strategic plan, and long-term planned giving and endowment efforts. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Donor Officer will be a key member of our growing team. The Donor Officer’s primary responsibility will be to qualify, cultivate, and solicit donors capable of making five- and six-figure gifts for annual, capital, and endowment purposes. They will manage cultivation and stewardship of The Ark’s Leadership Circle, comprising leadership annual donors of $1,800+, and work closely with our Board of Trustees and other auxiliary groups. 

This full-time, salaried position offers a salary range of $75,000-85,000, depending on experience.

Specific Responsibilities

• Leadership and Major Gift Solicitation: 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.
• Leadership Annual Giving Program Management: 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.
• Work Closely with Boards and Auxiliary Groups: Partner with the Development Director and CEO to manage The Ark’s Board of Trustees and other auxiliary groups.
• Develop Compelling Funding Proposals: 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.
• Planned Giving: Engage and steward existing Legacy Society members and develop a comprehensive strategy to grow the number of planned giving donors.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: 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.

Work Requirements and Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 5-7 years professional fundraising experience, including 2+ years’ experience cultivating/soliciting leadership and major gifts
• Experience working with board members and high-level volunteers
• Familiarity with the local Chicagoland Jewish and general philanthropic community is strongly preferred

Qualifications:

• Active listener with exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to be both strategic and nimble when engaging high-level donors
• Positive, collaborative style, with the ability to effectively engage colleagues and volunteers
• Knowledge/experience with various gift methods, including restricted gifts, endowment, and planned giving
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Highly organized with strong project management skills
• Passion for The Ark’s mission and a commitment to growing our impact through philanthropy

Required Documents:

• Cover letter, resume, and writing sample (1-2 pages)

Benefits:

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

Join us at The Ark and contribute to the vital work of empowering individuals and strengthening our community. We are excited to welcome a dedicated and skilled Donor Officer to our team.