Director of Leadership Annual Giving

Description

• The Director of Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) is responsible for leading the strategic
• growth and performance of The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Leadership Annual
• Giving program, which engages donors contributing $1,000 to $24,999. This role provides
• vision, direction, and oversight to ensure a strong pipeline of donors, increased retention
• and upgrade rates, and a cohesive donor experience across channels.
• The Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity LAG donors and prospects while also
• supervising frontline staff and driving strategy across the program. Because donors in LAG
• also receive Direct Response communications, this role plays a critical leadership function
• in supporting the development of integrated, multi-channel engagement strategies
• together with the Director of Direct Response which maximize donor participation and
• long-term value.
• The Director of LAG partners closely with the Senior Director of Individual Giving and
• collaborates across development teams to align donor strategies, strengthen the pipeline
• to Major Gifts, and advance organizational fundraising priorities.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the overall vision, strategy, and performance of the LAG program.
• Establish and execute annual revenue goals, growth strategies, and key

performance metrics for LAG portfolios.

• In collaboration with the Director of Direct Response, develop and implement

• integrated engagement strategies that align LAG and Direct Response efforts to
• ensure seamless donor experience.

• Analyze program performance, donor behavior, and portfolio trends to inform

strategic decisions and optimize results.

Frontline Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of high-value LAG donors and prospects, focusing on

qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Design and implement personalized engagement strategies to deepen relationships

and increase giving.

• Maintain a strong understanding of organizational priorities to effectively align donor

interests with funding opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor two Relationship Managers, providing guidance on portfolio

management, donor strategy, and performance.

• Foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture focused on accountability,

professional growth, and donor-centered practices.

• Support staff in developing and executing moves management strategies and

achieving individual and team goals.

Pipeline & Cross-Team Collaboration

• Oversee pipeline development, and portfolio strategy across the LAG program.
• Partner with Strategic Giving colleagues to identify and transition qualified donors

($25,000+) into appropriate giving channels.

• Collaborate with Direct Response and Donor Engagement, and other development

teams to align outreach strategies and ensure consistent messaging.

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor engagement in the database,

including contact reports, strategy notes, and prospect updates.

• Utilize data and reporting tools to monitor progress, forecast revenue, and guide

decision-making.

• Continuously evaluate and refine portfolio assignments and moves management

processes.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the development team and

organizational priorities

Qualifications

• Significant fundraising experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or similar

• environment, with demonstrated success managing mid-level or major donor
• programs.

• Familiarity with Direct Response programs and how Leadership Annual Giving

intersects.

• Proven ability to lead strategy, manage staff, and drive measurable fundraising

results.

• Experience developing and executing donor engagement strategies across multiple

channels, including coordination with Direct Response programs.

• Strong understanding of moves management, pipeline development, and donor

lifecycle strategy.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build

relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

• Proficiency in CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel,

PowerPoint).

• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus