Director of Development

Director of Development

Director of Development 150 150 bottolini@cdga.org
Chicago District Golf Association
Published
August 3, 2022
Location
Lemont
Job Type
Contact Name (not public)
Brittany Ottolini
Main Phone
630-685-2313

Description

Chicago District Golf Association

Director of Development

ABOUT THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION/CDGA FOUNDATION

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) was founded in 1914 to promote amateur golf in the Midwest. It is a not-for-profit association of member clubs and individual members in Illinois and parts of Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. With more than 85,000 individual members at more than 400 member clubs, the CDGA is one of the largest and oldest golf associations in the United States.

In 1944, the CDGA established the CDGA Foundation as its charitable organization. The sole purpose of the CDGA Foundation is to secure and administer philanthropic support to advance the mission and programs of the CDGA. The key outreach programs are for individuals with special needs, youth and veterans. Currently, these programs reach approximately 5,000 golfers in these categories.

The CDGA and CDGA Foundation have a long-term vision in that every person in our District has access to opportunities to enjoy golf and its benefits.

The CDGA has an immediate opportunity and now seeks a highly motivated, detailed and disciplined Development/Fundraising professional to join our Outreach programs team. The Director of Development works directly with the Executive Director and Senior Managing Director, Foundation.

Position Overview

Reporting to and in partnership with the Senior Managing Director, Foundation, the Director of Development will spearhead development efforts as the CDGA continues to grow. A new position to the organization, the Director of Development will have the opportunity to build the development function.

He/she will secure major gifts from individuals in support of the CDGA Foundation. They will work closely with CDGA and CDGA Foundation leadership and the Outreach team to determine effective, donor-centric strategies, with a goal of soliciting major gifts and enhancing an existing Annual Fund.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development will have primary responsibility for:

  • Creating and executing all aspects of a comprehensive development plan, and implementing the information technology systems to support the function.
  • Developing, owning and maintaining key relationships with major gift donors and prospects. The goal of this relationship building will be to renew annual support at a minimum and move donors along a strategic pipeline to qualify and solicit for major gifts.
  • Leading all revenue-generating fundraising and development activities for the organization.
  • Organizing solicitation drives for pledges and ongoing support from individuals.
  • Identifying new prospects through existing donor connections and networks, as well as researching clubs, organizations and individuals to identify potential new funding sources.
  • Encouraging individuals to establish or contribute to special funds through endowments, special projects and planned gifts.
  • Coordinating and managing the acknowledgment process with the Outreach team.

Qualifications

The ideal Director of Development will bring most of the following qualifications:

  • Strong belief in and commitment to the CDGA’s mission and vision.
  • A drive to meet, understand and establish genuine relationships with supporters of the CDGA and CDGA Foundation is required; knowledge and enjoyment of the game of golf would be an advantage.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team.
  • A minimum of five years of professional experience in successful fundraising.
  • Ability to design, implement and execute a holistic fundraising plan, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition strategies; planned giving experience is preferred.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex relationships and interact comfortably with Trustees, volunteers, philanthropists and/or golf industry professionals.
  • Strong writing, presentation and storytelling skills, with the ability to persuasively convey the mission of the CDGA and CDGA Foundation in individual and group settings.
  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and lists at once, prioritize best opportunities for revenue and present data to donors and internal teams.
  • A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to donors and events.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; CRM systems and internet software.
  • A bachelor’s degree is required.

Applicants must be a self‐motivated individual with a strong work ethic and must be able to work unsupervised. He/She must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, have the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image at all times. Previous speaking experience, including making presentations to groups of all sizes, is preferred. Applicants must also be willing to travel and work long hours, which may include overnight or weekend travel during golf season.

How To Apply

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  A complete benefit package, including health insurance and retirement plan, are provided.

Application deadline:              8/31/2022

Proposed starting date:          12/1/2022

All candidates should submit a cover letter and resume prior to application deadline for full consideration.  Candidates can apply by sending materials electronically to directorofdevelopment@cdga.org. No phone calls will be accepted. The successful candidate will be subject to a background check and drug testing upon extension of job offer.