Director of Development & Communications

Green City Market – Chicago, IL
Full Time • Exempt • Salary: $110,000 to $120,000 BOE • Hybrid Based in Chicago Il

Who We Are

Green City Market is building a resilient local food system rooted in farmer support, edible education, and food access for all. For 26 years, we’ve supported small and sustainable farms, taught Chicagoans where their food comes from, and worked to ensure every neighborhood can access fresh, locally grown food.

Our farmers, chefs, educators, neighbors, and donors are all part of this work. Together, we are strengthening a local food system that nourishes people, supports the land, and contributes to a healthier regional economy.

Position Summary

The Director of Development & Communications is a senior leader responsible for securing approximately 3.5 million dollars annually through major individual giving, institutional fundraising, corporate partnerships, and aligned communication strategies.

This role oversees the Development & Communications team and works closely with the Executive Director and Board to guide organizational strategy, long-term planning, and financial sustainability.

The priority for this role is major and individual giving, followed by institutional grants, with fundraising events serving a supporting purpose.

(This description outlines the core expectations of the role but is not exhaustive.)

Primary Responsibilities

Major & Individual Giving (Primary Focus)

• Lead strategy for all individual giving, including annual, mid-level, and major gifts.

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 150 donors at 10,000 dollars and above.

• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward five- and six-figure gifts.

• Develop stewardship plans and donor engagement opportunities that build long-term commitment.

• Strengthen donor pipelines and retention.

Institutional Giving (Secondary Focus)

• Lead all foundation and corporate fundraising efforts.

• Prepare competitive grant proposals, budgets, and reports.

• Maintain strong relationships with program officers, corporate partners, and philanthropic advisors.

Communications & Messaging

• Ensure donor communications and organizational messaging are aligned with fundraising strategy and values.

• Oversee development of cases for support, annual reports, donor updates, and digital communications.

• Support storytelling that centers the voices of farmers, chefs, educators, families, and partners.

Events (Supporting Function)

• Provide strategic oversight for fundraising events, including Chef BBQ and seasonal campaigns.

• Ensure events support donor cultivation and annual revenue goals.

• Partner with staff for execution; this role does not manage heavy event operations.

Leadership & Management

• Supervise and support the Development & Communications Manager and Development Coordinator.

• Shape a collaborative team culture grounded in clarity, trust, and shared goals.

• Collaborate across departments to support donor and sponsor engagement.

• Partner with the Board’s Development & Fundraising Committee and attend board meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of director-level nonprofit fundraising leadership.

• Proven experience securing five- and six-figure individual gifts.

• Demonstrated success with diversified fundraising portfolios, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and annual giving.

• Supervisory and team leadership experience.

• Experience contributing to strategic planning and/or capital or growth campaigns.

• Proficiency with donor management systems and digital fundraising tools.

• Experience in food systems, agriculture, education, environmental, culinary, or community-based work is valued.

• Multilingual ability (such as Polish, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese) is a plus but not required.

Compensation & Structure

• Salary: $110,000 to $120,000 BOE

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401k with employer match

• 20 vacation days, 10 floating holidays, 10 sick days, and year-end office closure

• Mobile stipend and professional development support

• Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday with regular presence at Saturday markets and occasional evening/weekend events

• Location: Chicago-based; hybrid role (no relocation assistance)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Green City Market is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported.

How to Apply

Apply using the form: https://forms.gle/9PVKYNPAHae77CBCA
Please complete the application and upload your resume.
Priority will be given to applications submitted by December 15.