Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President of Development serves as a key Leadership Team member at a pivotal time for The Cradle. A new strategic direction points us toward greater sustainability, more relevance to the funder community and deeper impact. In 2023, the organization will celebrate its Centennial, a unique opportunity to reconnect with past supporters and strengthen relationships. Planning for the Centennial, which features a comprehensive fundraising campaign driven by a campaign consultant, is well underway and is being coordinated through a cross- departmental staff task force.

In partnership with the President & CEO and various Board/committee members, this position is responsible for all fundraising activities. The VP will help forge new relationships to build The Cradle’s visibility, impact and financial resources. The VP will have primary responsibility to grow the annual budget through major gifts, individual giving, grants, special events, corporate giving and other forms of support.

Essential Functions

Establish and execute overall strategic direction for Development, which includes collaborating openly and closely with the President & CEO, the Development Team, the broader Leadership Team and Board/committee members to develop, implement and oversee all fundraising strategies to support a balanced annual fund. Identify strategies and vehicles (special events, corporate giving, annual appeals, etc.) for various organizational audiences (foundations, individuals, corporations).

Develop, execute and oversee all fundraising efforts, including:

• Collaborate with the President & CEO, the Development Team, the broader Leadership Team and Board/committee members to plan and implement a comprehensive annual fund plan and budget.
• Create and implement strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, steward and recognize new and existing major gift supporters and prospects.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO and outside counsel to oversee successful capital campaign/major gift initiatives.
• Manage and provide support for all prospect identification, research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship efforts of the President & CEO and Board members as warranted.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance The Cradle’s planned giving initiatives.
• Prepare summaries and reports regarding development activities for Board and committee meetings, as well as various staff meetings.
• Attend Board meetings as requested and coordinate/attend Development Committee meetings.
• Undertake additional projects and tasks as assigned by the President & CEO.

Develop, execute and oversee donor stewardship process, including:

• Partner with Cradle leadership (staff and volunteers) to educate donors about potential funding opportunities.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive donor appreciation process.

In addition:

• Lead the Development Team and provide supervision and professional development coaching to direct reports (currently, one Associate Director, who manages one Development Associate).
• Develop and manage the department budget, including specific revenue expectations and responsible expense management.
• Serve as an active member of The Cradle’s Leadership Team, working collaboratively with all colleagues to help set and implement the strategic direction for the organization and to establish and maintain a culture of philanthropy throughout The Cradle.
• Remain nimble and take on other duties as needed and as assigned.

Driving

• Driving is an essential function of this position.

Minimum Requirements Include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required.
• Minimum 10 years prior experience in fundraising required; demonstrated success in a senior development role.
• Prior supervisory experience required.
• CFRE a plus.
• Minimum of Intermediate proficiency level in Microsoft Office, as well as database management skills (Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce experience a plus).
• Commitment to The Cradle’s vision, mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Champion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion both within The Cradle and in external relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

NOTE: Location and hours: We are located at 2049 Ridge Avenue in Evanston. This is a hybrid position, working in office and remotely.