Director of Development

Gary Comer Youth Center

Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC), located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, is recognized as one of the nation’s most unique youth-serving organizations. GCYC, the cornerstone of the Comer Education Campus (CEC), delivers enrichment education in a state-of-the-art environment unlike any other. The Campus is also anchored by Gary Comer College Prep and Gary Comer Middle School, operated by the Noble Network, in addition to serving as the home of the South Shore Drill Team. These unique partnerships collectively serve over 2,000 youth annually across Chicago’s South Side with a dynamic integration of Academic Enhancement, Youth Enrichment, and College and Career Preparation offerings.

GCYC’s mission is to prepare young people for college, careers, and futures as well-rounded, global citizens. It is proud of the creative pathways provided to young people, focused around our core areas:

  • Academic Success 
  • Culinary Arts & Nutrition 
  • Sports & Leadership 
  • Urban Agriculture 
  • Youth & Young Adult Employment

https://www.garycomeryouthcenter.org/

Position Details

Director of Development
Job
Full-time
2/12/2025
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) is seeking a dynamic Director of Development (DoD )to lead the organization’s fundraising efforts and help drive its mission to empower youth and families. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the DoD will craft and execute a comprehensive development strategy to support GCYC’s programs and initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

This is an opportunity for a passionate, experienced fundraiser to join a thriving organization and make a lasting impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership:

  • Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies aligned with GCYC’s mission and growth goals. 
  • Lead major gift cultivation and solicitation efforts in collaboration with the ED and board. 
  • Oversee grant writing, reporting, donor stewardship, and special events.

Team and Partnership Building:

  • Manage and mentor development staff, ensuring the team delivers on key objectives.
  • Collaborate with the ED and Board of Directors to engage and support fundraising efforts.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

Campaign Execution:

  • Drive major campaigns, including capital, operating, and endowment initiatives. 
  • Leverage data and insights to track progress, report outcomes, and optimize fundraising activities. 
  • Enhance GCYC’s public profile by identifying opportunities to share its story and impact.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will have the following qualities, skills, and characteristics:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. 
  • 5+ years of proven experience in resource development, including grant writing, reporting, major gift solicitation, sponsorships, and fundraising event planning. 
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships. 
  • A deep understanding of donor relations and a passion for philanthropy. 
  • Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising. 
  • Financial planning and business acumen. 
  • Strong computer and organizational skills. 
  • Knowledge of how to manage multiple fundraising projects, events, and campaigns. 
  • Tangible experience successfully soliciting large grants, major donations, and cultivating existing donor relationships over time. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and execute successful projects.

Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 /year


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