Director of Development & Communications at SAFER FOUNDATION – Chicago, Illinois

*** Please Note This Position Is Remote ***

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment

General Summary:

The Director of Development and Communications is responsible for the development and submission of government, foundation, and corporate grant applications as assigned. This role will take the lead on a portion of the agency grant portfolio, managing applications, reports, and renewals. The Director of Development and Communications will also lead research and prospecting, and support diversification of funding. The position will execute all work in alignment with the Agency Fund Development Process and record all needed data in Salesforce NPSP. The position reports directly to the AVP of Development and Communications and supports all members of the Fund Development Team.

Position Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence-Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Interface and Service - Increase Funding

• Leads prospecting for the agency, reviewing all potential opportunities, legislation, and program requirements. Aligns prospecting to agency goals, Division requests, and agency needs.
• Analyzes current funding portfolio to determine opportunities for targeted Safer initiatives and new opportunities for all initiatives.
• Leads grant writing including preparation of letters of inquiry, proposals, research, reports, ancillary materials, general agency information, editing proposals for errors and inconsistencies and proposal submissions.
• Ensures on-time submissions and quality on Safer submissions to include new opportunities, renewals, contracts, foundation, corporation, and others.
• Leads kick-off calls and proposal development calls as needed.
• Supports award tracking and regular development updates to support Programs, Quality Assurance, Systems and Analytics, Accounting, and other departments.
• Maintains and updates proposal research and data sets.
• Supports grant implementation, reporting requirements, data tracking, and all other award information.
• Records all determined development data in Salesforce NPSP.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Research private and corporate funding prospects.
• Represent Agency in meetings with potential funding sources.

Professional Development

• Mentor staff regarding prospecting, proposal development and submission, and other areas as needed.

Tracking, Document, and Reporting

• Support team processes and practices to monitor websites and bulletins to identify new federal, state, county & city funding opportunities.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least 7 years of experience regarding proposal development and grants management, specifically at the federal level. A proven track record in capture of government and non-government funding. Knowledge of Individual Donors, Major Gifts, and Foundations a plus.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in or related to fields of English, public administration, business or nonprofit management, communications.

Knowledge of fundraising information sources.

Extensive experience with proposal writing.

Excellent communication skills both oral and written.

Excellent computer skills with all Microsoft office programs, Salesforce knowledge a plus.

Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research.

Knowledge of the core elements of program design and development, contracts, Memorandums of Understanding and other partnering agreements

Licenses and or Certifications:

Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or related training.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance – Care for you and eligible family members
  • Choice of two (2) Medical Plan options from BlueCross BlueShield
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Dental Insurance – Offered by BCBS
  • Individual coverage 100% paid by Safer!
    • Eligible family coverage available
• Vision – “See” how Safer cares for your eye health
  • Low-cost co-pays for in-network exam, frames & contacts

• Life Insurance – Protection for you & your family
  • Basic Life (equal to 1.5 times your salary.)
  • 100% paid by Safer!

• 403b Retirement Plan – Helping you save for retirement
  • Generous Company match to help you save more!

• Vacation & Holidays – Refresh, rewind, & enjoy at Safer!
  • Vacation days (non-manager)
  • Company Holidays (2025); more than industry standard
  • Paid Leave Days
    
    
• Other Benefits & Perks -adding value to You!
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Critical Illness, & Travel

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans

www.saferfoundation.org Opens a New Window

No Phone Calls Please