Development Director

M.E.R.C.Y.

Communities Springfield, IL Job Details Full-time $65,000 - $70,000 a year 4 days ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Implementing donor engagement programs Planned giving Grant writing Fundraiser event planning Database management Bachelor's degree Attention to detail Relationship management Communication skills Full Job Description Overview The Development Director plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of MERCY Communities by securing the financial resources required to support families in crisis. The mission of MERCY Communities is to provide housing and supportive services to foster the independence of homeless and at-rick families. This position is responsible for planning, executing, and growing planned giving, major giving, annual giving, and targeted fundraising campaigns. The ideal candidate blends high-level organizational skills and multi-project management with warm, authentic relationship-building capabilities. The successful candidate will have the professionalism and maturity to work collaboratively and harmoniously with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Management

Major Gifts:

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual and corporate donors capable of making significant multi-year or annual contributions.

Annual Giving & Appeals:

Design and manage direct mail, digital, and end-of-year fundraising appeals to expand the donor base and increase donor retention rates.

Planned Giving:

Promote planned giving options (bequests, beneficiary designations) to loyal supporters, developing outreach materials and maintaining legacy donor records.

Special Campaigns:

Execute targeted fundraising campaigns and peer-to-peer initiatives, to meet immediate operating or program needs. Donor Relations & Engagement

• Act as a primary ambassador for MERCY Communities, engaging with donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders with sincerity, empathy, and professionalism.
• Implement personalized donor stewardship plans, including thank-you calls, handwritten notes, impact updates, and donor appreciation events.
• Lead one-on-one donor meetings and site tours to demonstrate the direct impact of donor support on the MERCY Communities mission.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to integrate fundraising practices into the everyday culture of MERCY Communities. Data Management & Operations
• Work collaboratively with the MERCY team to maintain accurate donor records, gift entry, and interaction tracking within the donor database.
• Analyze donor data to evaluate campaign performance, track fundraising KPIs, and produce regular progress reports for leadership.
• Manage direct mail production schedules, gift acknowledgments, and tax receipt processing with meticulous detail. Special Events & Community Outreach
• Support fundraising outreach for signature MERCY events and third-party community fundraisers.
• Coordinate corporate sponsorship outreach, ensuring sponsor benefits and recognition are fulfilled promptly.

Qualifications & Competencies Experience:

3+ years of progressive fundraising or related non-profit development, community relations experience preferred.

Relationship Building:

Demonstrated ability to connect authentically with diverse groups of donors, community leaders, and team members.

Project Management:

Outstanding organizational skills; proven ability to balance multiple campaigns, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously without losing attention to detail.

Communication Skills:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a compelling storytelling style suited for grant/appeal drafting and donor meetings. Must be comfortable with public speaking.

Technical Proficiency:

Experience with donor software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect), email marketing platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace.

Mission Alignment:

Deep empathy for families in crisis and a strong passion for the mission of MERCY Communities.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person