Sr Director Development and Communications Equal Hope

Location: Chicago, IL Hospital: RUSH University Medical Center Department: Breast Cancer Taskforce Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 Hr (9:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM) Summary: Equal Hope is a non-profit sitting on the Rush University Medical Center Campus dedicated to eliminating health inequities, particularly in cancer care. The organization focuses on providing free breast and cervical cancer services to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Through research, advocacy, education, and patient navigation, Equal Hope strives to create sustainable health outcomes and true health equity. The Senior Director of Development and Communications will play a pivotal role in advancing Equal Hope's mission by leading all aspects of development and communications. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of fundraising, communications, and stakeholder engagement. The Senior Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to ensure the organization's goals and objectives are met effectively. Other information: • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. • Ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to operational challenges. • Bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field is required. • At least seven years of senior leadership experience in development and communications, preferably in the nonprofit sector. Proven success in fundraising and donor management. • Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics, with experience using business management software. • Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising, grant management, and compliance requirements. • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. • Detail-oriented and resourceful with a proactive approach to problem-solving. • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. • Passion for social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Flexibility in work style, ability to shift gears and handle multiple different projects and tasks simultaneously. Preferred Job Qualifications: • A Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field is preferred. • Experience in healthcare-related nonprofit operations and an understanding of health equity issues. • Superior negotiation skills and experience in budget management and strategic planning. • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals. • Proven experience in grant writing, reporting, and management. Physical Demands: Competencies: • Advanced Excel is a plus. • CRM database software experience. Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Responsibilities: Development: • Design and execute a comprehensive development strategy, including capital campaigns, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and grant applications. • Lead efforts to raise funds through a mix of foundation, corporate, and individual giving. Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects for cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation. • Develop and maintain key long-term relationships with donors and prospects. Ensure a comprehensive accounting, transmittal, and acknowledgment process for all donations. • Implement current annual fundraising plan and develop future short- and long-term plans, including quarterly activities and metrics • Achieve annual philanthropic revenue targets, including new donor and retention goals, along with cultivation and stewardship goals • Manage, query and track donations and acknowledgements through Virtuous CRM fundraising database and utilize the database for moves management. • Act as the staff liaison for the Development Committee and work with the Board of Directors by leveraging their resources and networks • Prioritize key actions for the ED, board and other senior leaders to take toward cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors, and prepare and support them as they execute • Conduct prospect research to grow and cultivate Equal Hope base of individual, corporate and foundation funders • Develop and manage a personal portfolio of current and prospective donors. Prepare and implement direct mail and email solicitations • Grow the individual major gift prospect list and implement a successful major gifts program that includes donor recognition and a system for moving donor relationships forward • Identify new corporate partnership prospects and craft strategies for outreach and engagement • Work with the board and ED to establish a planned giving program • Oversee the management of grant applications, reporting, evaluation, and compliance. Work closely with the Grants Manager to secure and renew government and foundation grants. Event Management • Lead the planning and execution of community events, fundraising events, and other engagement activities to promote Equal Hope's mission and programs. • Plan development special events, including cultivation programs and manage fundraising events such as the annual fundraiser • Work collaboratively with event consultant who will execute the logistics for the annual fundraiser • Maximize the fundraising around events by building event hosts, committees, team members and volunteers • Secure corporate and individual sponsors for events • Envision new and creative ways to use existing community events to raise awareness about Equal Hope among the door community • Collaborate with the Community Health team regarding other events that have sponsorship potential Communications • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community organizations, and funders. • Develop and implement a year-round donor communications strategy in collaboration with the communications team • Write on-line/direct mail appeals that highlight the impact and achievements of Equal Hope and monitor results • Determine and write program-specific underwriting opportunities and develop a fundraising menu of options and levels for annual giving • Segment lists and create personalized outreach to donors • Unearth compelling Equal Hope stories to highlight in donor written materials • Create event sponsorship materials and annual report, and create fresh donor pages on the newly launching website • Supervise and mentor the development and communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. • Develop and implement a robust communications plan that includes branding, marketing, and public relations strategies. Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms. • Oversee the creation of print and digital materials, including newsletters, annual reports, brochures, social media content, and website updates. • Oversee Equal Hope communications team on the annual report • Provide donor and events related content for Equal Hope's social media presence • Create content and manage Equal Hope donations webpages and assist with ensuring Equal Hope's external face is consistent with our mission and our professionalism Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.