Make-A-Wish® Illinois Chapter

STAFF - Chief Development Officer

Date: April 5, 2010

Title:                                      Chief Development Officer
Department:                         Development

About Make-A-Wish:
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the largest wish granting organization in the world.  Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish has 65 chapters in the United States and 33 international affiliates on five continents.  By dedicating our efforts, resources, talents, and hearts to fulfilling the wishes of special children, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted almost 200,000 wishes to children around the world since its inception in 1980.  Each chapter of Make-A-Wish is a separate 501(c3) organization.

Started originally as Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Illinois in 1985, today the Illinois chapter covers the entire state of Illinois.  Through 1,400 volunteers and 40 dedicated staff, the chapter has turned dreams into reality for more than 9,000 children since its inception.  In 2009, the Foundation fulfilled 702 wishes and in fiscal year 2010, plans to reach 750 children with the power of a wish.  Granting this number of wishes annually makes the Illinois chapter number three in the nation.  And with cash revenue of $7.3M in fiscal year 2009, Illinois is number one among all chapters in Make-A-Wish!

The average total cost of a wish is approximately $8,500. The average cash cost of a wish is approximately $5,000, with additional donations of products and services of about $3,500 per wish.  There is no cost to the family in fulfilling a child's wish.  Every expense, every phone call, every travel arrangement is taken care of by the Foundation.  Financial support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois comes from individuals, corporations, and foundations.  The sources for revenue are diversified and do not include funding from governments nor is Make-A-Wish a United Way organization.

The program expense ratio for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois is 83%, which by internal standards set by the National organization, as well as various "watch" groups, is a level of excellence.

Five years ago, the chapter granted 584 wishes and raised $6.3M in cash revenue, which is a 20% increase in wishes and 16% in revenue.  While considered excellent growth, statistics support that approximately 1,185 children are diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition every year in the state of Illinois.  Our intent is to continue a trajectory of growth, fulfilling our vision to reach every eligible child with the power of a wish, which is why we are seeking to add the position of Chief Development Officer.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois website: http://www.wishes.org/

Position Summary:
Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Development Officer will lead the organization's comprehensive development program to support significant and continued organizational growth.  S/he is responsible for taking current activities to new levels and developing strategies for increasing the organization's revenue generating capabilities in an efficient, sustainable and reliable manner.  This position will work closely with members of the Board of Directors, is a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for leading and directing 12 professional staff to achieve high levels of performance and enrichment.  

Major Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize and implement a comprehensive and diversified development strategy in support of the Foundations' growth plans
• Develop, communicate, implement and monitor priorities, goals and objectives for the Development team
• Lead a team of 12 professional development staff members toward objectives, fostering professional development and teamwork
• Be an active solicitor of major gifts
• Ensure appropriate cultivation and stewardship of donors
• Ensure the development of targeted and effective solicitation materials for individuals, corporations and foundations
• Create and manage development area expense and revenue budgets including area contingency plans
• Work collaboratively with MAWFA on national corporate alliances for targeted Illinois based national corporations; and on national individual giving initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all related national, governance and local policies
• Identify, recruit and train key fund development volunteers
• Serve as staff liaison for the Board Fund Development Committee
• When activated, manage an endowment campaign
• Where appropriate, represent the organization to outside constituents
• Maximize the potential of the donor database, including developing procedures for consistent management of constituents and gifts, developing contact management strategies, and appropriately integrating research
• Other duties as required

Requirements:
Required: 10 plus years of increasingly responsible development experience in a nonprofit environment; significant experience in major donor prospecting, cultivation and solicitation; proven track record in managing staff to achieve organizational objectives; capital or endowment campaign experience and knowledge of marketing and public relations functions is preferred.

Preferred Skills & Abilities:

• Significant experience in securing funding from individuals, corporations and foundations
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a high performing team
• Experience developing and executing a ‘major gifts' program for a non-profit, educational institution, or association
• A career track record that shows stability with an organization and a demonstrated ability to develop, nurture and build relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to serve as a key spokesperson for the Foundation
• Demonstrated ability to set, and achieve or exceed goals
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with board members, other volunteers as well as business and civic leaders
• Team player who can give and take advice and support in order to ensure the fulfillment of the Foundation's mission
• Strategic and project planning
• Donor database experience, preferably Raiser's Edge

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree (masters preferred) in business, marketing, or non-profit management
• 10+ years of diversified fundraising experience
• 3+ years in a significant leadership role

Submit resume and cover letter to hr@wishes.org or fax to (312)943-9813