POSITION SUMMARY:  The Fundraising and Donor Relations Manager has previous nonprofit experience in a fundraising capacity. The candidate understands the need for a strong donor base for support and is skilled in building relationships with donors as part of an annual giving program.

ABOUT Keshet:

From its core programs for children and adults with intellectual challenges in the Chicago area, to its international consulting work, Keshet serves over 1,000 individuals with disabilities and touches the lives of many more family members, peers, supporters, and other stakeholders around the globe.  Keshet’s local leadership, comprised of nearly 100 lay leaders from all walks of life, provide the inspiration, direction, and funding required to fulfill the organization’s mission: to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build relationships with new, current and lapsed donors to renew their commitment to Keshet; develop and implement plans for engaging, soliciting, and stewarding lower and mid-level donors.
• Document and maintain clear and timely records and call reports to track contacts, donor giving, notes, and assist in the maintenance of an accurate database.
• Responsible for the management and stewardship of a portfolio of both individual and corporate donors and prospects; maintaining confidentiality.
• Manage all cultivation and stewardship efforts for donors falling within the individual giving portfolio.
• Work closely with the development team and to build a prospect portfolio and ensure the flow of prospects into the giving pipeline, from identification through solicitation.
• Develop and manage new creative solicitation campaigns to engage new individuals within the Chicago Community.
• Develop and manage the annual appeal solicitations, including both direct and digital response.
• Support the efforts of volunteer committees to identify and solicit prospects, with a specific focus on the annual banquet, family committee/family campaign and smaller cultivation events.
• The manager will work closely with the Director of Development on logistics and oversight of an annual comprehensive event fundraising program that incorporates in-kind, volunteer, and sponsorship support to ensure financial goals of the organization are met on an annual basis.
• Implement and oversee all the functions of fundraising event productions.
• Work with Director of Development to be a liaison for the Leadership Council and NextGen Committee to create a giving program targeting the support of the younger friends of Keshet.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of fundraising experience
• Solid background and demonstrated competence in fund development, specials events and donor solicitation and cultivation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor databases, preferably DonorPerfect
• Experience with special events including but not limited to galas, banquets and 3rd party events.
• Working knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic landscape
• A passion for Keshet’s mission
• Positive energy and a strong work ethic
• The ability to manage multiple projects at any given time while paying keen attention to detail

• Strong writing and presentation skills; ability to communicate to diverse audiences while tailoring messages to each audience
• New hires need to be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination or provide documentation for an ADA or religious exemption and participate in weekly COVID testing.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Comprehensive benefits package included with salary for benefits eligible employees.

Keshet is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.