The Development Director provides strategic leadership for all fundraising, capital campaigns, and donor stewardship initiatives supporting the Normal Township Activity and Recreation Center (ARC). Serving a vibrant community of over 3,000 members aged 55+, this role expands the ARC’s financial capacity through targeted giving, corporate sponsorships, and grant management.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy & Campaign Management
- Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to meet the ARC’s short- and long-term financial goals.
- Lead all aspects of the ARC Living Memorial Fund campaigns, cultivating a robust pipeline of individual donor prospects, planned giving, and memorial contributions.
- Direct major capital campaigns, such as ongoing facility enhancements and community greenspace projects.
· Fundraising & Sponsorships: Serve as the staff liaison to the ARC Living Memorial Fund; manage charitable contributions (in-center, web, and social media) and coordinate fundraising drives. Procure sponsors for bingo prizes, café supplies, and other ARC initiatives.
2. Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Build and maintain strong relationships with ARC members, local businesses, community leaders, and philanthropic partners throughout the Bloomington-Normal area.
- Establish formal donor recognition, retention, and stewardship protocols to increase sustained annual giving.
- Present development updates and fundraising goals regularly to the ARC Executive Director and the Normal Township Board.
3. Grant Research & Administration
- Research, draft, and submit highly competitive grant proposals to regional, state, and national foundations (e.g., Area Agency on Aging, community foundation grants).
- Ensure strict compliance, tracking, and reporting for all public and private grant allocations.
4. Community Engagement & Collaboration
- Collaborate with the ARC Communications Coordinator to produce engaging fundraising collateral, monthly newsletter highlights, and targeted direct-mail or digital appeal campaigns.
- Partners with internal department heads to ensure fundraising targets align directly with high-priority programming needs (such as fitness center upgrades, shuttle transportation assistance, and nutritional programs).
- Plan and execute strategic community events, corporate sponsor nights, and "Dine to Donate" partnerships.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
- Experience: 3 to 5+ years of proven success in non-profit fundraising, major gifts cultivation, capital campaigns, or grant writing. Experience working within community health, senior programming, or public parks and recreation environments is a major plus.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency with donor management software, databases, and standard workplace tools.
- Core Competencies: * Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills with the ability to build rapport with older adults, community stakeholders, and township officials.
- Excellent written communication skills, with a track record of crafting successful grant proposals and compelling donor appeals.
- Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- This position primarily operates within a dynamic public recreation center. Must be able to move about a 35,000+ square-foot facility and occasionally assist with local community events.
- Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required to support board presentations, public forums, or special fundraising events.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
