Director, Institutional Partnerships

ROLE TITLE: Director, Institutional Partnerships

POSITION REPORTS TO: SMD, Development 

PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 7th. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

LOCATION: Must live in Greater Chicago area - hybrid role with most time working remotely from a home office. Occasional in-person meetings in at our local office (227 W. Monroe) and some travel to engage with donors required.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

All prospect & donor management roles on Field Fundraising teams are responsible for cultivating, stewarding, and managing a portfolio of donors in the Greater Chicago area who share our commitment to ensuring that all children have access to an equitable and excellent education. As a member of the Field Fundraising team, you will be a part of a team-based effort charged with developing and executing on a long-term vision and strategy to achieve our development goals for both public and private funding. In your role, you will partner with Executive Directors, regional advisory board members, and other front-line fundraisers to maximize giving, playing a key role in new donor strategy and acquisition over the next 3-5 years.

Reporting to the SMD, Development, you will be charged with raising $1-5 million or more from a portfolio of donors which may include both public and private funding. You will work directly with the Executive Director or other field fundraisers to cultivate and steward your portfolio of donors, and ensure the primary solicitor is well-positioned to engage with donors across fundraising streams and at all stages of the donor life cycle. We are looking for a true team player who can make a significant contribution across a local fundraising landscape. In partnership with the local Executive Director, the VP, Field Fundraising and other fundraisers in local markets, you will be a key contributor in developing and executing the strategy to acquire, cultivate, retain, and diversify your portfolio of donors (including public and private donors).

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Portfolio Strategy & Planning (15%)

• Translate regional fundraising priorities into a clear corporate and institutional strategy that drives revenue growth

• Refine and execute an existing corporate strategy, identifying opportunities for deeper engagement and expansion

• Identify gaps across corporate accounts, donor networks, and pipelines

Corporate Portfolio Management & Fundraising (35%)

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 40+ corporate accounts, including ~60 stakeholders and 3 donor networks, with a focus on relationship ownership and revenue generation

• Serve as a frontline fundraiser for gifts $25K and under, building and sustaining relationships with key decision-makers

• Support senior leaders (ED/SMD) on strategy and execution for five and six-figure gifts

• Navigate shared ownership across accounts while strengthening core relationships

• Develop tailored proposals and grant materials for corporate and institutional partners

Executive Partnership & Stakeholder Alignment (20%)

• Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to advance high-value relationships

• Collaborate with the Executive Director on top corporate partnerships and prospects

• Prepare and support leadership for key donor engagements

• Align with regional staff and board members to unlock new opportunities

Donor Engagement & Experience (10%)

• Design and execute engagement opportunities that move donors along the giving continuum

• Lead mission aligned, donor-facing experiences (e.g., events, site visits, corporate briefings) tied to cultivation and stewardship goals

Data & Portfolio Management (10%)

• Use data and systems to track performance and inform strategy

• Maintain accurate records in donor database 

• Monitor portfolio health and adjust approach based on insights

Regional Operations & Team Contribution (10%)

• Support regional execution and contribute to team effectiveness

• Partner with regional staff to ensure PSA fee collection

• Contribute to team priorities and organizational initiatives