Description:
For over 50 years, Legal Aid Chicago has provided free civil legal assistance to people living in poverty in metropolitan Chicago. Each year our attorneys, volunteers, and staff help resolve civil legal problems, including domestic violence, consumer fraud, and unfair evictions. Legal Aid Chicago was founded on the philosophy that all individuals are entitled to quality civil legal representation, regardless of their income. We work to ensure that poverty is not an impediment to justice.
Legal Action Chicago collaborates closely with Legal Aid Chicago by executing on policy initiatives and engaging in complex litigation that furthers Legal Aid Chicago’s mission to bring justice to people living in poverty and our communities.
Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. Our office, located in downtown Chicago, is ADA accessible and has convenient access to public transportation and local expressways.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in fundraising with increasing responsibility for managing others, preferably in the non-profit sector. Marketing experience is also preferred
• Demonstrated experience with multiple areas of giving such as annual fund, major gifts, campaigns, events, foundation and corporate support/sponsorship, government grants, planned gifts, marketing and communications
• Proven success in securing five to seven-figure gifts; and building and stewarding relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations and public sector funders
• Evident experience and success in building and/or managing a development staff and budgets to achieve strategic and annual goals
• Enthusiasm about talking to donors and soliciting them
• Experience managing and leading a range of special events of varying sizes and duties
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with experience in development and marketing related writing
• Knowledge of Chicago family foundations and experience in planned giving is a plus
• Sound judgement and strong discretion in handling sensitive and personal information
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to project professional competence, leadership capability, and personal maturity
• Adept with technology, familiarity with Raiser’s Edge a plus
• Ability to present in a convincing and professional manner and to inspire and generate enthusiasm among donors, volunteers, staff and stakeholders
• Demonstrated capacity to work as a member of an ambitious and successful management team
• Appreciation of the importance of civil legal aid and the civil justice system, commitment to Legal Aid Chicago’s mission of equal justice for low-income people. Familiarity with the issues faced by people living in poverty

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree is preferred
TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and the contact information of two primary professional references and one alternative professional reference. At least one reference must be a former supervisor. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Legal Aid Chicago is firmly committed to creating a diverse workplace and is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, alienage, disability, political affiliation or belief, military or military discharge status, ex-offender status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions or any other protected status.
If an accommodation is needed to complete this application, contact Human Resources at humanresources@legalaidchicago.org.
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding application status. We will contact candidates who are selected for the next stage of the hiring process