Senior Director of Development

Overview

ABOUT RAY GRAHAM ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1950, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities (RGA) empowers people to reach, grow, and achieve. RGA provides innovative, person-centered supports and services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

We are a creative, diverse organization that fosters a positive and inspiring culture where all voices are heard. Together with families and community partners, RGA supports nearly 2,000 people with disabilities and employs more than 300 dedicated professionals.

Every Day, RGA Supports People To

• Reach their potential through access to therapeutic programs, recreation, and family support resources
• Grow their future through neighborhood living, life-skills training, and employment opportunities
• Achieve their goals through personalized plans with measurable actions and outcomes

About The Role

The Senior Director of Development is a key executive leadership position responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ensures the long-term growth, diversification, and sustainability of Ray Graham Association. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all development activities, including major gifts, individual and institutional giving, events, donor stewardship, and board engagement.

• Fundraising Strategy and Execution (40%)
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with RGA’s strategic priorities.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors across individual, foundation, corporate, and public sectors.
  • Strategically collaborate with the Grants Administrator to expand grant revenue.
• Donor Relations and Stewardship (30%)
  • Manage a portfolio of 100–150 priority donors and prospects.
  • Support and advise the President and CEO on donor engagement.
  • Lead donor events, site visits, and stewardship initiatives.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration (20%)
  • Lead and mentor a Development team of three professionals.
  • Collaborate with program leadership and the Chief Financial Officer on reporting and impact metrics.
• Representation, Board, and Executive Collaboration (10%)
  • Represent RGA in the community and with institutional partners.
  • Engage and support Board members in donor cultivation and prospecting.

• Demonstrated commitment to RGA’s mission and values.
• Proven success in nonprofit fundraising or comparable revenue-generating roles.
• Strong financial literacy, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 403(b), generous paid time off, flexible schedules, and professional development opportunities.

Approximately 20% local travel within the Chicago metropolitan area.

Ray Graham Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Ray Graham Association is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and may include pre-employment and random drug screening in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law.