Director of Development

KEES has been exclusively retained by Blind Service Chicago in its search for a Director of Development.  Blind Service Chicago Director of Development

Blind Service Chicago’s first Development Director will be responsible for building and

executing a comprehensive fundraising plan that ensures BSA continues to have the financial resources needed to build capacity and fulfill its Mission. Joining a highly collaborative and amiable staff, the Development Director will promote the organization’s brand and Mission in a way that reaches and significantly broadens the donor base of Blind Service Chicago.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will be responsible for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated fundraising strategy, including embracing a relationship-based model of philanthropy; inspiring and garnering major gifts; securing matching funds; identifying innovative funding opportunities; establishing and marketing planned giving opportunities; and researching and writing grants that have a high likelihood of success.

Some specific requirements include:

• Demonstrated passion for Blind Service Chicago’s mission and vision
• A keen understanding of a relationship-based model of philanthropy
• Creative, self-starter attitude, with the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships
• Deep understanding of Development strategies and best practices
• Career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships culminating in overall success
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a related field a plus; CFRE Certification highly desirable

Blind Service Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression,

genetic information, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, lactation, national origin, age, disability, status as a veteran or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Blind Service Chicago is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and will

not tolerate discrimination or harassment. Blind Service Chicago is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is actively seeking and encouraging applications from women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and/or people who are LGBTQ+.

TO APPLY, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/Blind-Service-Chicago_Development-Director

To ensure the confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Laura Weinman, Vice President, and Randi Blasutti, Project Manager of KEES. Questions may be addressed to rblasutti@kees2success.com

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Founded by Mrs. Gottfried D. Bernstein in 1924, Blind Service Chicago (AKA Blind Service Association) has been providing nearly a century of service to Chicagoland adolescents and adults who are blind or visually impaired.