Director of Major Gifts

Director of Major Gifts

Reports to: Senior Director of Development

Supervises: None at this time

Status: Full-time, minimum of 32 hours per week, exempt

Date revised: January 2026

Organization Description The mission of the Chicago Abortion Fund is to advance reproductive autonomy and justice for everyone by providing financial, logistical, and emotional support to people seeking abortion services and by building collective power and fostering partnerships for political and cultural change. We envision a world where everyone has the freedom and autonomy to create lives, families, and communities that are healthy, safe, thriving and where the full range of reproductive choices, including abortion, are accessible and affirmed.

Position Summary The Director of Major Gifts will play an integral role in CAF's department of Development expanding upon individual giving, focusing on major gifts and planned giving. This seasoned and strategic fundraiser will operate with autonomy to not only manage, but also grow CAF's portfolio of high-capacity donors. The Director of Major Gifts will also build off of the existing infrastructure and strategy needed to secure six and seven-figure commitments that will help sustain CAF's impact for decades to come. Given that the Director of Major Gifts is a new role starting during a time of transition for the organization, it is intended that this role will grow into the outlined essential job functions.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary range: $92,829 to $126,065 (based on experience and qualifications).
• All full-time employees are eligible for the full benefits package including:
  • 401K with up to 5% employer match.
  • Unlimited paid time off, including a mandatory four weeks off.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision) with 50% dependent coverage.
  • Observance of federal holidays.

Work Schedule & Location

• A full-time work week is a minimum of 32 hours over four days.
• Illinois residence is required. Relocation expenses are not provided by CAF.
• Hybrid schedule: minimum two days in the office per week (West Loop, Chicago).

Essential Job Functions

Major Gifts and Planning Giving Program (approximately 90%)

• Serve as a strategic leader of the major gifts and planned giving program in partnership with the Senior Director of Development, managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, as well as managing the portfolios of the Senior Director of Development, Deputy Director and Executive Director.
• Design, implement, and evaluate individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to grow philanthropic revenue.

• Partner with executive leadership and board members to advance major gift and planned giving asks and continue to strengthen the organization's fundraising culture.
• Personally solicit and close major and planned gifts, maintaining a revenue goal of at least $1-2 million.
• Identify and qualify new major donor prospects, expanding the organization's base of transformational investors.
• Provide thought leadership in donor engagement strategy, leveraging organizational milestones, campaigns, and impact data.
• Collaborate across departments to align funding opportunities with programmatic priorities and articulate a compelling case for support.
• Produce and deliver high-quality briefing materials for leadership, ensuring well-prepared, donor-centered engagement.
• Represent the organization externally with sophistication, serving as an ambassador in donor meetings, events, and community settings.
• Maintain rigorous pipeline and portfolio management through timely documentation, forecasting, and reporting.
• Mentor and model best practices for development team members, contributing to a culture of accountability, excellence, and collaboration.
• Operate with a high degree of independence, exercising sound judgment and discretion in donor relationships and strategic decision-making.

Other (approximately 10%)

• Works pro-actively and in good faith to support and strengthen the overall stability and effectiveness of the organization.
• Co-create and maintain a culture that fosters deep collaboration, trust, and coordination across functional organizational areas.
• Maintains a collaborative, positive, professional and friendly approach to working with supervisor, other staff, grantees, and external stakeholders.

• Actively participate in required convenings, summits, retreats, and staff meetings, and participate in required staff communications.
• Update professional knowledge by participating in educational opportunities approved by CAF, maintaining networks, and participating in professional organizations as relevant to the role.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications & Experience

• 7+ years of experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, and planned giving with high-level of autonomy.
• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals and family foundations.
• Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to inspire confidence, trust, and enthusiasm among high-net-worth donors, board members, and senior leaders.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing a high-performing portfolio of 100-150+ donors/prospects, with clear revenue outcomes.
• Sophisticated understanding of philanthropic strategy, donor psychology, and complex giving vehicles (planned giving, DAFs, family foundations, etc.).
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning abilities with the capability of designing and executing donor engagement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills.
• Ability to craft compelling proposals, deliver persuasive presentations, and represent the organization at the highest levels.
• Data-driven approach with proficiency in donor pipeline management, forecasting, and CRM systems.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with executive leadership to align funding opportunities with programmatic priorities.
• High degree of independence, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive donor information and decision-making.
• Commitment to mentoring, modeling best practices, and contributing to a culture of excellence within the development team.
• Passion for the mission and ability to articulate a compelling case for transformational philanthropy.

Work Environment

• Standard office equipment use required (computers, scanners).
• Frequent sitting and virtual communications (email, video conferencing).
• Off-site work will be required; accessibility will be prioritized.
• Evening and weekend will occasionally be required.
• Must be able to conduct business in English; however, fluency in languages other than English is a plus. Spanish pay differential available for qualified candidates.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality

CAF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an equitable workplace where all staff are valued. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and others underrepresented in our field.

If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please email belinda@chicagoabortionfund.org or call 847-774-0456 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Disclaimer This position is supported through grant and donation funding. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the renewal of that funding. The organization remains committed to pursuing ongoing resources to sustain this role and will provide timely communication regarding any changes.

---