Director of Advancement

World Relief

. Supervise employees, including monitoring daily work, approving timesheets and time off, conducting performance check-ins, documenting concerns, and entering personnel changes in HRIS .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $105,000 - $115,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong leadership in fundraising strategy and donor engagement, with a focus on ethical storytelling and strategic communications. Proven ability to manage major donor portfolios and build collaborative relationships within faith-based and community development contexts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising Strategy DevelopmentMajor Donor Portfolio ManagementStrategic CommunicationsVolunteer Engagement LeadershipRaiser’s Edge NXT Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising ExperienceDonor ManagementPerformance ManagementProject ManagementEthical Storytelling

Soft Skills

Collaborative Relationship BuildingLeadershipCoachingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft WordMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookCRM Systems

Industry Keywords

Faith-Based OrganizationsCommunity DevelopmentNonprofit ManagementStrategic LeadershipVolunteer Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Supervise employees, including monitoring daily work, approving timesheets and time off, conducting performance check-ins, documenting concerns, and entering personnel changes in HRIS
Provide strategic leadership for World Relief’s mission, fundraising strategy, and external engagement efforts in Chicagoland
Develop and implement annual private fundraising plans with goals, metrics, timelines, and accountability measures
Coordinate church engagement, development, communications, and volunteer engagement strategies
Work with Program Directors and the Executive Director on funding opportunities tied to programs, grants, initiatives, and donor interests
Serve on Chicagoland’s Leadership Team and align regional direction with World Relief’s overall strategy
Lead and coach the Director of Church Engagement, Development Team, and Communications Team
Provide functional leadership for volunteer engagement goals through a matrixed relationship
Ensure effective fundraising systems, including Raiser’s Edge NXT, donor management, reporting, and stewardship practices
Identify, cultivate, and acquire new major and mid-level donor prospects
Grow and manage a portfolio of 50 major donors through personalized engagement and recognition
Conduct donor meetings and speak regularly at churches and with church partners
Coordinate relationship management with nationally reporting positions
Connect donors with mission outcomes and create opportunities for deeper partnerships
Oversee Chicagoland communications planning, calendars, branding, messaging, and external channels
Write or edit fundraising and communications content as needed
Represent World Relief in media opportunities and prepare staff as organizational spokespersons
Oversee impactful and ethical storytelling
Develop and launch an advisory board with the Executive Director
Strategically engage advisory board members to increase the effectiveness and reach of World Relief Chicagoland
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Mature and personal Christian faith
Commitment to World Relief’s mission, vision, and values
Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
Ability to affirm and/or acknowledge World Relief’s Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity, and National Association of Evangelicals’ For the Health of The Nation document
Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and ability to pass MVR standards
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including 3–5 years managing major donor portfolios
Experience managing others to do effective fundraising
Ability to build trust-based, collaborative relationships with donors, partners, and cross-functional teams
Strong background in strategic communications and ethical storytelling
Fluency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
Preferred: familiarity with CRM systems, especially Raiser’s Edge NXT, and project management tools
Preferred: strong familiarity with digital communications platforms, including social media, web, and email
Preferred: experience in faith-based, international, or community development organizations
Preferred: advanced education or training, or experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or a related field

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
Employee discount program for full-time employees
Well-being program recognized with Gold-level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Drug-free workplace and pre-employment substance abuse testing