Director of Development

Paws and Claws Cat Rescue is looking for a dedicated, energetic full-time development and fundraising professional who will help take the organization to its next financial stage. The Director of Development serves as a key member of the leadership team and will be responsible for creating the foundation, expanding and maintaining a funding base for Paws and Claws. This is a hybrid position that requires days onsite at the shelter in Evanston. The ideal candidate has at least three years of successful fundraising experience. 

Responsibilities:
● Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward, corporate donations and philanthropic support from corporations, foundations and individuals in support of Paws and Claws’ mission and objectives
● Create and execute a strategy for a base of annual individual donors
● Create and execute a yearly fundraising plan
● Build a donor communications plan that fosters long term donor support and ensures donors are informed and appreciated.
● Manage Bloomerang database and oversee data entry and gift processing
● Lead and support the identification and moves management of revenue opportunities ● Write grant proposals, appeal letters, donor communications, newsletters, and reports
● Actively pursue and manage corporate and individual leads
● Foster strong donor and sponsor stewardship
● Seek, apply for and manage grant funding
● Network at selected community and leadership events
● Create and distribute donor acknowledgements.

Requirements:
● BA/BS or equivalent
● Minimum of 3-5 years in development or fundraising preferred
● Excellent interpersonal skills
● Excellent communication and writing skills
● Able to quickly pick up various technology platforms including CRM software, Google Docs, Excel, and more
● Able to work independently and quickly in an organized fashion
● Passionate about Paws and Claws and its work including comfort working in an office in a fast paced animal shelter setting
● Willing to meet donors in the Chicagoland area

Please reach out to Ashlynn Boyce ashlynn@pawsandclawscatrescue.org, with your resume or questions