Director of Leadership Annual Giving

The Director of Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) is responsible for leading the strategic 
growth and performance of The Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Leadership Annual 
Giving program, which engages donors contributing $1,000 to $24,999. This role provides 
vision, direction, and oversight to ensure a strong pipeline of donors, increased retention 
and upgrade rates, and a cohesive donor experience across channels.

The Director manages a portfolio of high-capacity LAG donors and prospects while also 
supervising frontline staff and driving strategy across the program. Because donors in LAG
also receive Direct Response communications, this role plays a critical leadership function 
in supporting the development of integrated, multi-channel engagement strategies
together with the Director of Direct Response which maximize donor participation and 
long-term value.

The Director of LAG partners closely with the Senior Director of Individual Giving and 
collaborates across development teams to align donor strategies, strengthen the pipeline 
to Major Gifts, and advance organizational fundraising priorities.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Program Leadership & Strategy
• Lead the overall vision, strategy, and performance of the LAG program.
• Establish and execute annual revenue goals, growth strategies, and key 
performance metrics for LAG portfolios. 
• In collaboration with the Director of Direct Response, develop and implement 
integrated engagement strategies that align LAG and Direct Response efforts to 
ensure seamless donor experience.
• Analyze program performance, donor behavior, and portfolio trends to inform 
strategic decisions and optimize results.
Frontline Fundraising & Portfolio Management
• Manage a portfolio of high-value LAG donors and prospects, focusing on 
qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Design and implement personalized engagement strategies to deepen relationships 
and increase giving.
• Maintain a strong understanding of organizational priorities to effectively align donor 
interests with funding opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development
• Supervise and mentor two Relationship Managers, providing guidance on portfolio 
management, donor strategy, and performance.
• Foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture focused on accountability, 
professional growth, and donor-centered practices.
• Support staff in developing and executing moves management strategies and 
achieving individual and team goals.
Pipeline & Cross-Team Collaboration
• Oversee pipeline development, and portfolio strategy across the LAG program.
• Partner with Strategic Giving colleagues to identify and transition qualified donors 
($25,000+) into appropriate giving channels.
• Collaborate with Direct Response and Donor Engagement, and other development 
teams to align outreach strategies and ensure consistent messaging.

Data, Systems & Reporting
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor engagement in the database, 
including contact reports, strategy notes, and prospect updates.
• Utilize data and reporting tools to monitor progress, forecast revenue, and guide 
decision-making.
• Continuously evaluate and refine portfolio assignments and moves management 
processes.
Other
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the development team and 
organizational priorities

Qualifications

• Significant fundraising experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or similar 
environment, with demonstrated success managing mid-level or major donor 
programs.
• Familiarity with Direct Response programs and how Leadership Annual Giving 
intersects. 
• Proven ability to lead strategy, manage staff, and drive measurable fundraising 
results.
• Experience developing and executing donor engagement strategies across multiple 
channels, including coordination with Direct Response programs.
• Strong understanding of moves management, pipeline development, and donor 
lifecycle strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build 
relationships with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, 
PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• On-site gym
• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program
• $250 employee referral bonus