Senior Director of Development

If you are a fundraising professional ready to take your career—and our mission—to the next level, we want to hear from you.

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A Renewed Focus on Impact

At Ray Graham Association (RGA), we are embarking on a new chapter with a clear and urgent focus: doubling down on relational fundraising. We are moving beyond transactional events to build authentic, long-term partnerships that sustain transformational support.

We are seeking an eager, engaging, and hungry leader to join us as our Senior Director of Development.

The Role

This isn't about events. We are looking for a strategic storyteller and a data-driven leader who understands that the heart of development is connection. As the Senior Director, you will be the architect of our fundraising strategy, focusing on high-impact relationships rather than short-term wins.

You are the right fit if you are ready to:

Lead the Charge: Take ownership of major gifts, institutional giving, and comprehensive donor stewardship.
Mentor the Team: Guide and inspire a dedicated development team to reach new heights of professional success.
Deepen Impact: Champion practices that move donors from casual supporters to committed partners in our mission.

If you are a fundraising professional ready to take your career—and our mission—to the next level, we want to hear from you.

Ready to Apply?

To start a conversation about how your leadership can shape the future of Ray Graham Association, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Email: RGADevelopmentRecruitment@RayGraham.org

Position Details & Requirements

Role: Senior Director of Development
Reporting To: President & CEO
Focus: Major Gifts, Strategy, Team Leadership

Core Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with a heavy emphasis on major gifts and planned giving;
Manage a personal portfolio of high-net-worth prospects and donors;
Lead, mentor, and evaluate the development team, fostering a culture of accountability and growth;
Utilize data analytics to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for strategic pivot; and
Serve as a primary storyteller for RGA, articulating our mission to diverse audiences.

Qualifications:

Proven experience in development, specifically in major gifts and campaign management;
Strong leadership skills with a history of managing teams; and
Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities.

Download the Full Job Description (Word Doc)

Top-Tier Accreditation

RGA holds Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation with Distinction from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). This is an elite level of recognition that validates the quality of their programs to potential major donors.
Financial Integrity

RGA has earned a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator with an impressive 96% score, ensuring that a Director of Development can fundraise with confidence regarding the organization's fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Massive Scale & Longevity

Founded in 1950, RGA serves nearly 2,000 people with disabilities across DuPage County and the surrounding area, offering a rich history and deep community roots to leverage in storytelling.
Innovation in Mental Health

RGA is currently expanding to meet critical gaps in care by launching the Emerge Behavioral Health Clinic, a new initiative specifically designed to provide mental health support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.