Senior Director Institutional Giving

About Mikva Challenge

Mikva Challenge is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to develop youth to be engaged, informed, and active citizens and community members who will promote a just and equitable society. We do this by engaging youth in an authentic and transformative learning process built on youth voice and youth expertise. Youth in Mikva’s programming experience unique civic learning opportunities. Our approaches include direct youth work, teacher support, and liaising with civic leaders and institutions. We believe strongly in the potential of youth and are committed to youth voice.

Mikva Challenge evaluations show the lasting impact of its programs :

• 82% of students reported an increase in their civic knowledge.
• 77% of students developed their sense of civic agency and increased their future commitment to civic action.
• 83% of students took on new civic leadership.
• 79% of students reported gains in their socio-emotional skills — many of which have direct academic outcomes.

About the Position

Mikva Challenge is seeking a seasoned development professional and frontline fundraiser with deep roots in the philanthropic landscape. The Senior Director of Institutional Giving will play a pivotal role in elevating the organization’s profile by cultivating strategic, high-value partnerships with foundations and companies as well as pursuing government funding opportunities. The Senior Director will serve as the expert in institutional fundraising and provide input to the Chief Advancement Officer on trends and opportunities to help inform our broader advancement strategy.

The Senior Director of Institutional Giving will oversee an institutional giving portfolio of over 70 foundation and corporate donors and prospects, in addition to managing 5–10 government grant applications annually. With a responsibility of raising approximately $4M annually, the Senior Director will create and implement strategies to grow the institutional funding stream, serve as the primary portfolio and relationship manager for most donors, and manage a team of two Institutional Giving Managers.

As a senior member of the Advancement team, this position will also contribute to broader fundraising efforts by creating strategies, resources, and processes that can be applied across the organization’s funding streams and communications efforts.

Office Location : This is a hybrid position, working in the downtown Chicago office, as well as remotely, engaging with staff and stakeholders through virtual platforms. This position is not eligible for paid relocation.

Reports to : Chief Advancement Officer

Core Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

Donor Portfolio and Relationship Management

Team and People Management

Operations and Data Management

Requirements

Education : Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience : 7–10 years of relevant experience, including at least 5+ years in development with expertise in cultivating, securing, and stewarding high-value institutional and corporate partnerships.

Competencies and Qualifications

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this IL-based position is $90,000 to $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401K, disability, and life insurance.

Equity Statement

Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity, and gender expression), sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. We strongly encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to apply.

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