Overview

CJE SeniorLife (CJE) is dedicated to helping older adults live with dignity, purpose, and connection. Guided by Jewish values and a deep commitment to compassionate care, CJE supports seniors and their families through every stage of aging. For more than 50 years, CJE has been a trusted leader in the Chicago community, providing a comprehensive continuum of services including healthcare, residential living, social engagement, counseling, and community-based support that empowers individuals to maintain independence and experience meaningful quality of life. CJE fosters a culture grounded in respect, compassion, collaboration, and innovation, creating an environment where both clients and staff are valued and inspired by the impact of their work.

CJE is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President & Chief Development Officer (VP & CDO) to lead and grow the organization’s philanthropic efforts during an important period of organizational opportunity and impact. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the VP & CDO will drive the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to strengthen and expand support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners. This leader will work collaboratively across the organization and closely with the Board of Directors, Resource Development Committee, executive leadership, and program teams to advance CJE’s mission, deepen donor engagement, and position the organization for continued growth and long-term sustainability.

‍This is a hybrid role (2 remote days per week) and is based at the Bernard Horwich JCC in Chicago. CJE Senior Life is an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to recruit and employ the most qualified personnel and provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex.

Compensation Range

$200,000-$225,000

To apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jamie Perry, Evolve Giving Group: jamieperry@evolvegg.com

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Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of CJE’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, aligning philanthropic goals with organizational priorities and long-term growth objectives
Partner closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership team, and grants department to advance strategic fundraising initiatives and deepen donor engagement
Oversee all aspects of philanthropy, including annual gala, annual giving, major gifts, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving and endowments.
Manage, lead, and mentor a high-performing Resource Development team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and donor-centered culture
Drive donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition strategies in partnership with leadership, board members, and key stakeholders
Ensure timely, high-quality development communications, including proposals, reports, and sponsorship materials
Oversee fundraising operations, including communications, database management, gift entry, and analytics through Salesforce
Engage and support the Board of Directors in fundraising, stewardship, and leadership activities
Manage the fundraising department budget and collaborate with finance to monitor fundraising performance
Represent CJE SeniorLife at community events, professional gatherings, and partner organizations

Qualifications & Skills

15+ years of progressive fundraising experience in major gifts, individual giving, and relationship-based philanthropy, including at least seven years in a senior leadership or supervisory role
Demonstrated success leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing development teams
Experience within social services, healthcare, senior services, or Jewish communal organizations preferred
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and compellingly articulate mission, impact, and funding priorities
Proven track record designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that drive philanthropic growth and donor engagement
Strong knowledge of the Chicagoland Jewish Community and its philanthropic landscape strongly preferred
Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively engage with board members, donors, staff, clients and key stakeholders
Ability to understand donor motivations related to aging, caregiving, healthcare and community impact
Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Donor CRM; Salesforce experience a plus

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Vice President & Chief Development Officer

Overview

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications & Skills

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications & Skills