Director of Development

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) provides free legal services to low-income older adults and persons with disabilities.  CDEL’s clients, individuals often marginalized by age, disability and income, may have difficulty accessing the legal system. CDEL strives to provide access to the legal system to assist our clients in asserting their legal rights and living better lives.

CDEL is seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Development to help drive the continued growth and impact of our organization as we expand access to justice for older adults and people with disabilities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven leader who is energized by building, creating and growing meaningful partnerships, creating new opportunities and driving organizational growth. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director and CDEL’s Board, the Director of Development will lead the evolution of CDEL's fundraising program. This is more than a fundraising role—it's an opportunity to design strategy, cultivate meaningful partnerships, elevate CDEL's profile throughout Chicagoland and build the resources necessary to expand access to justice for older adults and people with disabilities.

We are looking for a leader who combines creativity with execution, sees possibilities where others see obstacles and is excited by the opportunity to build something lasting. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial thinker, an exceptional relationship builder and a persuasive communicator who inspires others to invest in CDEL's mission. If you are motivated by purpose, inspired by our mission, thrive in a collaborative leadership environment and want the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, we invite you to join us.

This is a hybrid position, with the expectation of being in the office 2-3 days per week.  Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed for donor stewardship activities and special events is required.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and development of planning, creating and executing annual fundraising programs and activities. The programs and activities will include foundation, corporate, government, individual donor solicitation and cultivation, major gifts, planned giving and special events.
• Creates and implements long-range strategic development plan, including comprehensive detailed fundraising plan with calendar.
• Oversees and participates in comprehensive Major Gifts program, including managing donor and prospective donor relationships through a comprehensive stewardship program of introduction, cultivation and solicitation.
• Works with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and staff to ensure that Development Plan supports CDEL’s strategic plan and common objectives.
• Generates, with appropriate staff, donor/prospect solicitation material and correspondence.
• Supervises CDEL’s Development Associate, including overseeing and participating in in the creation of marketing/communications messages and deliverables such as newsletters, social media and website that inform the public, donors and supporters of CDEL’s activities, progress and needs.
• Meets fundraising goals set by the Fundraising Committee, the Board of Directors and the Executive Director.
• Manages CDEL’s grant calendar and works with CDEL’s grant writing consultant and appropriate staff to ensure that grant applications and reports are submitted on a timely basis.
• Plans and coordinates funder/donor site visits to compellingly communicate CDEL’s programs and services.
• Participates in key decisions as a member of the senior management team.
• Attends all CDEL fundraising and cultivation events.

Qualifications

• At least six years of prior development experience.
• A minimum of three years of experience in a frontline development position with a proven track record in soliciting and closing major gifts.
• Experience working with external stakeholders required. Demonstrated experience working with volunteer leaders a plus.
• Experience in developing compelling marketing/communications messaging and the type of materials that support the overall fundraising goals of CDEL.
• Prior experience administering government and foundation grants.
• Demonstrated commitment to CDEL’s client base, including working with older adults and people with disabilities.
• Confident and authentic presentation skills and ability to represent CDEL in a variety of settings including large group presentations and individual meetings.
• Ability to engage clearly with CDEL staff and stakeholders through excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and complete assignments in a timely manner, including responding to unexpected events.
• Work collaboratively and communicate transparently with other staff members.
• Prior supervisor experience required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $90K-$110K depending on experience.  CDEL is open to discussion with candidates based on proven track record and experience. Full-time position. CDEL offers a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), life insurance and short and long-term disability insurance. CDEL also has a generous personal time off policy. 

About the organization

The Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL) is a dynamic 501(c)(3) legal aid organization dedicated to empowering low-income older adults and persons with disabilities in Chicago and Cook County through pro bono legal assistance. Founded by the Chicago Bar Association in 1982, CDEL serves more than 3,000 clients annually, delivering access to justice and improving lives.

With a talented in-house team and a network of hundreds of volunteer attorneys, students, and paralegals, CDEL focuses on resolving legal challenges in four key practice areas: end-of-life planning, adult guardianship, housing and consumer issues. Through innovative programs and passionate advocacy, CDEL ensures that legal solutions are within reach for thousands of individuals every year, enabling them to lead their lives with dignity and security.

CDEL is an equal opportunity employer. We are a welcoming community that engages, encourages and empowers those who are members of underrepresented communities. We are a dedicated advocate for our clients who hold many diverse identities and experiences, across race, color, sex, age, religion, class, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge, source of income, housing status and gender identity. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized and underrepresented communities to apply for this position. We also encourage you to read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement available on our website.

Position is open immediately and will be closed when filled. Applications received by August 15, 2026 will be given preference.