Senior Director of Engagement and Philanthropy | Ignite

Ignite stands with youth on their journey to a home and a future with promise. We are a leading non-profit, human services organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness for youth, ages 10-26. While Ignite has a long-standing history that dates back to 1976, we continue to create new ways to serve our community. Today, we have more than 63 full-time and part-time staff as well as over 100 volunteers who contribute to our mission - operating with a $6M+ annual budget, poised for growth. We are looking for a forward-thinking, values-driven leader dedicated to growing our mission by advancing philanthropic and external relations objectives.

Through housing, education, employment, career planning, financial empowerment, mental health support, and community connection, we enroll more than 800 youth per year, on the path to reaching their full potential. As a 2025 Chicago Innovation Award winner, Ignite is leading the way in creating new housing and service models that help youth put homelessness behind them for good. At Ignite, we envision a world where all young people have the support they need to be defined by their potential, not their circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

Individual Donor and Corporate Engagement

• Champion meaningful relationships with stakeholders and lead team members in their stewardship efforts.
• Attend networking events, utilize memberships, and cultivate opportunities to speak on behalf of Ignite and its mission.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with corporate partners and individual donors, ensuring they are engaged and recognized for their support.
• Drive lead generation for new corporate and institutional partners. Partner with Board of Directors to grow pipeline and cultivate corporate and individual prospects.
• Partner with Office of CEO for Ignite’s 50 Anniversary.
• Lead sponsorship strategy and acquisition for the year.
• Lead team responsible for volunteer activities that cultivate donor and corporate engagement.
• Oversee team responsible for fundraising events, including the Ignite & Shine Gala.

Donor Communications & Stewardship

• Ensure effective and timely recognition of constituent engagement (individuals and corporate partners), including through thank-you letters, donor events, and public acknowledgment.
• Lead the development of compelling donor communications, including newsletters, impact reports, annual reports, digital media, and tailored collateral.
• Partner with Office of the CEO to create annual communications and print calendar. Drive execution of cultivation and stewardship calendar.

Data Management & Reporting

• Steward transition to Salesforce database.
• Analyze and interpret fundraising data, provide regular reports to inform strategic decisions and track fundraising progress indicators.
• Oversee the tracking, analysis, and reporting of all fundraising activities, ensuring accurate donor records and engagement metrics are maintained in the donor database.
• In partnership with team, regularly report on progress toward fundraising goals, key metrics, and overall development strategy effectiveness.

Team Leadership & Development

• Oversee a growing team of fundraising, event, and communications professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture focused on relationship-building and donor-centric strategies.

Qualifications

Ignite offers a competitive benefits package that includes a matched 403b program, employer sponsored health insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, individual training and development, leadership training, agency-wide activities and events, and other investments in staff and culture values. 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to stephaniep@ignitepromise.org