CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER

NORTHERN ILLINOIS FOOD BANK

West Suburban Center, Geneva, Illinois | Eligible for Hybrid Remote Work Model

SALARY: $150,000 to $188,000

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Northern Illinois Food Bank’s mission is to provide nutritious food and resources for our neighbors, with dignity, equity and convenience through partnerships and innovation with a vision of everyone in Northern Illinois having the food they need to thrive. Since 1983, with the support of our community, we have worked diligently to improve nutritious food access and increase food security for neighbors across 13 counties. Through the collaboration of over 900 network members, dedicated staff, volunteers, and food and fund donors, we serve over half a million neighbors every month and distribute over 80 million meals annually.

Our headquarters is located at our West Suburban Center in Geneva, and we maintain satellite centers in Joliet (South Suburban Center), Lake Forest (Northwest Center) and Rockford (Neighborhood Market). All of our locations serve as food storage and processing centers for Food Bank programs and distribution hubs for food delivery and pickup by member pantries to serve their communities. Individuals, corporate and community groups are welcomed at each of our centers throughout the week to engage in our mission through various volunteer opportunities.

Our Member Agencies, which include food pantries, soup kitchens and group homes account for over 80% of the food we distribute. Membership in the Food Bank network provides our agencies with multiple access points to food to serve our neighbors, including Agency Express, our online ordering system and Food Bank truck deliveries. Agencies also have the option of shopping our Agency Docks at any of our centers to pick up more food in between deliveries. Additionally, our Direct Connect partnerships match agencies with local retail stores to pick up donations of meat, fresh produce, dairy, deli, and bakery items in their local community on assigned days. We also offer our member agencies multiple opportunities for building capacity and sustainability throughout the year, including trainings, networking, and grants to acquire food and equipment to better serve their neighbors.

CONTEXT FOR RECRUITMENT & ROLE SUMMARY

Northern Illinois Food Bank achieved tremendous growth in its programs and philanthropic support thereof during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 75% increase in neighbors served from pre to post pandemic. As the Food Bank prepares to embark on the final year of Strategic Plan UNITE (2021-2025), the fact remains that the Northern Illinois community needs the organization more than ever. Last year, the Food Bank achieved the UNITE goal of reaching 90% of neighbors experiencing food insecurity. UNITE strategies have increased access and awareness, provided more dignity and choice, and ensured equitable food distribution across communities.

Amid this overall ascendent organizational profile, Northern Illinois Food Bank seeks candidates for the position of Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO). The CPO is responsible for developing and implementing the fundraising strategies for Northern Illinois Food Bank in support of its current and long-term strategic objectives; achieving annual fundraising goals; effectively managing and developing the team engaged in all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual fund, foundation and corporate fundraising, planned giving, special events, and grant writing. In addition, this leader develops and executes strategies for the Volunteer and Marketing Communications teams to meet operational, awareness, and revenue goals. The CPO reports to the President & CEO and is a member of the Food Bank’s executive leadership team. This position supervises approximately 30 total staff.

Propelled by impactful and remarkably stable leadership, the Food Bank has indeed grown leaps and bounds from its historical roots, although the organization has been challenged to sustain pandemic levels of philanthropic support. The CPO will leverage a powerful, recent organizational branding refresh and lead the development of compelling new strategies and messaging to again grow fundraising revenue.

While Northern Illinois Food Bank will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience:

1. Strong connection to and passion for the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s mission and vision.
2. Ten or more years of experience in a fundraising and donor solicitation role with a demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising targets.
3. Five or more years in a management capacity with proven effectiveness in managing and developing staff.
4. Experience in all areas of philanthropy including grant writing, major gifts, planned giving, direct mail, cause marketing, and foundation and corporate fundraising. Experience leading a capital campaign and strategic planning preferred.
5. Experience in marketing and communications, including brand management, advertising, social media, organizational communication, and media relations. Proven effectiveness in leading the public relations/communications function and media relations experience.
6. Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of how to build diversity and inclusion in the development function; culturally competent with respect to issues such as racial, cultural, religious, sexual, and gender identity.
7. Exposure to volunteer management, including recruitment, engagement, and stewardship.
8. Excellent communication and presentation skills, including in front of large groups and on camera.
9. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite as well as experience with a donor database.
10. CFRE Certification preferred.

Download the full position description via the following link:

https://dsgco.com/search/21641-nifb

Equal employment has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at Northern Illinois Food Bank, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, class origin, nationality, age, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected class.

Northern Illinois Food Bank has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of the Diversified Search Group to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link or directed to the leader of the search team:

https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/21641

Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.

Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder, DSG Fundraising & Advancement

Diversified Search Group

The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174

gerard.cattie@divsearch.com | 212.542.2587