Wiz Kids Foundation

Development Director – Champion Fundraising, Partnerships & Innovation

CHICAGO, ILPosted 24 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Wiz Kids Foundation

  • Job overview

    The Development Director at Wiz Kids Foundation leads fundraising efforts to secure sustainable funding for youth development programs, driving revenue growth through diverse channels.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves building and executing fundraising strategies, securing corporate sponsorships, managing public grants, innovating events and campaigns, growing individual donor bases, and collaborating with leadership and program teams to align fundraising with organizational goals.

  • Experience and skills

    Requires 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience and preferably a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, with skills in relationship cultivation, strategic planning, and fundraising innovation.

  • Company information

    Wiz Kids Foundation is a youth development nonprofit focused on empowering the next generation of changemakers through impactful programs.

  • Job location and travel

    Located in the Chicago, IL metro area, this is a full-time senior leadership position.

  • Unique job features

    This role offers the opportunity to build a development function from the ground up, blending traditional and innovative fundraising models for lasting impact.

Company overview

Wiz Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth through educational initiatives, mentorship programs, and community engagement, primarily targeting underserved communities. The foundation generates funding through donations, grants, and partnerships with educational institutions and corporate sponsors, enabling it to provide scholarships, after-school programs, and leadership development opportunities. Founded with the mission to bridge educational gaps and foster personal growth, Wiz Kids Foundation has built a reputation for impactful outreach and measurable results in youth development. Candidates should be aware of its collaborative culture, emphasis on innovation in education, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Understanding the foundation’s history of grassroots involvement and its ongoing partnerships with local schools and community leaders will be valuable when applying.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to highlight your strategic leadership in fundraising, emphasizing experience in building or expanding development functions from the ground up, as this role demands a builder's mindset and entrepreneurial approach.

  • Focus on showcasing your expertise in securing corporate sponsorships, managing public grants, and cultivating individual donors, aligning your accomplishments with the diverse revenue streams mentioned in the job description.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including Wiz Kids Foundation's official corporate site and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure your candidacy is considered through all available channels.

  • Connect with current employees or leaders within the Development or Fundraising divisions at Wiz Kids Foundation on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent fundraising campaigns or expressing admiration for their innovative approaches to youth development funding.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS systems by incorporating key phrases from the job description such as 'fundraising strategy,' 'corporate sponsorship,' 'grant cultivation,' 'donor stewardship,' and 'nonprofit development leadership' to enhance keyword matching and screening success.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple job boards and identify LinkedIn connections for networking, freeing up your time to prepare for interviews and deepen your understanding of Wiz Kids Foundation.

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