Description

Mercy Circle, a faith-based continuing care retirement community sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, provides exceptional retirement apartments, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing to adults 62 and older. Located on Chicago’s South Side, we are dedicated to serving residents with compassion, dignity, and excellence.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and build lasting philanthropic partnerships. This full-time, benefit-eligible role reports to the Executive Director and plays a vital part in advancing Mercy Circle’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gifts.
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual appeals, major gifts, planned giving, grants, sponsorships, and special events.
• Oversee donor events that strengthen relationships and expand giving, with emphasis on annual fund growth and major donor engagement.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, ensuring consistent follow-up and stewardship.
• Prepare compelling donor communications, proposals, gift agreements, and campaign materials.
• Maintain accurate donor records, acknowledgements, and reports through the donor database.
• Provide regular fundraising updates and progress reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Why Mercy Circle?

Mercy Circle values and supports its employees with a generous benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Life insurance
403(b) retirement savings plan
Paid vacation and sick time
Tuition reimbursement
Mercy Circle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.

If you are inspired to make a meaningful impact and grow a culture of generosity, we invite you to apply. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 4 years of successful fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to secure major gifts.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a donor-centered mindset.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with donor databases and WordPress a plus.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of development practices including processing gifts of cash, securities, planned giving instruments, etc.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.