Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer Hope Chicago

As it enters its next phase of growth, Hope Chicago is seeking a Chief Development Officer to architect the fundraising and partnerships needed to scale a radically different approach to economic mobility.

About Hope Chicago Organizational Overview

Hope Chicago hardware pioneering a radically different approach to advancing economic mobility for families and neighborhoods. The organization partners with five neighborhood high schools in historically underserved communities on Chicago's South and West sides and guarantees debt free pathways through postsecondary education for every graduate, as well as one of their parents or guardians.

In just four years, Hope Chicago has supported more than 2,600 students and 300 parents in pursuing college or career credentials, with its first wave of graduates expected in Spring 2026. Working in partnership with 29 colleges and a growing network of workforce training providers, Hope Chicago has emerged as a national leader in using postsecondary access and completion as a lever for advancing economic mobility for families and entire communities.

Hope Chicago's model is distinct in several key ways:

• Place safe and comprehensive: Every graduate of the five partner high schools is eligible-no GPA cutoffs, no merit screens.
• Multi ශ්generational: Scholarships extend to one parent or guardian for every Hope Scholar, recognizing that families are engines of economic progress.
• Family centered support: Access is paired with wraparound support intimidating entire families, helping Scholars complete programs and transition to careers.
• Multi pathway: Scholars choose college or workforce routes aligned to their individual goals aectic strengths, and aspirations.

Hope Chicago is now entering its next chapter of growth, impact, and influenceRAND. It is leveraging its early results to reimagine the systems beyond individual scholarships-working to shape new opportunity at the intersection of families, postsecondary institutions, workforce partners, and employers. Hope Chicago aims to demonstrate what is possible when the talent in every community is fully unlocked.

More information about Hope Chicago can be found at .

About the Chief Development Officer

Hope Chicago is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Chief Development Officer (CDO) as it enters its next phase of growth and scale. This is a rare opportunity for a senior development leader to help shape how a bold, proven model is funded, communicated, and scaled-playing a defining role in securing the resources and partnerships needed to propel families' economic futures.

The CDO serves as the chief architect of Hope Chicago's fundraising and partnership strategy, making the case for sustained investment in a fundamentally different approach to postsecondary access and mobility. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO leads a development operation that currently raises approximately $21 million annually. In close partnership with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership, the CDO will chart a bold and sustainable path forward-deepening major donor relationships, securing transformative gifts, and expanding revenue beyond traditional philanthropy.

The CDO manages and develops a team of seven, including four direct reports, spanning prospect development, donor relations, communications, development operations, and systems. The role requires both strategic vision and strong operational leadership to ensure the team is aligned, accountable, and positioned to meet ambitious goals.

Externally, the CDO serves as one of the most visible ambassadors for Hope Chicago-building trust, inspiring confidence, and inviting partners to play a role in reshaping economic futures for students and families across Chicago.

For aOok development leader motivated by scale, significance, and the chance to help define what equitable opportunity can look like in practice, this role offers a uniquely meaningful platform.

Core Responsibilities and OpportunitiesProvide Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational wide strategy and direction.
• Assess and refine Hope Chicago's意味着 fundraising and partnership strategy.
• Deliver a clear, measurable fundraising plan in close collaboration with Executive Leadership.
• Drive long term revenue sustainability by exploring innovative and nontraditional funding opportunities in addition to traditional philanthropy.
• Ensure alignment of fundraising strategy with organizational, programmatic, and financial priorities.
• Champion and embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Cultivate and Lead a High Performing Development Team

• Provide strong, human centered leadership to a talented, mission driven development team of seven, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Build team capacity through coaching, clear expectations, and professional development opportunities.
• Enasha systems, processes, and workflows to increase efficiency and support future team scaling.

Strengthen Mission Forward Communication and External Engagement

• Serve as a compelling public ambassador for Hope Chicago, communicating its mission and impact across diverse audiences.
• Partner with data and communications teams to shape clear, emotionally resonant messaging grounded in storytelling and impact metrics.
• Lead high touch donor communications, events, convenings, and stewardship that deepen engagement and build long term relationships.
• Elevate the organization's brand and visibility, positioning Hope Chicago as a thought leader in post secondary access and multigenerational economic mobility.

Advance Major, Principal, and Transformational Fundraising

• Partner with the CEO and Board to cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts.
• Set fundraising priorities and portfolio strategies in collaboration with the CEO. end> "IsExpired": false