About this role
About Us
Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. In Chicago, that mission reaches more than 7,000 children across over 100 program sites. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, donors, and volunteers, our chapter helps ensure children have access to consistent weekend nourishment.
The Position
Blessings in a Backpack is seeking a Managing Director to lead its Chicago Chapter through its next phase of growth and community impact. This role combines strategic fundraising, relationship development, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership. The Managing Director strengthens the chapter’s philanthropic network, advances sustainable revenue growth, and ensures the people, partnerships, and resources are in place to support the mission.
The chapter currently generates approximately $2 million in annual fundraising revenue, with a goal of reaching $3 million within three years. Reporting to the Vice President, Midwest Region, the Managing Director supervises two employees and partners with the Chicago Advisory Board, regional and national leadership, and other community stakeholders.
Areas of Leadership & Impact
Fundraising & Revenue Development
o Lead a diversified chapter fundraising strategy across individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, and events, partnering with the Regional and Central Teams on strategic planning, donor development, and execution to drive sustainable revenue growth.
o Cultivate, solicit, and steward significant gifts, including five- and six-figure opportunities, while developing a sustainable donor pipeline.
o Oversee fundraising events and evaluate revenue performance, donor retention, engagement, and long-term value.
o Coordinate fundraising priorities, donor strategy, and stewardship with regional and national development leadership.
Board Engagement & Community Partnerships
o Engage and support the Chicago Advisory Board, including recruitment, onboarding, and meaningful participation.
o Build lasting relationships with corporate, philanthropic, civic, and community leaders across Chicago.
o Represent the organization publicly and equip board and volunteer leaders to advance chapter priorities.
Chapter Strategy & Operations
o Translate organizational priorities into actionable chapter plans with measurable goals and financial accountability.
o Oversee budget planning, revenue forecasting, expense management, and responsible resource allocation in partnership with regional leadership and Finance.
o Collaborate with Programs, schools, and volunteers to support reliable delivery and long-term program sustainability.
o Identify capacity constraints, operational risks, and opportunities to strengthen cross-functional execution.
Leadership & Collaboration
o Coach and develop two direct reports through clear expectations, regular feedback, accountability, and professional development.
o Partner across Development, Programs, Finance, and People Operations and communicate progress, results, and risks to leadership.
o Support additional projects, emerging priorities, and other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position.
Measures of Success
o Sustainable, diversified revenue growth and progress toward the chapter’s three-year target.
o Engaged advisory boards, strong donor stewardship, and meaningful community partnerships.
o A supported, accountable team with clear goals and professional growth.
o Responsible financial management, strong operational effectiveness, reliable program support, and appropriate resource planning.
o Effective coordination with regional and national teams.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
o Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, revenue generation, business development, or related leadership roles.
o Demonstrated success cultivating significant philanthropic or revenue-generating relationships and executing growth strategies.
o Securing five- and six-figure gifts or managing a substantial donor or revenue portfolio.
o Experience managing, coaching, or developing employees, with sound judgment in budgeting and prioritization.
o Ability to communicate credibly with donors, executives, board members, employees, and community stakeholders.
o Commitment to preventing weekend hunger and ability to participate regularly in Chicago-area activities and events.
Preferred Experience
o Working with nonprofit advisory boards and Chicago-area philanthropic and corporate communities.
o Experience with foundation relations, fundraising events, donor systems, or nonprofit financial reporting.
o A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated hiring salary range for this position is $115,000–$135,000 annually. Compensation above the stated range is not available for this position. Individual compensation decisions consider relevant experience, role requirements, internal equity, and organizational compensation practices. Eligible employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off, holidays, and designated mental health days; paid parental leave; a 403(b) retirement savings plan; professional development; and additional benefits. Eligibility and terms are governed by applicable policies and plan documents.
We value transferable skills and varied professional pathways. Candidates whose backgrounds align with the core responsibilities are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every preferred qualification.
Work Environment
This position is based in the greater Chicago area, with remote work flexibility and regular in-person engagement with donors, advisory boards, schools, and community partners. Some evening and weekend activities, local travel, and occasional overnight travel are expected.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Hiring
Blessings in a Backpack is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to legally protected characteristics in accordance with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process; contact: h r @ blessingsinabackpack .org
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through our Careers & Internships page. We welcome candidates who bring the leadership experience, community relationships, and commitment to advancing our mission needed to strengthen the Chicago Chapter and expand its impact.