Job Description

Vice President of Civic Development & Engagement

World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, support businesses, and promote Chicagoland as the leading global city to help existing companies expand and attract new companies.

World Business Chicago (WBC) seeks a full-time Vice President (VP) of Civic Development and Engagement that will report to the President and CEO. The VP of Civic Development and Engagement will work with Chicagoland’s business community, the WBC Board of Directors, its extended business network, and not-for-profit organizations and foundations to maximize their engagement with the organization’s mission, ideally leading to financial commitments to World Business Chicago.

The successful candidate will help forge and maintain relationships to build WBC’s visibility, impact, and financial resources. This can include:

• Building relationships: Creating strong relationships with constituents to inspire philanthropic giving.
• Developing internal processes: Improving internal processes and procedures regarding development and engagement.
• Diversifying funding sources: Discovery of multiple funding sources, such as grants and sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Design and implement a comprehensive development plan and strategy for developing and maintaining external alliances by cultivating individual, business, and philanthropic support.
• Cultivate relationships with corporate executives, philanthropic leaders, and government agencies to secure multi-year funding commitments.
• Identify new revenue opportunities to sustain and expand WBC's programs.
• Track research funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position WBC ahead of major funding changes or trends

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international partners, including businesses, non-profits, academic institutions, and community organizations.
• Represent WBC at high-profile events, conferences, and forums to advocate for Chicago’s economic and business interests.
• Lead on board engagement and board meetings: 1) optimizing board membership (keeping a full roster of current board members and targeted recruits); 2) maintaining and managing a full suite of board communication materials 3) researching new board prospects 4) the lead on board meetings by securing dates and locations, agendas, and other material as needed 5) maintain all board meeting minutes and comply with organization’s by-laws
• Partner with WBC leadership to align development and engagement strategies with organizational priorities.
• Identify and effectively match a donor’s passion and interests with a specific need within the organization
• Develop and maintain key long-term relationships with donors and prospects; meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them
• Work with communications team on execution of engaging stakeholders

Program Oversight and Development

• Raise funds through board contributions, corporate sponsorships, grants, individual donations, membership programs, and fundraising events.
• Track and report progress on development goals, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
• Responsible for development and execution of all grant proposals for WBC and its initiatives; write and archive all proposals with a long-term relationship-management approach and be responsible for grant reporting requirements
• Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to President and CEO
• Communicate ROI for financial support of the organization and its initiatives
• Coordinate fundraising special events, in particular WBC’s annual gala fundraising event

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of professional experience in development and engagement: proven track record of success in fundraising, business development, or corporate engagement, preferably in the public or non-profit sector.
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in business, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with a CRM system (familiarity with Salesforce a plus)
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong understanding of economic development principles and urban planning initiatives.

Key Competencies:

• Communication: exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Collaboration: proven ability to work effectively with cross-sector stakeholders.
• Innovation: creativity in developing solutions and approaches to complex challenges.
• Analytical Skills: ability to assess data and trends to inform strategies and measure outcomes.
• Relationship Building: skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with peers, across different levels of the organization and externally
• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives

Salary and Benefits :

World Business Chicago offers a competitive compensation package, including an annual salary of $95,000 - $130,000 and benefits (medical, dental, disability, vision, life, paid PTO and 401 K).

World Business Chicago is an equal opportunity employer

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