Company Overview

The CAFE Group (TCG) is a unique organization within the philanthropic and social innovation spaces in our nation. As one of very few Black-founded and Black-led foundations and 501c3’s, we believe increasing equity in the educational philanthropic ecosystem can generate seismic societal returns. Our theory of change rests on addressing the lack of diversity within this ecosystem alongside the racial disparities in funding and resources.

Together with our Partners, The CAFE Group provides financial and programmatic support to Leaders of Color whose proximity to the challenges allows them to create meaningful and relevant solutions. By leveraging our lived experiences and the genius within our communities, we have created a glidepath from College Intern to Established Leader designed to catalyze lasting systemic change.

It is our unwavering faith in people that is at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

Position Overview

To put it simply, our ability to secure resources is at the core of our effectiveness as an organization. The Chief Development Officer role is an entrepreneurial position for a charismatic leader to leverage their background as an innovator in fundraising and the development of high performing teams to take us to the next level. We’re looking for someone who has an infectious enthusiasm for increasing equity in the educational philanthropic ecosystem and who is determined to secure the funding in order to help us develop Leaders of Color across the education landscape, provide opportunities for students to foster a sense of agency and ability in designing their plan for impact in a global world, and share knowledge and information with the broader community.  

The position is based in Chicago but there is the option to work remotely from another state with intermittent travel to Chicago.

Senior Leadership of the Organization

· All TCG Senior Leadership Team members are expected to work as part of a cohesive team, deputize for the CEO as required and, when necessary, to take lead responsibility for issues outside their immediate sphere of responsibility to achieve the goals of TCG.

· Provide professional and people leadership for the organization and help to establish a vibrant culture and build confidence in the future direction of TCG.

· Develop a deep understanding of TCG’s needs across the organization, becoming a respected advocate and trusted resource on marketing and communication.

· Perform as an autonomous, decisive organization leader, not merely raising problems but also proactively working with others to solve them.

· Work to build credibility of TCG as a thought leader externally. Help the CEO grow the brand, reputation, and impact of TCG through identified opportunities for public speaking and external leadership.

Development Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

· Create, lead, and evaluate a strategic vision and plan for Development designed to meet the financial goals and objectives of TCG.

· Set fundraising goals for TCG and successfully secure resources, in keeping with our organizational values, sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

· Effectively manage and communicate progress to goals to all internal and relevant external stakeholders.

· Generate new ideas that increase revenue and donor loyalty.

· Make public appearances and/or speaking engagements to share information about TCG with the broader community.

· Make direct, face-to-face solicitations.

· Prepare development reports including plans, accomplishments, and challenges for the SLT and Board of Directors.

· Collaborate with TCG Finance team in the development of an annual budget and monthly financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.

· Support board engagement and preparation for board meetings and events.

· Manage committees, as needed, to support fundraising and donor facing events.

Donor Research, Stewardship and Cultivation

· Cultivate and sustain relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including current and potential donors, foundations and government sources, businesses and corporations, and community partners.

· Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with TCG. · Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.

· Direct key individual giving campaigns, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.

· Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.

· Responsible for grant seeking, prospect and other research and proposal writing.

· In coordination with TCG Communications, oversee/manage all print and electronic donor and fundraising related communications, including social media, mail appeals, email campaigns, annual reports, brochures, event invitations, fundraising appeals, and updating website content for all fundraising/special events.

· Coordinate fundraising special events with TCG Communications.

· In coordination with TCG Communications, lead and engage SLT in developing effective messages for new and broader donor audiences.

· Responsible for management and integrity of all data related to donors and fund development including all technical aspects of a comprehensive donor management system.

· Establish, implement, and manage an annual calendar of fundraising and fundraising-related communications activities, in coordination with TCG Communications.

Collaboration and Partnership

· Prepare development reports including plans, accomplishments and challenges for the senior leadership team and Board of Directors.

· Manage committees, as needed, to support fundraising and donor facing events.

· Develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization.

· Collaborate with Finance team in the development of annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization in the areas of fundraising and communications.

· Support board engagement and preparation for board meetings and events.

The CAFE Group offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, matched 401k retirement savings plan, 15 paid time off days per year, a hybrid work environment, and 9 company holidays per year.

The CAFE Group is a safe space for all, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, country of origin, religion, or ability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. The CAFE Group is a 501(c)3 and an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to have a diverse team representative of the community of leaders it serves.