Communities In Schools of Chicago (CIS of Chicago) is the foremost nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to ensuring that students can overcome obstacles and successfully navigate their journey towards graduation. Founded with the mission to provide a supportive community for students, CIS of Chicago has been instrumental in connecting various community-based partners with schools since its inception in 1988.

Over the years, the organization has evolved, formalizing its Partnership Program in the mid-1990s to link community-based support programs with schools in need. Notably, CIS of Chicago introduced its Intensive Program in the 2009–10 academic year, later expanded to 30 sites. This initiative has significantly increased the organization’s reach, with over 69,500 students benefiting from its programs during the 2022–23 school year.

By surrounding underserved youth with a robust support network, CIS of Chicago has become a pivotal force in expanding opportunities and eliminating barriers to their future success, impacting over 78,000 students across 238 Chicago public schools.

The Opportunity

CIS of Chicago is seeking a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to helm its fundraising endeavors and play a pivotal role in propelling the organization’s mission forward. The CDO is tasked with spearheading the fundraising program, aiming to enhance CIS of Chicago’s impact on students, schools, and communities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and overseeing a team of nine professionals, the CDO’s responsibilities encompass strategic leadership of the development program. In particular, the CDO is charged with executing CIS of Chicago’s $55 million campaign and ensuring sustained donor support beyond its completion. The ideal candidate for this role is expected to possess a robust background in frontline fundraising, coupled with a proven track record of managing development teams. As CIS of Chicago embarks on a phase of exciting growth, the incoming CDO is envisioned as a goal-oriented and mission-driven leader capable of steering a higher-performing team towards achieving the organization’s ambitious objectives.

Through innovative strategies and steadfast commitment, the CDO will play a pivotal role in securing the necessary resources to support CIS of Chicago’s programmatic goals and uphold its position as a beacon of empowerment for Chicago’s public-school students.