Senior Director of Development

OVERVIEW OF CURE

CURE Epilepsy is a parent-founded nonprofit that is laser-focused on research to find a cure for epilepsy. Epilepsy is a complex, often debilitating neurological disorder that will affect 1 in 26 Americans in their lifetime. One-third of people with epilepsy are uncontrolled on medication, and even those for whom medications work often face horrible side effects. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $100 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures. Our work has already led to incredible advancements for the community. Research is our greatest hope of finding a cure and each discovery brings us closer to achieving freedom from seizures and medication side effects for people living with epilepsy. Join us as we lead the search for a cure.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director of Development reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, and advancing CURE Epilepsy's mission through visionary fundraising leadership. This leader will oversee and strengthen CURE Epilepsy's comprehensive development program, driving sustainable revenue growth while building a high-performing, donor-centered culture that supports continued investment in groundbreaking epilepsy research.

Working in close partnership with the Leadership Team, the Senior Director will provide strategic leadership for CURE Epilepsy's integrated fundraising program, ensuring that major gifts, annual giving, institutional philanthropy, planned giving, events, and donor engagement work together to achieve ambitious revenue goals. Success in this role will be measured not only by revenue growth, but by strengthening the people, systems, partnerships, and culture that sustain long-term philanthropic success.

The Senior Director will build, coach, and inspire a talented development team responsible for generating $6M+ annually and growing in philanthropic support while positioning the organization for continued growth and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. As an enterprise leader, this individual will champion data-informed decision-making, strengthen fundraising operations and performance, and cultivate a culture of shared fundraising ownership across staff and the Board of Directors.

This role sits at the intersection of scientific innovation and philanthropy, ensuring that promising research is translated into compelling opportunities for donors to accelerate breakthroughs that improve the lives of people living with epilepsy. Because CURE Epilepsy funds cutting-edge scientific research, this leader must be equally comfortable engaging donors and collaborating with scientific colleagues. The successful candidate will translate complex research concepts into compelling, donor-focused stories that inspire philanthropic investment and clearly communicate how research is accelerating the path toward cures for epilepsy.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented fundraising executive who combines strong business acumen with emotional intelligence. They are an exceptional relationship builder, inspiring people manager, and persuasive communicator who connects scientific discovery with donor passion. Energized by building organizations as much as building donor relationships, they thrive on creating strategy, developing talent, strengthening systems, and translating world-class science into philanthropy that accelerates cures for epilepsy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Enterprise Leadership

• Lead and strengthen an integrated development organization that aligns fundraising strategy and operations with communications and scientific priorities.
• Serve as a strategic member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, decision-making, and long-term growth.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and shared fundraising ownership across staff, leadership, and the Board.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising engagement, identify new philanthropic opportunities, and support board development activities.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making throughout the development function.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a multi-year fundraising strategy that grows and diversifies philanthropic revenue across all giving channels.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, performance metrics, and key performance indicators to drive sustainable growth.

• Identify emerging philanthropic opportunities and adapt fundraising strategies to capitalize on changing donor trends and organizational priorities.

Revenue Growth & Philanthropic Partnerships

• Develop integrated donor strategies that coordinate the efforts of the CEO, Principal & Strategic Gifts Officer, Board members, and development staff to maximize philanthropic outcomes.
• Personally manage a select portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, focusing on strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key relationships.
• Expand and strengthen annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and other revenue-generating initiatives to create a balanced and diversified fundraising program.
• Build systems and strategies that increase donor acquisition, retention, engagement, and lifetime value across the organization's fundraising portfolio.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to develop and monitor fundraising forecasts, pipeline metrics, and performance dashboards to ensure accurate revenue projections and informed strategic decision-making.

• Provide regular fundraising performance reports and strategic recommendations to the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing development team by establishing a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Establish clear performance expectations and support staff in achieving ambitious fundraising goals.

• Model best practices in donor engagement, fundraising ethics, and relationship management.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Scientific Storytelling

• Partner with the Chief Scientific Officer and scientific staff to translate complex research into compelling philanthropic investment opportunities.
• Foster productive partnerships across departments to ensure fundraising strategies are integrated with organizational priorities.
• Serve as an ambassador for CURE Epilepsy, representing the organization with donors, corporate partners, foundations, volunteers, and the broader epilepsy community.
• Identify opportunities to increase CURE Epilepsy's visibility and strengthen its reputation as a leader in epilepsy research.

Operations, Events & Performance Management

• Ensure systems, processes, analytics, stewardship, and reporting effectively support fundraising growth.
• Oversee the strategy, financial performance, and execution of CURE Epilepsy's signature fundraising events.
• Promote continuous improvement by leveraging fundraising analytics and industry best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will be a strategic, collaborative fundraising leader with a demonstrated ability to grow philanthropic revenue, develop high-performing teams, implement operational systems that support stewardship, and translate organizational priorities into successful fundraising strategies.

Fundraising Leadership

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience
• Proven success growing philanthropic revenue
• Ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies
• Experience leading comprehensive fundraising programs
• Expertise across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and events
• Track record cultivating high-capacity donors and philanthropic partners

Leadership & Team Development

• 7+ years of people management experience preferred
• Experience building and developing high-performing teams
• Collaborative leadership style with strong coaching skills
• Experience partnering with boards, volunteers, and executive leaders

Strategic & Operational Excellence

• Data-driven approach to fundraising strategy and decision-making
• Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics
• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or similar CRM platforms

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

Communication & Mission Engagement

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Compelling storyteller with donor-focused communication skills
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences
• Passion for advancing CURE Epilepsy’s mission and research priorities

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree and/or CFRE preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, medical research, or voluntary health organizations
• Familiarity with Chicago philanthropic community

• CFRE certification and/or advanced degree

LOCATION

This position is based in downtown Chicago, IL. The position is hybrid (in-person office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

SCHEDULE

Some evenings and weekends are required. Up to 30% travel.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $150,000-$175,000 commensurate with relevant experience. CURE Epilepsy has an attractive and competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a match, and vacation, sick, and personal days. Full benefit details will be shared with candidates.

CURE Epilepsy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CURE Epilepsy is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CURE Epilepsy does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.