Job Description
Development Manager
Bounce Children’s Foundation
Full-time. On-site (Wheeling, IL)
Reports to CEO
$52,000 - $56,000 (Commensurate with experience)
Company Description
Bounce Children’s Foundation® is dedicated to empowering chronically ill children and their families, helping them transition from merely surviving to thriving. Addressing the needs of nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children battling illness or disability, Bounce offers free programs that foster resilience, provide essential coping tools, and create a community of support. Through family-centered adventures, educational resources, housebound care packages, and peer support networks, Bounce brings hope, friendship, and positivity to those it serves. From the moment of diagnosis and beyond, Bounce is a constant source of encouragement and healing.
The Opportunity
Are you a high-energy, detail-oriented professional looking to maximize the deep human impact of your fundraising efforts? Bounce Children’s Foundation is seeking a Development Manager who doesn’t just want a job in non-profit fundraising, but wants to help build the blueprint for a national movement.
At Bounce, we transform the lives of children and families battling the social emotional challenges of pediatric chronic illness, shifting them from simply surviving to truly thriving. As our Development Manager, you are the engine that will help accelerate growth.
This is a role where you will be supported and mentored. You will work in direct partnership with our CEO—a Kellogg-trained leader with 15 years of tech industry experience who brings corporate-level acumen to the non-profit sector. This is a unique opportunity for direct mentorship, where you will continue to learn the art of strategic fundraising and learn the science of organizational scaling.
Bounce is a 10-year-old, award-winning organization that has moved past the growing pains of a startup. We have the strategic plan, the project plans, the documentation, and the infrastructure in place. We are now looking for a disciplined executor to take the reins of these systems and help advance our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Special Event Logistics & Volunteer Support
- Serve as the logistical backbone for two major fundraisers (February & June).
- Support host committees with training, toolkits, and material to assist with fundraising outreach.
- Manage sponsorship recognition in coordination with Development/Marketing intern.
- Coordinating auction item procurement.
- Point person for event day logistics and activities.
- In coordination with Operations staff, lead the volunteer "Thank You" campaign during National Volunteer Month (April).
Annual Fund & Campaign Management
- Manage the execution of digital annual fund appeals (4x per year: June, September, Giving Tuesday, year end)
- Participate in interviews with Bounce Families and collect impact statements to inspire solicitation materials.
- Draft compelling appeals and, in coordination with Development/Marketing intern, design campaign content.
- Execute the technical delivery of email appeals and campaign content.
- Analyze results and suggest improvements
Major Gifts Support & Grant Writing
- Maintain a master calendar of all foundation and corporate grant deadlines.
- Conduct basic prospect research on donors as part of briefing memos for the CEO.
- Write Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) and grant applications.
- Compile required supporting documents (audits, board lists, program metrics) for grants and grant reports.
- Draft quarterly impact reports and event specific impact reports for major donors and event sponsors.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- 1–3 years in a non-profit development or development support role
- Strong experience with Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite
- Familiarity with CRM databases
- Clear, professional writing skills capable of drafting persuasive solicitations and foundational grant proposals.
- Ability to manage multiple logistical timelines simultaneously with high attention to detail.
- A proactive, "can-do" attitude with the ability to organize work collaboratively and work independently to meet strict deadlines.
- Growth mindset with a focus on stewardship & donor retention
Benefits
- 10 annual paid holidays
- Up to two weeks of Paid Time Off
- Medical (100% paid by employer)
- Vision, Dental (100% paid by employer)
- 401(k) 50% employer match up to 6%
How to Apply
We know that some candidates may be hesitant to apply if they don’t check every box. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for the position.
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample (1 page) to info@bouncechildrensfoundation.org