Director of Development & Individual Giving Contractor

Position Title: Director of Development & Individual Giving

Reports To: Chief of Staff and Operations

Contract Type: Part-Time, Independent Contractor

Location: Either the DMV or Chicagoland Areas

Rate: $60-$65/hour

Estimated Hours: 20-25 hours per week

Contract Term: ASAP – TBD

Sick Cells is hiring a part-time contractor as its Director of Development & Individual Giving. Sick Cells is a national advocacy nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of the sickle cell disease (SCD) community and driving systemic change. Through storytelling, advocacy, and policy engagement, we elevate the lived experiences of those affected by SCD, influence health policy, and promote health equity.

Candidates considered must be within the DMV or Chicagoland area and be able to spend 2-4 days a month in either the Washington, D.C. or Wheaton, IL office.

The contractor will provide the following services:

• Design and lead a comprehensive individual giving strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, program support, and special campaigns.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors, providing regular communication and tailored engagement opportunities.
• Collaborate with Sick Cells team to develop compelling appeals, stewardship content, and campaign messaging.
• Lead and expand prospecting activities to identify and research prospects for new sponsors and donors.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to identify and engage individuals and supporters.
• Build and maintain stakeholder relationships, including soliciting and closing gifts.
• Plan and implement donor-focused events and campaigns, both virtual and in-person, that drive giving and increase brand visibility.
• Collaborate with team on creative engagement opportunities for donors, ambassadors, and partners.
• Monitor fundraising progress against goals and prepare regular reports and forecasts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with patients, caregivers, community leaders, and advocacy organizations to align fundraising with community needs.
• Lead social media and marketing outreach for giving campaigns and donor reach.
• Support grant proposals and reports related to program initiatives.
• Maintain donor data in database.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5-6 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, OR an Associate's Degree or certification with 6-7 years work experience, with a strong emphasis on individual giving and donor relations.
• Experience in event planning and/or industry partnership engagement.
• Demonstrated success securing gifts and managing a portfolio of donors.
• Comfort with fundraising databases/CRMs and digital fundraising tools.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Commitment to Sick Cells’ mission and values and understanding of communities impacted by SCD.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a current resume and cover letter to employment@sickcells.org, with “Director of Development & Individual Giving ” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.