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JOB TITLE: Director, Development
DEPARTMENT: Cubs Charities
ORGANIZATION: Chicago Cubs
REPORTS TO: Executive Director & Vice President, Cubs Charities
LOCATION: Chicago, IL
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
COMPENSATION: $115,000 - $150,000 base salary USD and eligible for discretionary bonus plan
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.
The Director of Development will lead Cubs Charities’ revenue generation strategy and execution, overseeing all fundraising and marketing & communications functions to advance the organization’s mission. This role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, data-driven diversified revenue plan that engages individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and the broader Cubs community and exceeds operating budget of approximately $12M annually. The Director will collaborate with the Executive Director and development team to manage donor stewardship, board and executive engagement, and storytelling through marketing and communications. The Director serves on the senior leadership team for Cubs Charities and will help drive organizational culture and guide the overall development, strategic planning, and management of the organization.
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
Design and implement a multi-channel fundraising strategy to achieve annual revenue growth goals.
Oversee a team responsible for all Cubs Charities revenue streams, including:
Individual giving (annual, major, and planned gifts)
Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
Foundation grants
Special events and in-ballpark fundraising initiatives
Capital campaigns
Board & Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and partners through personalized engagement and stewardship plans.
Ensure timely and impactful donor recognition and reporting.
Partner with the Cubs Charities Board and executive leadership to leverage networks and relationships for fundraising opportunities.
Prepare and present development updates and strategies to leadership and board committees.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Utilize CRM (Salesforce) and analytics to monitor performance, forecast revenue, and inform strategic decisions in partnership with Cubs Charities leadership.
Implement best practices for donor segmentation, pipeline development, and campaign optimization.
Marketing & Communications
Oversee Marketing & Communications function for Cubs Charities, including storytelling and brand/messaging alignment across all internal and external communications.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including leadership roles.
Proven success in securing major gifts and corporate partnerships.
Strong understanding of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and CRM systems.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with high-level stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal skills. You can lead the development team to achieve big goals, working together with the board, Cubs executives, and other key stakeholders to build trusting and lasting relationships.
Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset. You believe strongly in the abilities of your team and that everyone should be working at their highest and best use on behalf of Cubs Charities.
Innovative and curious. You are skilled in data analysis and applying insights to fundraising strategies. You embrace change, bring big ideas to the table, and are well-versed in the use of data to drive strategic decision-making.
Demonstrated leadership and team management skills. You foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative culture. As a leader, you champion Cubs Charities’ values, promote professional growth, and inspire a high-performing, mission-driven team.
Passion for community impact and alignment with Cubs Charities’ mission. You believe in the power of sport to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for youth. You are driven to advance equity and foster a more inclusive and thriving Chicago.
On-site parking
Transit benefits
Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
Flexible work arrangement
Casual work attire environment
Complimentary Meal & beverage plan
Cubs home game & spring training game ticket allotment
Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
Health & Wellness engagement & programming
Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts
Tuition Reimbursement
Free access to EV charging stations
Free subscription to Marquee Sports Network
* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.
The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.
Response Expectations:
Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.
The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.